Have you thought about changing the look and feel of your home? Do you want a dramatic, custom change that makes a huge impact? Well, if you answered yes, a new custom stair runner may be exactly what you want.

Beautiful and bold-- custom look

very welcoming

Contrast--great look

Stair runners are an amazing addition to any home. Few things can be done to your home that offers as much of a “wow” factor. In addition to the fabulous aesthetic addition, stair runners offer increased safety and noise reduction. Children and pets can benefit from the soft traction.

Our most popular style for stairs

So amazing!!!

Great and universal look

Using a patterned carpet is such a great way to introduce some texture and depth in the home. A pattern will be an added dimension and prove inviting for guests entering the home.

the new traditional

pattern pattern pattern

Typically, runners will be centered on the stairs and still allow 3” to 4” of wood showing on each side of the carpet. This still showcases the hardwood flooring.

Carpet is stretched on the stair similarly to how carpet is installed wall to wall. This involves using tack strip with very small nails. This does not do damage to the steps and is easily reversed. You don’t want someone who does not know how to install stair runners doing your installation. This is a special skill. That said, over time the wood will appear different under the runner because it has not been exposed to sunlight.

Stair rods are a beautiful way to add even more of a custom look to the stairs. These are totally decorative though and completely optional.

Finishing the edge of the carpet can be done by binding a fabric border to the carpet or surging the edge. This is another way to really add a custom unique look.

When you begin to think of all the things to bring new life to your kitchen, a new kitchen backsplash should be at the top of your list. It is an easy way to add a splash of color, decorative touch, and can even change things up completely. Simple or ornate, it has the ability to truly make a statement.

By just adding a backsplash, you are finishing the look of your kitchen. A basic white subway tile comes across as simple, but creates a completely classic look.

But even taking white in another direction, the texture of limestone and a herringbone pattern add old world elegance.

A colorful tile adds just the right amount of punch to simple cabinet and countertop selections.

Since grey is the new black and penny is the new basic tile, your kitchen becomes up to date instantly.

Creating a focal point is a great way to introduce patterns and borders. Typically over the stove or sink is an easy way to do something a little special.

Hand painted tiles create a piece of artwork.

Using a patterned tile all over is a way to introduce subtle color and texture without going overboard.

Sometimes the shimmer of having a glass tile backsplash is all you need. It is a reflective surface worthy of standing on its own and the variety of options is limitless.

Enhancing the architecture of your kitchen can be simple and classic with the addition of marble tiles.

As you can see, it doesn’t have to be difficult to add some color and character to your kitchen, just cover it in tile!

Mosaics can easily be a large or small addition to any project in your home.  They fit appropriately as an entire floor or as an accent used to create the look of a rug.

Often they are like the staple item in your closet, like your favorite pair of jeans and will go with anything. Basic doesn’t mean boring. Basketweave, herringbone, and hexagon can make quite a statement.

Or it can be a finely tailored suit. Fitting perfectly in any room, classic and precise.

Sometimes it is the perfect little black dress. Effortless yet elegant.

Mosaics can be used to make a statement. It’s just a matter of what you want to say.

Or be the perfect accessory. A finishing touch.

Regardless of how or where you use a mosaic, it will have an impact.

Mosaics are the perfect fit, anywhere. Formal, casual, masculine, feminine, bold, or simple. As an entry rug, kitchen backsplash, or accent wall. There is a broad range of materials to make the perfect mosaic, marble, glass, ceramic, and metals. You can find a place for them in your project.

If you are struggling to find that perfect color for a particular room, you don’t necessarily have to reach for the beiges, taupes and off-whites. These can be great starting-points, but they tend to be a little boring, especially if your home relies too much on their unassuming neutrality.

Gray is a warm traditional color that adds depth and drama

Instead, why don’t you go grey?

I love this neutral for an area rug or added texture

Great Pattern highlighting Gray

Grey is a wonderful neutral color that can be combined with almost any color to fabulous effect. Take a look at the image above: the purple pops, because of the dark but not overpowering grey.

Color pops on grey

Grey also looks fantastic with yellows, greens, blues, reds, oranges, pinks… you get the idea.

As a base, grey is much more powerful than traditional neutrals. It has the intensity of black without the severity. And with grey, you can explore the whole spectrum: light grey with a pastel pink, or dark grey with a glossy canary yellow.

Grey is a monochrome, and you can try experimenting with the options it provides. Different rooms can feature different shades of grey and a complimentary color.

sink your toes in this

Smooth

Great texture

Remember, Grey is the neutral that we are seeing everywhere with our great designers. Will you use grey in your home?

Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring are innovative, great looking and affordable floor covering. Luxury Vinyl plank flooring is usually 40%-80% less expensive then it’s hardwood and tile cousins. The best thing about that is you will not have to sacrifice a great looking floor for savings.

Look like a tile floor

LVT is a great option for families with kids and pets because it will wear extremely well and clean easy and will look beautiful for many years with little or no maintenance.

Design away, great up to date looks!

LVT flooring products are made to withstand high amounts of foot traffic. Uses range from commercial applications to residential.

Great look for retail or office space

SO real looking!!

People love the realistic and beautiful look that luxury vinyl tile provides. Available in styles mimicking hardwood and natural stone, this product look s great and even has grain and texture.

You would not believe this is vinyl flooring

Kitchens, basements and baths are great places to consider the installation of LVT

Luxury vinyl tile provides a similar look to stone and hardwood at substantially reduced costs.

Very easy to clean too!!

When thinking about a new floor that will provide you a durable beautiful design inspired fashion please consider luxury vinyl tile. You will enjoy its price, look and beauty for years to come.

I love what a stair runner can add to a home. Few things offer more “bang for the buck” then a custom stair runner flowing elegantly down steps. Stair runners can vary widely in style, color and look, but if given some thought any style and color will add a custom finished addition that will give your home a one of a kind feel. Some of our most popular styles are sisal and natural fiber looks.

Striations really look great with the vertical lines of a staircase

I am seeing a lot of color and pattern used on stair runners currently. Installation is really critical so that the runner has a custom finish. What you don’t want is to see some installer  shooting the runner onto the steps with staples. This will not last and will look good for very long.

Take a look at the “before and afters” below. This was installed for a client about a month ago and they have loved it. As a matter of fact, 3 of their friends have ordered a runner similar for their own homes.

Nice stairs, but nothing memorable

ho hum

almost cold, but nice

See the difference?

Skins may not be your thing, but this looks so custom and great

Safe and warms it up

The homeowners love it and so do their friends

Another important attribute that a runner offers is increased safety. Whether for pets, kids or elderly there is no question that the stairs are more safe.

Would you like a stair runner in your home? Did you like the Animal Print runner? Let me know.

New carpet for your home can vary in cost. There are many factors to consider, but I am going to try and give you a quick overview in potential costs for good quality carpet and installation. Of course there are many variables, so don’t hold me or your project manager to this exactly.

Ok, the first consideration is the carpet, and carpet will be the most expensive component with this purchase. Let’s assume that you are a typical family looking to upgrade your carpet from a “builder beige” plush style carpet to something with more style, better performance and a good warranty. Maybe a nice cut and loop pattern with a geometric design? It will look great!!

Mirage- and exclusive Textures carpet-- Looks AWESOME down!!

 So a material like this will run you about $17.00 per square yard (divide by 9 for square foot price)

Next, you will need new carpet cushion. Cushion is critical to the way your carpet will wear and perform. The cushion I will recommend for this install is an 8lb 7/16″ rebond. this is a very nice cushion, but not the best. It will more than do its job though.

So to recap, you have several components and costs associated with buying new carpet.

Total- $31.75 per square yard– Not a bad price, but what does this mean for you? If you have a typical home with lets say 3 bedrooms and a family room that you want to carpet, you probably have around 100 yards (900 square feet). If that is the case then you can expect to pay about $3200.00 for a complete new look and style.

Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them or help you find the perfect carpet for your home.

Love this, talk about warm and inviting.

I am asked often about wide plank hardwood flooring. This is a beautiful option to consider when considering new hardwood flooring. Standard traditional hardwood flooring is 2 1/4″ wide. This is a great look and works well with any decor. Plank hardwood flooring is 3″ and wider, often times 7″-10″ wide. This provides a very dramatic look! Depending on the finishing technique used (sheen, color, etc), the style of the floor can range from extreme rustic all the way to sleek contemporary.

Character much?

A bit more modern, classy

this floor is so beautiful!!!

A place in timeVaried plank widths are great looking too!!I see a lot of floors like this in boutiques and restaurants

 I hope you enjoyed some of these pictures. Please let me know if you have any questions about these floors.

Recently I read a great article about carpet making a comeback, and it was surprising to hear why. Although hardwood flooring is continuing to grow in popularity, families still crave comfort and custom style. According to Emily Morrow, director of color and design for Shaw floors, “people have experienced those hard surfaces and they want to surround themselves with comfort”. People are using carpet to make a statement and color and pattern are in. There are thousands of color and pattern choices and people want their taste reflected, they want it to say this is “me”!!

TV has played a huge role in the reemergence of carpet. On hit design and reality shows, bold patterns and bright colors are in constant use. People want that in their own home too. They want to experiment and design a space that feels like a custom, beautiful home.

Below, you will see some beautiful patterns that are very popular with our customers. Let me know what you think.

Love this, sophisticated.

Texture and fluff.

Striations are great.

Animal patterns are sooo popular, especially on stairs.

do you see the airplane

Timeless and very custom appearing, but not hard on the wallet

Love this look

Gotta love the shag

AWESOME

Stair runners can be such an amazing design feature in a home. Of all of the projects we work on few add as much impact for as little money as stairs. Not only are runners a beautiful addition to the home they can greatly increase safety and deaden noise. Typically runners take less than one day to install and when using the correct materials, they should last and look good for 7-10 years. Wool is the best option for high traffic steps. Stair runners will not break the bank either. A typical designer inspired runner will cost about $1500.00 turn key!! Check out the pictures below and let me know what you think.

After install of this runner, the house sold!! The owner credits the runner for the sale

Simply Beautiful!!

I love this- Can you say creative?

I love for the runner to appear as it is flowing down the stairs

Borders work great on wider steps

Very designer Inspired.

Sisal trimmed in Leather

Sisal look awesome flowing down stairs

Custom Landing

I want this room

I hope this gives you a good idea for what to do with your stairs, and please let me know if you need help because this is one of my favorite things to do in flooring.