Tips On How To Choose A Good Rug For Your Home

The right area rug will pull your space together and enhance your interior decoration. With the wide range of materials, patterns, colours, and sizes available, finding the ideal rug can be a complicated and intimidating process. Below is a guide to help you find the ideal area rug for any room in your home.

Choose The Right Size

A great rule of thumb when deciding on the size of your area rug is to work with the room’s obstructions. This can include walkways, vents, and where the doors hinge to open and close. Most experts will size the rug to ensure that it reaches underneath all four feet of every furniture piece or if you’re looking for a living room rug, one that runs under the front feet of the sofa.

For smaller spaces that are enclosed with walls and doorways, a single large area rug is ideal. If you’re working with a larger space that has an open floor concept, don’t be afraid to use multiple rugs to define certain areas.

Define Your Space With Patterns Or A Plain Design

Deciding between a boldly patterned rug or a classic plain design comes down to how you want your space to look and feel. Consider your overall vision for the interior design of your home and if you want your rug to be the defining feature.

There are endless choices available for area rugs of all kinds of patterns and colours, from simple contemporary designs to bold statement pieces. We recommend visiting your local area rug store where you can see different patterns in person that will allow you to envision the look for your space.

Consider The Right Material For Your Needs

Choosing the right material for your area rug comes down to preference and your budget. While plant-based fibres like cotton and linen are fairly inexpensive, they are easily damaged by wear and spills. On the other hand, materials like allo and wool are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Area rugs come in a wide selection of other materials like sisal, silk, cowhide, and synthetic fibre to name a few. Although some materials will cost you more, they are durable and designed to last.

The Bottom Line

Area rugs can be quite expensive, so be sure to choose one that you will love seeing every day. It’s best to visit area rug stores, ask design experts, and view different rugs in person.

To choose an item that has such a significant effect on your home takes care and thoughtful consideration. You want a quality rug that won’t break your budget and will last for years to come.

What is the best type of flooring for the kitchen?

The kitchen is the hardest-working room in the house, experiencing a high volume of traffic daily. Kitchen flooring needs to be durable enough to handle spills, foot traffic, pets, and withstand wear and tear for years to come.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from and our experts at Riverbend Interiors Floors & Decor are here to guide you. Below are the pros and cons of three of our most recommended flooring for your kitchen to help you make the right choice for your home.

Hardwood flooring for kitchen

Engineered hardwood is extremely durable and can withstand high amounts of traffic. Easy to maintain, engineered hardwood flooring only requires regular sweeping and mopping to keep these floors in good shape. This type of flooring transitions well to other rooms and is ideal for homes with an open concept floor plan.

Pros:

• Can withstand a high amount of traffic
• Increases your home value
• Moisture-resistant
• Comes with many design options

Cons:

• Hardwood flooring is the least cost-efficient
• Difficult to replace a damaged plank

Tile flooring for kitchen

Tile is extremely durable, easy to clean, and one of the most moisture-resistant flooring options. Tile flooring is ideal for kitchens that see a large amount of foot traffic. To get the job done right, we recommend hiring a professional to install tile flooring for your kitchen.

Pros:

• Extremely stain resistant and waterproof
• Very durable
• Budget-friendly options

Cons:

• Can be slippery
• Typically not a DIY project
• Can be a challenge to stand on for long periods of time

Laminate flooring for kitchen

Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile flooring options with a diverse range of styles, colours, and patterns to choose from. You can choose a laminate that mimics authentic hardwood, stone, tile, or metal flooring. The laminate gives homeowners an endless selection that can be tailored to match the look of the home.

Pros:

• Aesthetically pleasing
• More affordable than hardwood
• Durable and easy to maintain

Cons:

• Possibility of moisture damage if the liquid is left on the surface for too long
• Can’t be refinished

In Conclusion

When choosing the right type of flooring for your kitchen, consider the one that best fits your budget and priorities. Is the style the most important factor? Durability? Or affordability?

At Riverbend Interiors Floors & Decor, we work with you to find the right option for you. Get in touch with one of our knowledgeable team members today. We are ready to answer your questions!

Things to Consider When Choosing the Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is a beautiful flooring option with a variety of species, colours, widths, and finishes. If you are thinking about hardwood for your home there are a few things to consider to make sure you choose the right type for your family and lifestyle.

1. Solid vs. Engineered

Solid hardwood is just as it sounds, a solid plank of wood through and through. Typically, solid hardwood is ¾” thick and comes in widths up to 5”. In Alberta’s dry climate, when going wider than 3½ inches wide it is advised to go with an engineered product that is more structurally stable. A couple of advantages of solid hardwood include the durability and ability to be refinished multiple times. The main disadvantage of solid hardwood is that it is less dimensionally stable than engineered hardwood and is more susceptible to humidity causing it to expand with high moisture levels and shrink with low levels of humidity. Finally, solid products can only be installed above grade (not in basements), should not be installed in high moisture areas like bathrooms, must be nailed or stapled not floated, and cannot be used in areas with in-floor heat.

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Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood veneer with a cross-layered core of plywood creating a more stable product than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is available in different thicknesses up to ¾” and widths ranging from 3” to 9”, however products wider than 6” require a more specialized and costly installation such as glue assist. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can be installed below grade, over radiant heat (most species), and can be stapled, nailed, glued or floated. Not all engineered hardwoods are manufactured equally and some inexpensive options are more likely to have issues such as delaminating and checking.

2. Humidity and Temperature

Hardwood is susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature in your home causing it to expand and contract. Alberta is very dry and experiences temperatures from -40°C during the winter and +30°C during the summer. Engineered hardwood is designed to mediate the expansion and contraction of the wood when there are fluctuations in humidity and temperature, however, it is still important to maintain a temperature of 18°-24°C and humidity at 35-55% at all times. It is also important to acclimate your hardwood to your home’s environment prior to installation. Excessive heat or dryness can cause boards to gap or split while excessive humidity can cause cupping. Damage resulting from humidity or temperature will not be covered under your hardwood warranty.

3. Sheen and Colour

When selecting hardwood the sheen level is also something to consider. It used to be that hardwood always had a glossy finish, however, new introductions come in semi-gloss, matte, and brushed finishes. Glossy and semi-gloss finishes have the most sheen and reflect the lightest while matte and brushed finishes have little to no sheen and light reflection. Glossy and semi-gloss hardwood tends to show minor scratches and wear more readily while matte and brushed hardwood helps hide the wear and tear of a busy household.

Whether solid or engineered, hardwood is available in a multitude of colours. Dark hardwood can create a cozy ambiance in medium to large areas, however, in smaller spaces it can make a room appear smaller. Dark stains also show foot traffic, scratches and dirt more readily causing many homeowners to opt for a medium, light or natural stain. Medium stains help to bring out the natural grain of the wood while lighter stains can make space appear larger. A natural finished hardwood is just a clear stain and allows the beauty of the wood to really show through.

4. Wood Species

Each species of wood has its own colour tone, grain pattern, hardness, and physical properties. Domestic hardwood such as Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, and Maple tend to have a lighter colour tone unless stained, while woods like Walnut or Acacia have a naturally darker colour.

Colour variation and grain patterns can be quite strong as with Red Oak, Hickory and Acacia, moderate as with White Oak and Walnut, or very clean as with Maple. Depending on the look you are going for, stronger grains and colour variation tend to be busier especially in narrower boards while cleaner grains and less colour variation are more uniform.

Walnut is a relatively soft hardwood that is less susceptible to changes in humidity but is more likely to dent. Red Oak is the benchmark for hardness and performs very well in Alberta’s dry climate. White Oak is similar to Red Oak but is harder and is also a stable and durable choice. Harder than White Oak, Maple is another durable option that resists scratches and dents but can shrink and expand with changes in humidity. Hickory and Acacia are hardier species and are more sensitive to low levels of humidity which can result in shrinking and even cracking of the boards.

Conclusion

It’s important to know that cost is always a factor and the hardwood flooring industry has had an influx of inexpensive choices. Unfortunately, these less expensive hardwood options have resulted in poor quality and disappointed homeowners. Dealing with a company that is knowledgeable, committed to quality, environmental responsibility, and fair pricing will ensure that your floor not only looks beautiful but performs for years to come.

4 Main Reasons You Need Blinds for Your Home

Blinds may seem like a simple necessity for your home but they also provide a ton of benefits to you and your family.

1. Privacy

The first, most obvious reason for blinds is privacy. Unless you are part of a nudist colony, you probably don’t want your neighbours peeping in on you or passers-by catching a glimpse of you coming out of the shower. Blinds are great for all areas of your house and help avoid embarrassing scenarios.

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2. Security

Do you want to lessen the risk of being robbed? Blinds help protect your belongings and family from intruders. How? They add a screen over your once bare windows to prevent outsiders from seeing into your home. With this security measure, criminals are more likely to avoid breaking into your home. Keeping your precious treasures away from prying eyes lessons the risk of smash and grab break-ins. With your windows covered, criminals won’t know if anyone is home either so they will likely choose an easier target.

3. Protection from the Sun

Do you worry about your health? The UV rays from the sunshine through the windows in your home affecting your skin. Skin cancer is a common disease and if you lessen exposure to harmful UV rays, you lessen your risk for this problem. Blinds can prevent the sun from attacking your cells. With a simple adjustment on your window treatment, you can block out much of the UV rays on those extra sunny afternoons.

Are you trying to watch television with no luck since the sun is causing a glare on the screen making it hard to view your favourite afternoon talk show? With a simple twist of your blinds, you can prevent light from entering the room. Throwing a little shade on your T.V. prevents you from squinting, allowing you to see Dr. Oz’s newest health tips without your sunglasses on.

Your furniture, paintings, and many other household items get destroyed from constant sunlight. Blinds help protect your belongings from fading, save your hardwood floors from drying out and keep your antiques from ageing further.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Do you find your house a little drab at the moment? Spice up your décor with a beautiful set of blinds. Window coverings draw your attention to the favourite spots in your home and can distract visitors’ eyes from the dusty ceiling fan. Get creative with blinds. You have so many different choices to pick from. Start testing out your interior design skills with this ultimate household accenting piece.

Are you looking for a particular style or colour of blinds to coordinate with the best features in your home? Riverbend Interiors Floors & Decor can provide you with an array of choices for every room.

How to Choose the Right Carpet for Your Home

Your flooring says a lot about your home and choosing the right carpet can be tricky. Carpet is still the warmest, quietest and has the most toe appeal in bedrooms and basements and is the safest option for stairs. There are several things to consider when looking at the carpet, such as the type of fibre used to construct, the resistance to stains and soil, and the style and colour of the carpet. Riverbend Interiors Floors & Decor has the knowledge and experience to help you pick out the ideal carpet for your space.

Carpet Fibres

Depending on your lifestyle, if you have pets and/or children, or if you have a lot of foot traffic/visitors in your home, the type of fibre used to manufacture carpet is an important consideration. Always make sure you are comparing apples to apples when looking at the performance and price of any carpet. For example, a high-quality polyester carpet may perform better than low-quality nylon and high-quality nylon may perform better than low-quality wool.

Nylon

Nylon is one of the longest wearing fibres used to manufacture today’s carpets and is a great option for busy families and homes with pets. The molecular structure of Nylon offers resiliency in high traffic areas that allows the fibres to bounce back and resists compaction or “trafficking” in areas such as hallways and stairs. While not as naturally stain-resistant as a polyester carpet, most carpets on the market today are treated to protect from stains. If you are looking for a carpet to perform well over time, Nylon is the fibre of choice.

Polyester

Polyester can be a more economical choice if you are working on a tighter budget and works well in homes with less foot traffic. Some polyester carpets are manufactured from recycled plastics such as pop bottles and therefore offer an environmental advantage. Polyester carpet’s greatest attributes are in its softness and stain resistance. Overall, polyester does not tend to perform as well as nylon or wool.

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre that is renewable and sustainable and is often chosen as an investment in your home. Its greatest properties are that it is fire retardant, naturally, soil-resistant (microscopic scales of a wool fibre help prevent dirt from getting embedded in the carpet) and is resilient to foot traffic. Wool is also highly absorbent which can make it more prone to staining but can also help control humidity levels within the home. There also wool blends available that offer the benefits of wool with the stain resistance of polyester.

Stain and Soil Resistance

Staining occurs when a spill is absorbed into the fibre where there are voids in the dye of the carpet and causes a discoloration of the carpet. This is most common in carpets that are dyed after production. Solution-dyed carpets that are coloured prior to manufacturing are not as prone to staining as there are no voids in the colour of the fibre. Soiling, on the other hand, results from particles sticking to residues (such as cleaning products, oils or spills) and causing a build-up which makes your carpet look dirty over time.

Polyester is the most stain resistant fibre on the market as it is hydrophobic and does not allow spills to absorb into the fibre. Nylon and wool are more absorbent than polyester which can make them more prone to staining, however, most carpets are treated during manufacturing to protect from stains. Regardless of the type of carpet, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions regarding vacuuming, steam cleaning and stain removal.

Carpet Style and Colour

The style of carpet you choose should reflect not just your design tastes but also how you live in your home. The style and colour play a large part in the longevity of your carpet. Make sure you take a few samples home to see how they look in your space.

Loop Pile

Loop pile carpet, often referred to as Berber, is constructed by forming loops with the fibre and securing to the backing of the carpet. Loop pile carpets are a durable option as they are structurally less susceptible to trafficking and allow easier clean up of spills. If vacuum cleaner marks drive you crazy, Berber carpet is your best option. The main concern with loop construction is the possibility of a loop being pulled by dragging furniture or from pets. Berber style carpets are also not as soft underfoot as a cut pile or cut and loop construction.

Cut Pile

Cut pile carpets are constructed as a loop style but the loops are cut off to achieve a different look and feel. Cut pile is softest underfoot and is still the most popular style of carpet. Depending on the length, density, and twist of the fibres a cut pile carpet will generally show foot traffic more readily as the fibres lay down when walked on. A short, dense and tight twist cut pile will wear better than a loose shag style carpet.

Cut and Loop

Cut and loop carpeting is a blend of the two styles and can create beautiful geometric or abstract patterns. This type of carpet provides the durability of a loop and softness of a cut pile while offering a more unique appearance. The greatest drawback of the cut and loop is that the fibres wear differently, and the cut pile can obscure the pattern making it look worn in high traffic areas.

Colour

Colour is important in achieving the right look within your home but there are a few things to think about. Your carpet colour should “play nicely” with other elements in the home such as millwork (railings, casings and baseboards) furniture and paint colour. A lighter colour carpet can make a room appear larger but also shows staining and soiling more readily; A dark carpet hides staining but shows lint and dust in between vacuuming. Carpet doesn’t have to be a solid colour either, many new styles are available in a fleck which incorporates two or more colours. Flecks can add visual interest and are good at hiding lint and dust.

Conclusion

Carpet is an element of your home that is not easily changed. The most important point is to make sure the carpet you choose is suitable for your family’s needs and lifestyle. Finally, every carpet comes with a manufacturers warranty and care and maintenance instructions, make sure to review and follow this information to maintain your warranty and enjoy your carpet for years to come.