Q What do you see being 2020s hottest trend?
A Google “zellige tile.” It’s the ancestor of subway tile, but unique. Don’t get me wrong, the team and I are still designing a lot of wall spaces with subway tile, but the bolder kitchen and bath designs include this and people are in awe.
5×5-inches in size, glossy, and imperfected, oddly enough makes this tile 2020s hottest trend. The edges appear raw, jagged, and sit very close together to almost vanish grout between. My favorite part is the vintage color palette selection, making it very easy on the eyes. It’s a stellar way of brightening a space with the glossy finish emitting light. Which is perfect for backsplashes and shower walls since these spaces can be so confined.
Q What should I know before buying into the waterproof floors trend?
A It’s probably the most expansive line of floors. So in terms of designing your living space, there’s so much to choose from, and the beauty of it is that I’ve had designers in our showroom, who couldn’t tell the difference between a real wood floor and some of the waterproof collections. They’re truly remarkable floors. Anyone who has children, pets, or simply looking for a low-maintenance floor, this is it.
Q How can I make a smaller area appear larger?
A Go big. It sounds crazy, but actually designing confined spaces with small floor sizes, makes the area notably smaller. By using larger floor pieces, you keep from overwhelming the space with tile grout lines, or hardwood and laminate edges. Another thing to consider is lighting. If the source of lighting is low, brighten the area with a lighter floor.
Q Those of us with hardwood floors have trouble in the winter months keeping warm. How can we insulate our area without compensating the look we love?
A Start by working with a custom rug shop, like my family’s. Having the ability to make various styles, shapes and sizes, is a tailored way from burying your hardwood floor.
Q Neutral carpets and rugs of beige and gray colors are predictable. What options are there for those looking for a more unique look?
A We’re heading into 2020 with the growing desire for color and the industry is heavily invested. A loomed Patina rug, which has a really engaging abstract, faded low pile design, in a denim, wheat, granite, or even crimson red, I’d have to say is one of the hottest looks. And if you’re going wall-to-wall with it, consider a two-toned symmetrical pattern. It’s just enough to give a living space vibrance without over-embellishing.
Q Where does the floor installation phase of my home remodel lie?
A Nine out of 10 times, last. The only circumstances where the installation is not last, is if kitchen cabinets and/or bathroom vanities are desired to be installed on top. Note that floor coverings are changed more frequently than cabinets, so my recommendation is to have the floors installed last for the ease of removal and installation of new floors down the road. You’ll thank me later.
Q What hardwood have you found most desired and why?
A Natural Acacia. It’s one of the most beautiful floors out there, because of its eye-catching, elongated grain and variations of light and dark tans and browns. It can make a shack look like a house right out of a magazine. No pun intended.
Q What kind of floor would you install in your personal home?
A Acacia hardwood. Again, there’s nothing like it. The natural beauty really entices me and knowing it’s one of the most durable hardwoods you can invest in, would only make sense, since I’m a father of two.
Article by Christina Kleiner
Article originally appeared in Housetrends Dayton – December 2019