A kitchen remodel is your prime opportunity to get it right. If you’ve lived with an ugly or outdated kitchen, the thought of choosing new cabinets, appliances, flooring and lighting can be spellbinding. But don’t let form drown out function.

To have lasting value, a new kitchen needs to perform as good as it looks. This is your chance to really analyze how you use the kitchen, what features and layout will help you prepare and cook meals efficiently, and how to best store everything to make life easier for everyone who uses the space.

Once you have all the functionality figured out, choosing surfaces and materials is like icing on the cake. Here’s a list of things you need to consider to avoid a badly designed kitchen:

A Gigantic Island – For a single-cook kitchen, you need a minimum of 42” between the island and the cabinets that surround it; for a multi-cook kitchen, that becomes 48”. This helps with foot traffic and being able to access all doors and drawers. Even in a large kitchen, a single-level kitchen island larger than 48” wide x 120” long becomes harder to use and clean.

Where’s the Trash? – Between garbage and recyclables, a kitchen produces a lot of waste, so plan for it. If you prefer freestanding trash and recycle receptacles, decide in advance where they will be placed in the floorplan. If you prefer them hidden in base cabinets, both trash and recyclables need a minimum 30 quart container.

Wasted Space – Hundreds of linear feet of kitchen cabinets mean nothing if they’re inconveniently placed or the storage is configured wrong. In the above example of an island during construction, note how much space is wasted by the 45-degree, bat-wing style.  Plates, bowls and cups should be above or near the dishwasher so it’s easier to unload directly into wall cabinets. Pots and pans work best in base drawer cabinets near stoves and cooktops. Deep pantry cabinets work more efficiently with rollout shelves.

Watch Yourself – Don’t let your new kitchen fall into the shadows. Chopping blocks and range tops can be dangerous places in the kitchen, so have plenty of light above these areas so you can see what you’re doing. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates all of your countertops, and task specific lighting can be a timesaver. Consider lighting as 10% of your kitchen remodeling budget and you will – literally – see beautiful results.

These are the types of details that can make or break a kitchen remodel, so use the design phase to address and perfect how well your kitchen works. Working with professional kitchen designers and remodelers will help you avoid bad kitchen design, as well as common mistakes like inadequate electricity, ventilation and water supply.

To get the best form and function for your new kitchen, work with the Certified Kitchen Designers and planners at Mosby Building Arts. Check out a portfolio of their kitchen remodels in Metro St. Louis. And if you have any questions, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Just because there are standard configurations of kitchen cabinets doesn’t mean you have to use them that way, or even use them in the kitchen.

In essence, cabinets are wood boxes with doors or drawers made so you can store things out of sight. When they are given special designations – such as bathroom vanity, kitchen base cabinet, or wall cabinet – what is really being detailed is the standard measurements for the intended area.

For instance, the standard kitchen countertop height is 36” while bathroom vanity heights range from 29 – 31”. But what if you can no longer bend over as easily to wash your face and would like a taller vanity? Then the taller standard height of a designated kitchen base cabinet is a perfect solution in your bathroom.

When you concentrate on desired measurements and storage needs rather than room designations, you can place any type of cabinet anywhere in your home. That’s literally thinking outside the box!

Kitchen Cabinets in the Bathroom
Kitchen base cabinets are generally 24” deep by 36” tall, while bathroom cabinets are 18”-21” deep and 29”-31” tall. Used in the bathroom, these will provide more storage space and lift the sink closer to you, but that also pulls you 3” further away from the mirror when doing your makeup or shaving.

If you prefer the bathroom sink at a standard height (they’re much easier for little children to use), but fell in love with the look of kitchen cabinets, consider using the 24” tall over-the-fridge model. To gain the proper height, a 6” toe-kick can be added to the bottom or go with the ultra contemporary floating vanity look (shown above).

Kitchen Cabinets in the Living Room
In the photo above left, over-the-sink cabinets leave the kitchen to become an inviting window seat with great storage. Above right, a homeowner repurposed kitchen wall cabinets as sleek storage for DVDS and CDs in the living room. In both cases, a new top surface (cushions or a thin slab of granite) is what ties them together and gives them new life.

Reuse Kitchen Cabinets in the Garage

When remodeling your kitchen, what will you do with the old cabinets being removed? If they’re still structurally sound, you could set them up in your garage. The base cabinets are already the perfect height for a workbench.  The upper cabinets give you much-needed storage, and make the garage well-organized and attractive. Plus, re-using those cabinets in your home rather than sending them to a landfill is the greenest form of recycling!

Once you’re thinking outside the box about cabinetry, the possibilities are endless. But there are many structural and ergonomic details to consider when using a cabinet in a different way. For expert help in using kitchen cabinets in other rooms of the house, rely on the design and building professionals at Mosby Building Arts. Call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

As winter fades into spring, the longing to be outdoors grows stronger. Grilling and dining alfresco in your backyard for the first time since last fall is always a special treat, a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. This can also conjure dreams of your own outdoor kitchen, something a little more formal than wheeling out the BBQ pit.

If you would like to realize your dream of an outdoor kitchen, it’s never too late to begin planning the design and construction of the project.  Here are some necessary steps to keep in mind before you begin:

Step 1 Work with a certified kitchen designer and professional planners to explore what kind of kitchen and entertainment area will work best for your needs and your backyard.

Step 2 Survey the proposed project area and analyze how water and electricity will power the new kitchen, how waste water will drain away from the site, and how to place the pieces to maximize shade and ventilation.

Step 3 Compile design, site and mechanical details to create a preliminary budget, drawings and construction schedule for your review. It’s important to have a detailed scope of work in place so that everyone understands the plan before the first shovel hits dirt.

Step 4 Shop for the materials that comprise your outdoor kitchen, including countertops, appliances, light fixtures and cabinetry. The prices of your selections are added to the estimates coming in from subcontractors who have also reviewed the project. All this new data determines the final budget amount for the project.

Step 5 Finalize all selections, drawings and schedules. After a detailed construction agreement is signed, work beings on the site.

Step 6 Watch as all the plans come to life. You should be available for regular meetings with the project manager to go over weekly progress and answer any questions that may arise.

Step 7 Walk through the project with your designer and project manager once the project is complete. This is where you become familiar with the care and winter maintenance of all your new appliances, and receive the warranty binder with complete information about your project.

Step 8 Now it’s time to throw a big BBQ to christen your new kitchen!

The Planning & Design and Construction team at Mosby Building Arts excel at designing and building outdoor kitchens. To get your creative juices flowing, read this guide on everything you need to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen, or click to see Mosby photos of a pool-side kitchen project.

Good timing is the key to outdoor living projects, and working with Mosby professionals assures you will have the time of your life in your own backyard this year! To begin your outdoor kitchen, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular of all home improvement projects. Even though it does deliver a high return-on-investment, the main motivation for a new kitchen is because it’s the heart of the home, and a reflection of how we wish to live.

Being such an important and involved remodeling project, it’s crucial that you work with the right designers and builders so you actually get the kitchen you’ve longed for. Along with a new kitchen, you will build a relationship with these professionals, so choose wisely.

There are hundreds of elements that go into creating your perfect kitchen, and Adrienne Nienkamp (above), a National Kitchen & Bath Association Certified Kitchen Designer with St. Louis remodeling firm Mosby Building Arts, shares the steps that should be followed – from start to finish – to get a kitchen remodel that is beautiful, durable and safe.

Interview with the Designer – “To create your perfect kitchen, a designer should ask a lot of questions and really listen to your answers. While talking about what you need, you usually reveal what you really want, as well. Your answers provide the foundation to build upon.”

Inspection of the Home – “There needs to be a big picture understanding of the project because remodeling can have a snowball effect. What rooms or areas surround the kitchen, on the same level as well as upstairs and in the basement?  Are any of these areas going to be affected?”

Inspection of the Utilities – “Where are the current electrical and plumbing lines? Will they need to be upgraded or moved for the new plans? These are the utilities that power the kitchen, so the designer should make sure they are up to code and will handle the new loads.”

Document the Existing Kitchen – “Every aspect of your existing kitchen needs to be measured and photographed. The measurements are used to document the existing floorplan, which is the basis for creating a new plan. The photos are continually referred to while working up a new design. Plus, when the project is complete, it’s fun to compare the before and after photos.”

Design the New Kitchen – “All of the details go into a drafting program and your new kitchen is designed in 3D. This is where all the conversations about your likes and dislike, needs and desires come into play, guiding the design. Many times a designer looks for inspiration from magazines, art, nature – whatever  may excite you.”

Write a Scope of Work – “Once a first draft design is complete, all of the material and construction details are written out. This list is known as a Work Scope, and this is what passes to an estimator who comes up with the general budget amount needed to bring the concept to life.”

Present the Design – “Once the plan is in place and priced, you meet with your designer to review the concept. This is very much a working meeting, where you ’walk through’ the 3-dimensional plans of the kitchen, and talk about what you like, what you don’t like, and discuss the initial budget.  This is the time to make any changes you want, because it’s much easier (and cheaper) to make changes on paper rather than during construction.”

Go Shopping – “Now you and the designer head out to select the right materials for the new kitchen. It’s a huge benefit to shop with the designer so that she or he can keep track of what you fall in love with and make sure that it will work within the plan.  Together, you’ll try to pick out everything at once – appliances, cabinets, hardware, countertops, backsplash, flooring trims, paint colors – everything! This way, the designer can coordinate as you go along, keep everything organized, get accurate prices and make sure there are no surprises later.”

Walk-Through with Subcontractors – “Once you agree on all the pieces and a plan, it’s time for a plumber, electrician, HVAC specialist and a project manager to come to your home to go over every detail of the project. The trade partners discuss the steps to see if there’s anything that has been missed or spot potential problems that need to be addressed now to avoid surprises later. They should also supply the real price quotes to replace the original estimate.”

Agree on the Final Design – “Now that the designer has your final selections, and all the construction experts have weighed in with valuable information, it’s time to determine the final project cost and put together a realistic construction schedule.  Once that’s complete, it’s time to present to you the final design and budget, and pour over the details. When you’re in full agreement and you feel good about the goal, you sign a final contract that starts the ball rolling.”

Hand-off to Production – “Your designer now reviews every aspect of the project with your project manager and construction crew so everyone is on the same page and ready to go. There is a final review of the plans so that all your questions are answered, along with a run-down of logistic such as what time the construction crew will arrive each morning, where they can park and such. Your designer wants to make sure there will be no surprises for anyone involved, and that everyone is working toward the same goal.”

Construction Begins – “You’re now in the hands of your construction team, though the designer should visit the job site from time to time to watch your plans come alive. He or she should also be available to answer any questions from you and the production team, and follow through on any new details that may pop up.”

Construction Ends – “And this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! The last pieces are in place, the crew cleans up, you receive your warranty binder and you begin moving your stuff into the new kitchen. The heart of your home is beating once again.”

Adrienne also noted that actually designing the kitchen is the shortest part of the process: “Coordinating all the details and logistics is where good designers invest most of their time, because once those are in place, you’ll have a smooth project. Plan the work and then work the plan – it’s a guarantee for a successful kitchen remodel.”

When you’re ready for the kitchen of your dreams, Adrienne and the Planning & Design team at Mosby Building Arts are here for you.  To get started, call the office at 314.909.1800, or contact them here.

Kitchen remodeling remains one of the most consistently popular remodeling projects because of its return on investment and the pleasure it brings those who use it. Whether it’s an update of cabinets, flooring and appliances or a complete remodel, there are many important details to consider beyond the new look.

Electricity

Upgrading to a larger refrigerator is desirable, but can your existing electrical panel handle the new load?  Many appliances – like microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers – require a dedicated circuit so they can operate without affecting other devices or shutting off the power completely.

When you add a breakfast bar peninsula or a center island, they require their own electrical outlets. Can your electrical panel handle more outlets in the kitchen?  And converting from gas ranges and ovens to electric versions will require new voltage service. To avoid short circuiting and electrical fires, many times it is crucial to update your panel as you upgrade or add more appliances and lighting.  Visit this website for panel safety.

Plumbing

Having more than one sink in the kitchen is the height of functionality. And if you entertain a lot, a stand-alone ice maker and a wet bar are desirable. But all of these items need water supply and proper drainage, which may require an upgrade to the plumbing stack and piping. To avoid water damage and weak water pressure, be sure that all plumbing needs are being met before the remodel begins.

Structure

If you long for a 42” Sub Zero refrigerator or a 60” Wolf Range, you should have one. But know that both of these items are extremely heavy, and can the floor handle the extra weight? A thorough remodel will include weight distribution analysis and shoring up the underside of the floor if required.

Along with the professional-grade range you will need a venting hood to match. When venting hoods go over a certain size they need a fresh air intake to avoid backdrafting. Make sure your home’s circulation works with the new appliances to steer clear of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Because there are so many important details when it comes to kitchen updates and remodeling, you benefit from a consultation with the kitchen remodeling professionals at Mosby Building Arts. Working with their Certified Kitchen Designer will give you the dream kitchen you deserve with all the construction and safety details covered up front.

This type of thorough planning will minimize surprises and change orders during the remodeling process, and creates a new kitchen that will last a lifetime.  To have the ultimate in kitchen form, function and satisfaction, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

No matter how big the house or the party, everyone always gathers in the kitchen, right? This truism really gets a workout over the holiday season, with even more activity and more guests in the space. This makes it a great time of year to pay attention to how your kitchen is – or isn’t – working for you.

If your kitchen is tight on space, pay special attention to the spaces around the kitchen. If there’s a room next to your kitchen that doesn’t get much activity (like a spare bedroom), could it be incorporated into a larger kitchen? Could a screened porch be converted into a breakfast bar and lounge so people are still in the kitchen but a bit more out of the way?

As you go about holiday entertaining in your home, here are some things to observe about your kitchen, and the areas around it:

• Which part of the kitchen layout hinders your activities?
• Is there enough room in the kitchen for multiple cooks to work together?
• Where does everyone naturally congregate, and is there enough room?
• Is there enough room for cooking and socializing?
• Does traffic flow smoothly or is there a lot of “pardon me”?
• Are guests with crutches, walkers or wheelchairs able to easily move about?
• Is there a particular room or space near the kitchen that nobody uses?

Your answers to these questions are the first step of programming a new kitchen plan that meets all your needs and desires. And these are precisely the things that kitchen designers want to know before they begin drawing up your perfect kitchen.

Once you’ve made it through the holidays, the certified kitchen designers and planners at Mosby Building Arts are the experts to talk with about the form and function of your kitchen, and the surrounding space. Here is a portfolio of some of their kitchen remodels.

From updates to appliances and surfaces to a complete remodel, Mosby will team with you to design and build the perfect kitchen, and supporting space around it. Call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Even when the economy is tight, kitchen remodeling remains a desirable project because of its high return on investment. Realtors confirm that home buyers’ decisions most often hinge on how up-to-date a kitchen is.

Even when you’ve no intention of selling your home, creating the kitchen you’ve always longed for is a great investment for improving quality of life. The latest trends in Metro St. Louis kitchen remodeling reflect a desire for new finishes and ease of use for everyone in the family.

The Newest Finishes for Appliances

While stainless steel finishes for refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers remain popular, other metals such as oiled bronze and copper are adding warmth to the look of modern kitchens. Glass front appliances are the most exciting of the new finishes, available in glossy or matte finishes, and when combined with stainless steel (as shown above) it adds design distinction to your kitchen.

You Can Have Marble Countertops

Because marble is so porous it is prone to staining, which is why it has not been the ideal material for a kitchen countertop. This is why the introduction of a hard, low-porosity marble from Vermont quarries is so exciting – you can have white or light colored marble countertops that hold up to normal use. Plus, they have a honed finish that is cashmere-soft to the touch.  Click to see a St. Louis kitchen with honed white marble countertops.

Dishwasher drawers

You can have the convenience of a dishwasher without taking up a lot of valuable space by going with a dishwasher drawer. They glide in and out as easily as a cabinet drawer, and are the perfect space-saving solution in older homes built before dishwashers became standard appliances. There are also stackable double-drawer options, or you can place them in two separate spots in the kitchen.

Disguising Air Registers

No longer do air vents have to ruin the lines of your cabinetry or flooring, because they can be conveniently disguised in the toe kick area of kitchen cabinets. Register covers can be customized to blend in with the toe kick finish, or even become an accent while still providing proper air flow. Click to see a St. Louis kitchen with toe kick air vents.

Lowering Kitchen Island and Bar Heights

Kitchen bars and islands are typically 35” – 42” high, which requires a stool or pub chair between 24” – 30” high. For small children or older family members with decreased mobility, these are uncomfortable heights. An accessible design trend is to lower the counter height of these communal kitchen spaces to 28” – 30” high so that standard height dining chairs can be used. This allows everyone of every age, size and mobility to be a part of the activities that take place in the heart of the home.

Cook Up to 15 Times Faster

The secret weapon of restaurant kitchens is now available to you – high-speed air cooking. Products like TurboChef cook food 15 times faster than standard convection ovens, and are available in sizes and finishes that fit a home kitchen.

If you’d like to incorporate any of these remodeling ideas into your own kitchen, be sure to work with the Certified Kitchen Designers and Planners at Mosby Building Arts. Along with the latest trends, they will work with you to design a kitchen that meets all your needs and desires. From floor plans to selections shopping to construction, the deep bench of Mosby experts will deliver the kitchen of your dreams. To explore all your kitchen remodeling possibilities call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 14

Each week on KMOX 1120 AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott Mosby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436.7900 or 1.800.925.1120.

When you want to expand your outdoor cooking beyond wheeling out the Weber, an outdoor kitchen awaits you. This remodeling project can be as simple as a grill and dining table on a concrete patio, or you can create an outdoor room with a full kitchen and a full suite of furnishings for lounging and dining. Outdoor living options are endless, so let’s consider the following areas that help determine what type of outdoor kitchen would satisfy your vision.

Creating An Outdoor Kitchen

Do you need a simple cooking area or a full kitchen? A grill and counter space are the essentials of outdoor cooking, while a refrigerator and sink make it a regulation kitchen. Adding these fixtures requires adding water and electrical hookups, and it can boost your home’s value because you’ve created a second kitchen. So, consider how long you will be in your home, and let then let your cooking and entertaining desires frame the scope of your outdoor kitchen.

Cooking Preparing meals for family and friends is the basis of an outdoor kitchen, and choices include gas or charcoal grill, or would you like a wood-burning pizza oven with a separate stove top? Should the cooking fixtures be portable or permanent? If you want an outdoor kitchen that can be rearranged or taken with you to a new home, choose a grill on wheels. If you desire is to enjoy the kitchen for years to come, then go with built-in appliances just as you would for an indoor kitchen.

Prep Area Preparing food and storing cooking utensils informs outdoor kitchen design. A simple countertop with drawers and shelves underneath may be all that’s required. For the gourmand, the plan may have the same items as the indoor kitchen: refrigerator, wine chiller, warming drawer, double sinks and plenty of countertop for multiple cooks working together. How you wish to cook and entertain is how simple or extensive the kitchen could be.

Weather-Friendly Materials Everything needs to be waterproof and low maintenance, so the materials that fill this requirement are stainless steel, enamel, red woods and teak, stone veneers, concrete and brick. For flooring, avoid slick materials like glazed ceramic tile or marble to reduce slipping, and  choose countertop materials that are durable and easy to clean, like concrete, which can be cleaned with the garden hose.

Construction An outdoor kitchen is, essentially, an outdoor room, so professional remodelers consider this project a room addition. Typically, building an outdoor room won’t disrupt household routines, which can make it a pleasurable project to undertake. This is a significant home improvement, so it is important to build to local zoning codes, follow proper building methods and obtain proper building permits. Use licensed plumbers and electricians so the space is up to code.

The kitchen can be built on an existing patio if it is in good condition and take the extra weight and use. Existing decks can also be used, but may require additional support because of the extra weight being added. Whether expanding what exists or starting from scratch, ensure that areas directly underneath grills and stoves can withstand high heat and sparks from embers that fall.

Another consideration is how many months out of the year you want to use the space. The outdoor cooking season extends into deep fall with the inclusion of gas patio heaters or a fireplace, and a gazebo or other shelter can buffer the elements.

Placement An important decision is where to place the kitchen. Placing it on level ground near existing utilities is ideal. Placing it off to the side of the yard is better than smack dab in the center, as it provides more privacy and can improve a spot in the yard that needed attention, anyway. What views you want to capture is an aesthetic consideration, as well.

An attached kitchen let’s your home’s exterior wall act as a weather buffer, and makes it easy to tap into the kitchen’s existing utilities. Ventilation for an attached kitchen is very important, as smoke-producing appliances must either be out from under roof eaves or have an exhaust system to avoid trapped smoke.

Freestanding kitchens give you more leeway with layout, space and style. For instance, most outdoor entertaining takes place in the late afternoon and early evening, so locating the area in a northern area will provide natural shade that keeps everyone cooler. Erecting a pergola, gazebo or pavilion nicely defines space and provides ample shade and protection. Wind and the elements are another key consideration; landscaping can be employed as a windbreak on the perimeter of the space.

Layout The floorplan of an outdoor kitchen follows the same principals as the indoor version. Consider the configuration and spacing of work zones for how many cooks will be attending, and allow for enough foot traffic around the cooking areas to avoid accidents.

People can gather at a counter with bar height seating to watch you cook and keep you a part of the party, or you can create separate areas for entertainment, lounging and dining. These decisions form the basis of what furniture and fixtures are needed to complete your vision. And remember to place seating so that smoke blows away from guests!

From the simple to the elaborate, an outdoor kitchen requires much coordinating and thought. The Mosby Building Arts planners and designers make it easy for you and excel at working with you to create the ultimate outdoor living experience, and the Mosby carpenters will bring these visions to life. Browse examples of Mosby outdoor living projects that have improved the homeowners’ lifestyle, and when you’re ready for your own backyard oasis, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Floors make a huge impact on the look of your home.  They occupy as much square footage as your ceilings, and considering that floors are always in our peripheral vision, we must consider their importance in the overall design master plan.

Floors serve a vital function in your home, and it is crucial to think about how the floor will be used and then choose the right material for the task.  This is a classic example of form follows function.

The simplest way to consider the form and function of your home’s flooring is by thinking of each room as a separate area.  Consider what normally happens in each room, what surface will serve best and then choose the look of the surface you want.

Kitchen Flooring

It is safe to say that the kitchen is the most-used room in every home, so this floor needs to be very durable.  It also needs to be kind to our legs, knees and ankles because we spend most of our time standing in this space.  And a kitchen has many water-producing appliances, so moisture resistance is a top priority.

The most durable and water-resistant kitchen flooring is ceramic tile, but it can be unforgiving when you stand for long periods of time, and if you drop a dish, it’s a goner.

If you drop a dish on a wood floor, you have a better chance of it surviving the fall, and because it is a softer material it is easier on your legs.  But wood floors – whether natural or engineered wood – are vulnerable to water, so if, for instance, the dish washer were to leak, damage to the floor is almost unavoidable.

Vinyl flooring is impervious to moisture, is easy on your legs and has an unending variety of looks to choose from.  Because it is a soft material, it is prone to tearing and scarring, so when you pull out your refrigerator to clean under it, it can leave grooves in the surface.

The only absolute our Mosby designers adhere to is no carpeting in the kitchen.  Food and water naturally winds up on the kitchen floor, which makes carpeting in this room both high maintenance and less hygienic.

Bathroom Flooring

The bathroom is all about water, so waterproof is the most important consideration.  This is why ceramic tile and stone remain the most popular and enduring material for bathroom floors.  Other materials can be used, but just like in the kitchen, water and hygiene is the prime consideration, so choosing a material other than ceramic or stone can be very high maintenance.

For both your kitchen and bathrooms, tile floors can be water-resistant and warm if you also install radiant heating under the tile.

Entries, Laundry Room & Mud Room Flooring

Laundry and mud rooms are high utility, and need to accommodate moisture and dirt.  Hard surfaces like ceramic, stone or concrete work best for keeping these spaces clean.  The same thinking applies to entries, where visitors will be more likely to bring in the outside elements.

Bedroom Flooring

Warmth and comfort are top priority in bedrooms, and because they are typically not high traffic areas, this is a chance to splurge on more luxurious flooring.  Carpeting is a great choice, as is cork, which is a natural material with exceptional softness.

Family Room Flooring

The public spaces of our home are used and seen most frequently. Carpeting is a popular choice for its warmth, and good quality carpet is durable.  Choosing the style of carpet is based on how the room is used, what levels of maintenance you expect and your personal preference for look and feel.

Choosing from such a wide variety of colors and textures requires some extra analysis; light colors in a high-traffic family room will show dirt and traffic patterns, while dark colors will show lint, pet hair and most anything that lands on it.

Wood flooring is a good choice for warmth and lower maintenance, and adding area rugs to the room provides softness and introduces another layer of design options.

Basement Flooring

Your basement can be a moist area, so the choice of flooring is all about how it holds up to humidity and water.  The best choice is ceramic tile because it is impervious to moisture.  If you prefer a wood look, use an engineered wood (or vinyl flooring with a wood look) because it is better at adapting to moisture than natural wood.  Real wood floors will continually swell and contract with the changing humidity levels in your basement.

Carpeting can work in a basement if you choose only 100% synthetic materials with built-in mildew resistance.  Avoid natural carpet materials like wool and cotton, as they will wick up moisture and eventually hold a mildew smell.  Vinyl flooring is another option, but as it is installed directly over the concrete, it will show any imperfections in surface or level.

Decisions, Decisions…

As you may have gathered, there are many other things to consider besides how it looks when choosing flooring for your home.  How do you keep track of it all and make the best decision?

When it comes to making a choice about a surface that makes such a large impact on your home, we invite you to work with a Mosby Building Arts designer.  Our designers stay up-to-date on all the latest flooring trends and technologies. And after talking with you about how you live and what you desire, we will make an informed recommendation on which flooring best compliments your personal style while delivering lasting value.  To explore your flooring choices, call us at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

.