Pile it on...a primer on how to pick the best carpet!

When you need a new carpet, you should get maximum return for your money. The range of products, colors and textures can be overwhelming so here are a few tips to get you started. Please recycle your old carpet and pad so they don't end up in a landfill.

1) Know your use. What conditions is your carpet subjected to? Do you have pets? Will you be eating in the carpeted room? If your rooms don't have much traffic, and you won't subject them to pet stains and food, you can opt for less durable carpet in lighter colors. On stairways and other high-use,  high-traffic areas you will need durability and higher stain resistance.

2) Understand the materials. Cost may be a factor in the fiber you select. (A) Wool, a natural fiber, is known for resistance to soiling, durability and good cleanability. It is cushiony and has excellent resilience but is the most expensive fiber. You should not use wool in damp areas. (B) Nylon is a synthetic fiber and is the strongest and most popular. It generally has high stain resistance and its longevity is 10-12 years with affordable pricing. The fibers can be compressed and bounce back which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. (C) Polyester is second in popularity since it bends more than nylon making it less durable. It is less expensive and easier to clean than nylon,  comes in more color options and tends to maintain color longer. However, with the lowest durability, it won't last as long as nylon or wool and frequent replacement is expensive. (D) Olefin is a great outdoor and wet area carpet, durable and colorfast, but is not a soft surface for walking on.  Check out the blends and new fibers - often with recycled content - which are highly stain resistant, extremely durable, and include anti-bacterial and other resilient properties.. 

3) Select the right color. This seems like an easy choice, however, once carpet is installed you will live with it for a long time; the wrong color can negatively impact the entire space. Pattern, and texture, along with color, make a difference in the appearance. Shades that work with your existing or planned color theme is smart. Beige or light brown carpeting are safe choices for white walls and work with most color schemes.   Neutral color choices tend to be timeless whereas bold colors might be trendy.  For example: if your walls are a light shade of taupe, choose a slightly darker shade of taupe for your carpeting for a warm, cohesive background. With dark-colored walls such as cranberry or dark green, using a lighter colored carpet will keep the space from looking small. If you can bring samples home, do, since colors may look very different in the light present in your home.

4) Pile height is key. Here are the four pile types, with sub-categories you may be familiar with.

Cut Pile

Cut pile and textured cut pile carpet is the most popular height. Cut pile carpet is manufactured by cutting all of the looped fibers at the top of the bundles. This creates a carpet with yarn bundles that stand straight. To create a luxurious appearance the cut pile is pre-sheared several times. Cut pile carpet, as compared to other styles is the least resistant to crushing. Saxony is the softest cut pile. The fibers are twisted tightly, cut and then straightened using heat. The texture is soft but will show all foot prints and tracks from a vacuum. Textures are a great cut pile that work very well because of their soft feel under foot. Textures are produced with tightly twisted fibers and are set with heat creating a medium durability carpet. Textured carpets have a multi-color appearance that hide footprints. Velvets and Plush carpeting are manufactured with a uniform color and a light twist. Because of their visual luxury and feel, Velvet and Plush carpeting are perfect for formal areas. For high traffic areas, a Frieze carpet is recommended. Perfect for informal areas, the fibers are made of a highly twisted cut pile carpet. They are made with short fibers that tend to curl in different directions at the surface to hide footprints and vacuum marks. 

Cut and Loop Pile

Cut and Loop pile carpet combines cut and looped fibers. Of medium density, this carpeting is available in sculpted patterns. Because of the different levels of yarn the carpet hides dirt, stains and footprints exceptionally well. Berber is a very popular loop pile that have a very high durability because of their thick yarns. They do retain dirt and are easily damaged by snags to the loops. 

Level Loop Pile

Level Loop and Multi-Level Loop pile is ideal for high traffic areas and resistance to marks. These carpets are made by weaving even loops of yarn through both ends of the carpet’s backing. By using higher loops the carpet has a more luxurious appearance. Level Loop carpet with short and densely packed loops is easy to clean since loops prevent dirt from filtering into the carpet. In Level Loop Pile all of the loops of yarn are at the same height and with the Multi-Level Loop the heights of the yarn varies. The Multi-Level Loop creates a random texture making it a good choice for high traffic areas although the small loops have a tendency to hold more dirt and dust. 

How long will it last? The life expectancy of home products and materials.

We have been a throw-away society.  Looks old? Trash it and buy new. Out of date? Throw it out.  It's no wonder our landfills are so full that we send local garbage to distant locations to get rid of it. Here's a general guide to how long common appliances and products SHOULD last. If your style has changed and the items are working and workable, try donating to organizations like Habitat for Humanity. They sell donated goods to raise money to build homes.  Beware of purchasing "cheap" versions....it often costs more to buy them when replacement is not far behind.

Life Expectancy of Household Components
Appliances	Life in years
Compactors	10
Dishwashers	10-15
Dryers	14
Disposal	10
Freezers, compact	12
Freezers, standard	16
Microwave ovens	11
Electric ranges	17
Gas ranges	19
Gas ovens	14
Refrigerators, compact	14
Refrigerators, standard	17
Washers, automatic and compact	13
Exhaust fans	20
Bathrooms	Life in years
Cast iron bathtubs	50
Fiberglass bathtub and showers	10-15
Shower doors, average quality	25
Toilets	50
Cabinetry	Life in years
Kitchen cabinets	20+
Medicine cabinets and bath vanities	20+
Closet systems	Life in years
Closet shelves	Lifetime
Countertops	Life in years
Laminate	10-15
Ceramic tile, high-grade installation	Lifetime
Wood/butcher block	20+
Granite	20+
Doors	Life in years
Screen	25-50
Interior, hollow core	Less than 30
Interior, solid core	30-lifetime
Exterior, protected overhang	80-100
Exterior, unprotected and exposed	25-30
Folding	30-lifetime
Garage doors	20-50
Garage door opener	10-15
Electrical	Life in years
Copper wiring, copper plated, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper	100+
Armored cable (BX)	Lifetime
Conduit	Lifetime
Finishes used for waterproofing	Life in years
Paint, plaster, and stucco	5-15
Sealer, silicone, and waxes	1-5
Floors	Life in years
Oak or pine	Lifetime
Slate flagstone	Lifetime
Vinyl sheet or tile	20-30
Terrazzo	Lifetime
Carpeting (depends on installation, amount of traffic, and quality of carpet)	11-15
Marble (depends on installation, thickness of marble, and amount of traffic)	Lifetime+
Footings and foundation	Life in years
Poured footings and foundations	200
Concrete block	100
Cement	50
Waterproofing, bituminous coating	10
Termite proofing (may have shorter life in damp climates)	5
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)	Life in years
Central air conditioning unit (newer units should last longer)	15-25
Window unit	10-15
Air conditioner compressor	15
Humidifier	8-12
Electric water heater	14
Gas water heater (depends on type of water heater lining and quality of water)	11-13
Forced air furnaces, heat pump	15
Rooftop air conditioners	15
Boilers, hot water or steam (depends on quality of water)	30
Furnaces, gas- or oil-fired	18
Unit heaters, gas or electric	13
Radiant heaters, electric	10
Radiant heaters, hot water or steam	25
Baseboard systems	20
Diffusers, grilles, and registers	27
Induction and fan coil units	20
Dampers	20
Centrifugal fans	25
Axial fans	20
Ventilating roof-mounted fans	20
DX, water, and steam coils	20
Electric coils	15
Heat Exchangers, shell-and-tube	24
Molded insulation	20
Pumps, sump and well	10
Burners	21
Home security appliances	Life in years
Intrusion systems	14
Smoke detectors	12
Smoke/fire/intrusion systems	10
Insulation	Life in years
For foundations, roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors	Lifetime
Landscaping	Life in years
Wooden decks	15-20
Brick and concrete patios	24
Tennis courts	10
Concrete walks	24
Gravel walks	4
Asphalt driveways	10
Swimming pools	18
Sprinkler systems	12
Fences	12
Masonry	Life in years
Chimney, fireplace, and brick veneer	Lifetime
Brick and stone walls	100+
Stucco	Lifetime
Millwork	Life in years
Stairs, trim	50-100
Disappearing stairs	30-40
Paints and stains	Life in years
Exterior paint on wood, brick, and aluminum	10-15
Interior wall paint (depends on the acrylic content)	10+
Interior trim and door paint	5-10
Wallpaper	7
Plumbing	Life in years
Waste piping, cast iron	75-100
Sinks, enamel steel	5-10
Sinks, enamel cast iron	25-30
Sinks, china	25-30
Faucets, low quality	13-15
Faucets, high quality	15-20
Roofing	Life in years
Asphalt and wood shingles and shakes	15-30
Tile (depends on quality of tile and climate)	50
Slate (depends on grade)	50-100
Sheet metal (depends on gauge of metal and quality of fastening and application)	20-50+
Built-up roofing, asphalt	12-25
Built-up roofing, coal and tar	12-30
Asphalt composition shingle	15-30
Asphalt overlag	25-35
Rough structure	Life in years
Basement floor systems	Lifetime
Framing, exterior and interior walls	Lifetime
Shutters	Life in years
Wood, interior	Lifetime
Wood, exterior (depends on weather conditions)	4-5
Vinyl plastic, exterior	10+
Aluminum, interior	35-50
Aluminum, exterior	3-5
s
Siding	Life in years
Gutters and downspouts	30
Siding, wood (depends on maintenance)	10-100
Siding, steel	50-Lifetime
Siding, aluminum	20-50
Siding, vinyl	50
Walls and window treatments	Life in years
Drywall and plaster	30-70
Ceramic tile, high grade installation	Lifetime
Windows	Life in years
Window glazing	20
Wood casement	20-50
Aluminum and vinyl casement	20-30
Screen	25-50

Bathroom trends ..why you should watch them.

Understanding the trends is not strictly for updating your rooms to the latest style. We all know what happens with trends..they come and go...although they can come back.  Keeping abreast of trends will guide you to better and more functional products when the time comes to make changes to what you have. Better surfaces, easier care, more efficient fixtures, and ideas for better space planning all come from watching trends.

Quartz Surfacing: This surface, with sustainability in manufacturing, options for color and texture, and non-permeable, anti-stain and anti-bacterial features is one to consider. Its use is on the rise in bathroom design with use in showers where integrating two colors and insetting tiles creates easy-care custom style.

.

Green Palette: Blue seems like a natural color for water-centric rooms, but green color palettes have become more popular. With the new color options in tiles, counters and durable low and no VOC paints and finishes, you can have wonderful color and easy care surfaces. Greens can be a neutral background especially in baths where a garden view is incorporated into the scheme.

Vessel Sinks: They are second to under-mount installations in both traditional and modern baths. Great styling, improved depth and scale for less splashing and more function is why. Material options include vitreous china, metal, stone, and glass are pricing makes them affordable. Use the right faucet for these sinks!

Satin Nickel Fixtures: The slight brushing on the surface of these fixtures makes fingerprints hard to see. Even some water spots are less obvious than on chrome or polished versions of this metal. They do have a slight pink cast so be sure it fits with the surfaces you plan to use.  Nickel doesn't tarnish easily so means easy care. A quick swipe with a cloth and the finish looks nice. 

How to road test a sofa...5 tips.

When buying your new sofa, style and scale are very important but durability is critical. An investment in a piece of furniture you sit in daily should be well-thought out. Don't opt for throwaway pieces that last 2-8 years and then wear out or collapse; make a one-time purchase that will last 20 years. The right size and shape for your space is important. You want to be sure there is ample room to walk around comfortably.  As for details, if you have children a tight back will be easier to maintain than one with multiple back cushions and pillows.  If you love modern style, stay away from rolled arms and camel backs and opt for a sofa with straight lines and less detail. As for the 'guts', here are five tips for you to test the piece:

A sectional should be sized correctly for your space.

1) Check the Frame A sturdy frame means a long-lasting sofa. Soft wood, such as pine, is low-cost, but it can warp or wobble after just five years. Hardwood (kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech, for example) is more durable. Avoid frames made of particleboard, plastic, or metal; they will warp and crack. Legs should be part of the frame or held on with screws or dowels (pegs) — not with glue alone. To test frame strength, lift one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor. There should be no 'give' or bending in the frame and it should feel heavy. 

2) Ask About Joinery A frame with joints connected by any of the following means is solidly constructed: wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks (the tag might read corner blocks glued and screwed), or metal screws and brackets. Staples or nails may be used for extra reinforcement, but never buy a sofa that's held together solely by staples, nails, or glue Ask for written manufacturer information on frame joinery. 

3) Test the Springs Most sofas have sinuous or serpentine, springs — pre-assembled units of snaking wire. They're supportive, but can press on the frame or sag over time if the metal isn't heavy. The gold standard is eight-way hand-tied springs which are very comfortable and durable but a bit more expensive. Feel the springs through the upholstery — they should be close together and firm. Sofas with no springs, just webbing or mesh, are uncomfortable and flimsy Sit down firmly on a corner or outside edge of a sofa you're considering. Squeaks and creaks suggest that springs are incorrectly placed or hitting the frame. 

4) Feel Your Fillings Unzip the cushions and look inside. Polyurethane foam is a low-cost, easy-care cushion filling. The more durable, high-density type feels firner, but softer, low-density foam deteriorates more rapidly with constant use. High-resilient (HR) foam is slightly more expensive but more comfortable and long-lasting. Polyester fiber is inexpensive but it flattens quickly. Goose and duck feather fillings are comfy, but they can clump so cushions need frequent fluffing. A down-poly fiber blend is cheaper, but also flattens fast. Two good options that are comfortable and reasonably priced: HR foam in a layer of down and conventional foam wrapped in polyester batting or a down envelope. The best: A series of springs encased in high density foam and then wrapped in a channeled bag with a mixture of feathers and down.

Traditional roll-arm sofa and chair with modern legs.

5) Choose the Right Fabric Sofas for everyday use need durable fabric. Where the sofa will be used should be your guide for fabric selection. Cotton and linen are good choices but watch out for loose weaves since they can snag. Synthetic microfibers are fabulous, washable and stain resistant. Cotton and linen can be treated for stain resistance, but even then they aren't as easy to clean, or as durable. Blends of natural and synthetic fibers tend to pill so beware. Wool and leather are beautiful and strong but more expensive. Silk is sleek but fragile. Fabrics with patterns woven in tend to wear better than those with printed patterns.

A kitchen for under $5000

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, with motivation to design and build your own space, try a modular system from IKEA.  Fast and inexpensive when compared with many other options, you can design, purchase, and install an IKEA kitchen in a week. Without skills, you can still hire professional installers to do the work and create a new kitchen on a budget. A variety of  cabinet styles from sleek and modern to basic or traditional are offered. Be aware of your existing space and what you need to do for the transformation.  Here are some great kitchens designed using IKEA products.

Kitchen trends to know when you update.

Kitchens are the most frequently remodeled or updated spaces in a home or apartment. Whether it is to improve saleability or function or simply to update the style, decisions made in this space should be enduring. These style options, while very popular in the last two years, are also considered classic and good choices for the long-term.

Shaker Style Cabinetry:  Shaker doors are a timeless classic whose shape crosses many style boundaries.  They can make a modern home cozier but retain a sleek look preferred in minimalist interiors. Traditional kitchens tend to dictate the style of adjoining rooms and can limit the decor, but Shaker style enables the use of more contemporary furnishings.  For formality, stain them and paint them for a casual look. Don't forget that the choice of hardware will have a tremendous impact on the overall style.

Dark Finishes: Despite concerns for energy use by over-lighting, dark finishes remain at the top of the list for kitchens.  More modern style kitchens tend to use mid-toned finishes but NKBA surveys indicate that traditionalists prefer warm, dark hues. A great way to lighten a kitchen and retain a dark, traditional finish, is to mix dark base cabinets with lighter uppers, and even mix colors on islands, pantries, and display cabinets.

Unrefrigerated Wine Storage: Finding space for a wine captain can be challenging, but carving out a niche in the cabinets or shelving for wine racks is easier. It allows one to add specialty function to a kitchen without dedicating it to an appliance.

French Doors:  With new zero clearance doors and bottom freezers, French door style refrigerators are easy to use, easy to conceal, and very efficient. The look can be modern with stainless fronts, or traditional with iron handles and cabinet panels. The interior space is larger than side-by-side models and storage of large containers such as cakes and pizza is made possible.

LED Lighting: Incandescent light bulbs are on their way out. While energy-efficient halogen and compact fluorescents are also used, the extended life cycle, reduced cost, and lower energy usage will drive LED to the forefront.  Multiple color temperatures are available for light from pure and white to soft and yellow.  With bulbs, pucks, strips, recessed fixtures and more, the options for lighting with LED are nearly limitless.

Induction Cooking: Concerns for energy costs may be spurring the increased interest in efficient induction technology. They incorporate onto work surfaces well and are safe to touch. They enable instant adjustment, no heat is wasted beyond your cooking vessel, and it's easy to install in place of gas or electric appliances. A minor negative is having to use the right cookware.

Waste Disposal:  Increased emphasis on waste reduction and recycling leads to an overall concern for sustainability and a household's environmental impact. Incorporating garbage, recycling, and even composting space into kitchen design is a long-term positive feature. New compacting units assist with space requirements, and look as good as their function.

Basement transformations.

Do you live in a part of the country where a basement is standard with the homes? Finishing your basement is often a simple and more cost-effective alternative to adding to the structure. Considering that basement temperatures are relatively constant year round since they are surrounded by earth, the costs to heat and cool that space could be minimal. The foundation also makes basement rooms quiet and therefore ideal as media rooms, play rooms, and even spa and exercise rooms. Having a hangout for your teens can be priceless as you will know where they are all the time.

Basements do present challenges -- small windows, low ceilings, structural columns. With the right advice and budget, all can be overcome or even transformed into assets.  Unlike other spaces, basements flaws are obvious, so you won't have to budget for unpleasant surprises.




1) Consult a realtor if your goal is adding equity to your home.


2) Examine all of the mechanical elements - heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical - to determine your starting point and what it will take to create a livable space. You may want to make this area a separate HVAC zone.


3) Determine a plan for the space including adding or moving walls, windows, and posts. Lay out a floor plan on graph paper or using a computer aided design tool and include furniture, cabinets, appliances and fixtures.

4) Create an electrical plan for wiring, switching and existing and new lighting. Don't skimp on lighting since you are underground but use energy efficient LED, compact fluorescent fixtures and space them correctly.


5) Be sure to consider ceiling height if existing ductwork, pipes, etc. need to be enclosed. Ducts and plumbing may need to be relocated along walls or beams where head-room isn't so critical. Leave ceilings high in the center of rooms where you will be most of the time, it adds to the illusion of space. Along the walls where the ceiling is too low,  consider custom built-ins [cabinets or shelving to conceal pipes etc...] and still create wonderful storage and architectural detail. That's also an ideal place to locate closets. Design the rooms so that the posts or columns are concealed inside walls; eliminating one or two may possible, and in most cases, desirable.


6) Maximize windows, for emergency escape as well as daylight. Can you connect to your outdoors?  Access to the outdoors is an underestimated asset.  Replace an existing cellar door with a set of French doors - that's usually where you find the grade at its lowest height. Even if it requires cutting through foundation walls or excavating a step-down, the benefits may outweigh the cost. 


7) Add a bathroom.  The value of this will be apparent when using the space and at re-sale time.

8) If head-room is still too low, don't give up... dig the floor! 


9) Use horizontal design elements to emphasize the width and length of the room rather than its lack of height. Set tiles in a diagonal pattern to make the room feel wider. Slightly shorten the doors [and jambs!] by an inch or two. The ceiling will seem higher and you will feel taller! 


10)  Use flooring that is easy care.  New carpets are eco-friendly, stain resistant, extremely durable and warm. Porcelain and stone tiles are another great choice if you want low maintenance and durability. 

White bedding for a great base.

A fresh spring look is to dress your bed in white. It's a change from the deeper tones of winter.  White is versatile if you like to make seasonal changes since it creates a great base to layer on color and texture. For me, everything is washable and a touch of bleach removes paw marks although ink can be a challenge.  I often add a top layer of protection from pet dander and stains - a white throw - that I can remove weekly and wash. The challenge .... white does show soiling fast so needs to be washable. For under $10 I have sheets laundered and pressed for guests.

Start with a white sheet set. The top sheet and pillowcases can have edge detail like the bed above if it works with your color scheme and style; beware of the strong lines than some of that detail creates.  If you need one, add a tone-on-tone bed skirt for a bit of texture. Like detail? The skirt can be softly gathered or have tailored pleats.





If your blanket is a favorite yet you don't want to show its age or color, use a duvet cover. A duvet will protect down and wool and make your bedding easy to clean.   Whether you have a bedspread or a coverlet, fullness will make the bed look soft and inviting.  This can be accomplished with a down or down-alternative comforter inside the duvet or under the bedspread. 

For a casual look, folding the comforter at the foot of the bed is practical and pretty.  Add your pillows - in shams or not - and lean them against the headboard or wall. (See prior blogs for headboard ideas.)  To add accent colors or texture, place smaller pillows in front.   

Folding the sheets over the bedspread or duvet is more casual and makes it easier to climb into bed.  Pulling it all up flat and fully enclosing the pillows in decorative shams is more formal. As in this image, you can layer different shades of white for interest and texture.