ICC Floors Plus Blog

Cabinets. Countertops. Paint.

You are here: Home / Archives for iccfloors

iccfloors

Color Predictions for 2020

by Leave a Comment

Paint can quickly make or break a room’s aesthetic appeal. What colors we choose can be one of the most critical influences on our room’s overall design. Therefore, picking the perfect paint can be a big decision. With millions of color options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect color. To help, we took a look at some of the top selected colors this year and made predictions of great colors to choose for the upcoming year. Here are our top picks for 2020’s color predictions:

Whites & Creams

Let’s be honest; white will always be a great neutral. We can all remember the beige craze several years ago. However, lately, we have seen a lot with greys throughout the design and fashion industry. Now, we see the return of bright whites and creams as a reliable, neutral color option. In fact, many businesses and homes are starting to add white for its sophisticated and clean-cut look that it contributes to the design.

Muted Pastels

Adding a slight hint of color can significantly change your room’s whole design. For instance, recently, we are starting to see more pastels being used as a neutral color. The washed look of the pastel color can slightly influence the design without coming across overwhelming. We believe choosing a pastel color for your home will be a safe choice in 2020. You can choose from any shade of red, blue, yellow, and green to capture this feeling. In fact, making the color more muted can allow a subtle but noticeable difference in each environment.

Sage & Forest Green

The interior design industry tends to follow the fashion industry. For instance, we have been watching a lot of sage and forest green enter the fashion industry lately, and we believe this is not going to stop any time soon. Perhaps it will make its way into the interior design industry as we roll into the new year. This earthy tone is excellent for enriching the environment and give more vitality to the space. You can use these two different shades of green in one space while allowing them to complement any plant life you bring into your home.

While all of these are just predictions, they are some great color choices that could be more than mere fads. Do you have any predictions on what colors may be highly influential next year? Let us know below in the comment section and remember to subscribe.

Best Countertops for Homeowners Who Love to Cook

by Leave a Comment

While most homeowners realize that buying countertops is an investment, they can often base their decision on looks rather than their lifestyle. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of each countertop and choose a product that aligns with your needs. Where quartz may be superior in one aspect, granite may fall short in another area. Grasping the countertops as a whole and basing your decision off of your lifestyle is crucial.

That being said, we are talking about countertops. Countertops, typically, go in two areas of the home: the kitchen and bathroom. When determining the right countertop option for your kitchen, you will want to take into consideration how often you cook, what you cook, and if you are entertaining. These factors can help you make the right choice. But at ICC Home, we are all about making your decisions easy. That is why we have chosen two countertop choices for homeowners who love to cook. Enjoy!

Granite

Granite countertops are loved for their distinct, unmatched beauty and superior durability. Although they come with some needed maintenance, overall, you will find that granite countertops can help you channel your inner chef and prepare a delectable meal. For instance, they are not easily scratched, which can be helpful when cooking large meals with heavy pots and pans. Additionally, granite is heat-resistant, letting you set hot items out on your countertops. Lastly, when granite is sealed, it will create a less porous landscape for food particles and liquids to penetrate, helping you to remove messes easily.

When it comes to maintenance, granite countertops are quite easy to clean. You will want to take a damp, soft cloth and clean your countertops regularly. Additionally, you will want to avoid letting wet items sit on your countertops for extended periods of time. And although granite countertops can be scratch-resistant, it is always best to use a cutting board.

Quartz

Quartz is another well-loved countertop choice. Quartz is composed of natural quartz crystals, making one of the most beautiful and durable countertop selections for your home. Plus, its beauty is matched by its durability, making it a great choice for homeowners who love to cook. In fact, quartz countertops are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant, which provides the chef with ease will cooking. While it is heat-resistant, extremely high temperatures can burn the material, so be sure to use caution.

When it comes to maintenance, quartz countertops are one of the easiest countertop products to maintain. Unlike its counterparts, quartz does not need any sealers. In fact, you do not need to seal your countertops each year since they are non-porous. Instead, you will merely need clear dish soap and a damp, soft rag to clean it.

Are you between quartz and granite countertops? If so, one of our expert sales associates would love to help you make the final decision. Please do not hesitate to call or visit us with any questions.

ICC Home’s Westfield Store

by Leave a Comment

We would like to warmly welcome you to our Westfield Store (3245 E. SR 32 Westfield, IN 46074). Recently, we completely revamped the Westfield Store with new signage, displays, and vinyl floors. We are incredibly proud of the finished product and cannot wait to share our store with you. Be sure to visit us at the Westfield location to help make all of your design dreams become a reality. Just remember that we sit back a little bit from the street to offer a more exclusive experience. We hope to see you soon!

Multi-Layer Flooring: WPC, SPC, & LVF

by 1 Comment

Multi-layer flooring is not as complex as the name makes it sound. In fact, you can picture the flooring in layers, much like a sandwich, to help you visualize the product. As the name suggests, it is composed of multiple layers to form one flooring material. There are three categories within the multi-layer flooring family: WPC, SPC, and LVP.

Wood Polymer Composite

WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) is an extraordinary type of vinyl flooring. While traditional vinyl floors use a PVC backing, WPC flooring uses a WPC backing. This bottommost layer is composed of a variety of materials like wood pulp and foaming agents to create a soft underfoot.

Stone Polymer Composite

SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) is created with a limestone core, PVC dust, and a stabilizer. With a more heavy focus on the limestone, homeowners will discover that SPC has a dense core, making it the most impact-resistant of the three multi-layer flooring options.

Luxury Vinyl Planking

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planking) may be the multi-layer flooring product in which you are most familiar. It is an incredibly diverse and well-loved flooring product. From Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) to Luxury Vinyl hardwood, luxury vinyl planking offers a wide variety of styles and designs. Plus, it does not fall short in durability. It is waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it the perfect choice for active households.

Why Homeowners Love Multi-Layer Flooring

Easy Installation – The installation process of MLF is incredibly simple and straightforward, giving even novice DIY homeowners the chance to install their own floors.

Waterproof/Water-Resistant – You can now have the beautiful look of hardwood without the worry of warping since MLF can be installed in areas that are exposed to moisture.

Design Versatility – MLF offers a wide variety of styles to match a homeowner’s design preferences. From wood-like to stone-like floors, you can have the look of hardwood or stone with the durability of a rigid core.

Affordability – MLF comes in a variety of different prices, each to match a different budget. The simplicity of the install helps to keep the overall price down, giving homeowners more flexibility.

Easy Care & Maintenance – While the installation leaves behind a little mess, homeowners can also rest easy that their new floors are easy to maintain and clean.

All in all, multi-layer flooring is an exquisite choice. If you would like to learn more about our MLF selection at ICC Home, please call or visit us for more information.

How to Pick Hardware for Your Cabinets

by Leave a Comment

You have begun your kitchen remodel, and every design element has fallen into place. Your new countertops look amazing with your new floors that complement your cabinet selection. But all of a sudden, you realize that you have forgotten to choose your cabinet’s hardware. While it is not the biggest decision, you have been dreading making it. Luckily, you remembered this article, and all of your stress went away – okay, well, maybe not all of it.

The hardware you select for your kitchen cabinets can help complete the overall design; therefore, it can often be a challenging decision for homeowners to make. From modern, sleek pieces to more elaborately-designed pieces, you have a wide selection when it comes to styles. Fortunately, the decision does not need to be difficult. At ICC Home, we strive to make all of your design selections easy. Today, we are going to help you choose the right hardware for your cabinets with six easy steps. Let’s get started!

Where There Is a Design, There Is a Way

When you are designing your kitchen, it is important to keep within a design theme. If you do, it will help you make more accurate decisions. For example, if you have a Modern kitchen, you will want to look more toward Modern hardware, especially if your cabinets have clean lines. Ideally, you want to complement the overall design theme you have chosen by selecting cabinet hardware within its design family.

The Finishing Touch

Another great tip to remember is that all finishes should match within your kitchen. For example, if you have a stainless steel faucet, you would want to select stainless steel hardware.

Color Me Inspired

If you do not decide to match your kitchen’s finishes, your kitchen cabinet’s colors should help you decide on a color. For example, if you have gray cabinets, you may decide to go with black hardware since it is within the same color family.

Don’t Go Overboard

A lot of homeowners are incorporating the trend of mixing metals; however, it is important to set a limit for yourself. While this may currently be a trend, you want to try creating a kitchen design that is timeless. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances, you may want to opt for hardware that complements stainless steel rather than opposes it.

Quality, Quality, Quality

The most inexpensive option is not always the best option, especially when it comes to hardware. When designing your kitchen, you will want to choose quality pieces that will last a lifetime. They may have more of a price tag, but they will be able to stand up against daily tasks.

Mix and Match

When deciding whether to choose a knob or a pull, you can explore the idea of mixing and matching the two throughout your kitchen. Pulls can be more useful for areas that you frequently use, whereas knobs can hold a lot of decorative potential.

A Realm of Possibilities

Designing a space is your chance to express yourself and your creativity. It can always be fun to try something new and bold. Explore your options before you commit to the simplest design.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, ICC Home has you covered. We have a beautiful showroom filled with inspiring room scenes to help you during the design process. Plus, we have expert designers ready to answer any and all of your questions. Do not hesitate; visit us today to make all of your dreams a reality.

Countertop Care & Maintenance

by 1 Comment

Countertops, whether inside of the kitchen or bathroom, are not only great for functional purposes, but they also add a beautiful design element. To help your kitchen countertops stay beautiful, it is important to keep up on a regular care and maintenance routine. That being said, countertops and their characteristics can differ, so it is important to understand your countertop’s needs. Today, we are going to take a look at ICC Home’s countertop selection, and let you know how to care for them properly. Let’s get started!

Ceramic Tile

Fortunately, ceramic tile is a low-maintenance countertop solution. On a daily basis, you will want to take a sponge or a soft washcloth and wipe down your countertops and backsplash. With a manufacturer-recommended cleaner, you will want to clean the tile and grout.

When deep cleaning, you will want to consult with your manufacturer to guarantee you are using approved products. After using an approved cleaner (i.e., one to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains), you will want to wipe down and rinse off any leftover product thoroughly.

Things to Remember:

  • You will want to clean spills right away, so your tile and its grout do not become stained.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool since they can scratch the surface.
  • Always use a cutting board.
  • Do not sit or stand on your ceramic tile countertops.
  • You can use a soft brush when deep cleaning your countertops.

Laminate

With the way that it is made, the color and/or patterns you see on your laminate countertops are not consistent through the entire product, which means scratching can occur. Homeowners will want to avoid any scratches on their laminate counters because the scratches cannot be repaired. Additionally, laminate is a non-porous material; however, its seams are not non-porous. It is important to clean the seams to eliminate bacteria growth. To clean your laminate countertops, simply take soap and water with a clean sponge or washcloth. Afterward, be sure to completely dry the seams as well as your counters.

Things to Remember:

  • Never use abrasive cleaners on your laminate countertops.
  • Normal wear and tear are normal on laminate counters; however, heat will cause damage. Always use a trivet with hot pans.
  • Avoid acidic or vinegar cleaners.
  • Always use a cutting board.

Slab Stone

To clean your slab stone countertops, we recommend going with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, specifically made for their stone countertops. If you are unable to get the approved cleaner, you can use a neutral pH dish soap or pure, dye-free soap for daily cleaning. When cleaning, be sure to rinse the countertops thoroughly and buff them dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Things to Remember:

  • Each natural stone is a different level of porous; therefore, it may be wise to seal your countertops annually.
  • Sealing also helps slow down the staining process.
  • Too much cleaner or soap on your countertops can leave a film or even streaks.
  • Never use products that contain vinegar, abrasives, or any ammonia-based cleaners.
  • Do not use retail grout cleaners or bathroom cleaners on your stone countertops.
  • Avoid acidic foods on your countertops since they can change the color of your stone countertops. Avoid oil-based products since they can stain your countertops.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are loved for their low-maintenance properties, as well as their ability to be resurfaced. For everyday cleaning, simply take soap and water or an ammonia-based cleaner. For deep cleaning, you can use a damp washcloth with a household detergent. To remove more stubborn stains, you can use fine sandpaper to resurface your countertops. Just be sure to reference your manufacturer’s guide for the correct sanding process.

Things to Remember:

  • Always use a cutting board.
  • Be sure to use a trivet for hot pots and pans.
  • Never use nail polish remover, oven cleaner, drain cleaners, lacquer thinner or paint removers on your countertops since they will stain or discolor the surface.

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most beautiful countertop solutions and is practically maintenance-free. Fortunately, there is no sealing, buffing, polishing, or reconditioning required with quartz. For daily cleaning, all you need is soap and water.

Things to Remember:

  • Quartz countertops are non-porous; therefore, they do not need to be sealed in order to prevent staining.
  • Quartz can tolerate moderate temperatures for a short amount of time; therefore, you will want to use a trivet when dealing with a hot pan or pot.
  • Always use a cutting board with quartz countertops.
  • Avoid strong chemicals, solvents, oven cleaners, and floor strippers on your quartz countertops.
  • Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight may result in slight discoloration of natural quartz surfaces.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment.