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The Design Process and What to Expect

May 4, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Beginning the design process can seem a little intimidating at first, but it is a new opportunity to express yourself through design. Whether you are redesigning, renovating or building a home from scratch, every design comes with its own set of circumstances. That is why it is essential to approach every design with an organized game plan for a successful finished product. Unfortunately, failing to plan can sometimes lead to unpreparedness and interruptions. Our team is dedicated to creating a pain-free process to help transform your home and bring your dream oasis to life. To help you stay prepared, here is everything you need to know when beginning the design process:

Envision

What do you want your design to say? Are you aiming for a comfortable oasis to entertain guests or chic and sleek fixtures to make your guests “ooh and ahh.” Simply put, at ICC Home, we want to bring your dreams to life. To help our expert sales staff fully grasp what you want to accomplish, we recommend bringing in some of your favorite ideas. You can explore our showroom or create a mood board to gain inspiration and gather ideas you want to incorporate in your design. You can create a mood board digitally by saving pictures or pinning ideas you are looking to replicate. Just be sure to find designs that feel tailored and expressive of you because the environment you create is a reflection of yourself.

Establish and Adapt

Next, you will want to establish a style you are looking to create. There are hundreds of design themes to use as references (Minimalism, Art Deco, Rustic, Modern, etc.). Create a budget and establish what the room’s purpose will be. After, you will want to find products that create your atmosphere and reestablish your purpose. But no need to worry, because we will help guide you in selecting the perfect colors, materials, flooring, cabinets, and more.

As a reminder, some products may not work in every atmosphere so you may need to adapt some planning. For example, you may not be able to put hardwood over a slab or knock down a support wall. Adapting your vision to work with your home’s blueprint and architecture can be an essential part of the design process.

Transform and Create

Next, in the process, we will begin to create and transform your home. By providing a one-stop-shop, we hope to create a smooth design process and keep you updated along the way. We understand that the remodeling process can be stressful, but we will create a pleasant experience with an expert team. Bringing your dreams to life is our goal.

This simple three-step process is all it takes. So, start collecting ideas today, and envision your dream home. Let us establish the plans together as we transform your home into a paradise.

Top Benjamin Moore Paint Picks for 2019 | Part Three

April 19, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Colors can be a bit tricky to master. The colors we choose to put in our house will be with us for some time, so it is important to pick a good paint. Benjamin Moore is a premium paint and stain company. They have been committed, since 1883, to providing the highest-quality finishes in the industry. With over thousands of color choices, you will find the perfect color tailored to you to help create your space. Different colors become popular during different eras and this year is no exception. Benjamin Moore has put together a collection of their top selling paints to help homeowners create a flawless design. If you do not know where to start looking, perhaps consider some of these trending choices:

Pashmina

This color is a balance of classic and modern neutral palettes. It is part of the Affinity Color Collection and pairs great with other colors in the series. Pashmina is an expressive color that can stand alone or help enhance others. Try using this sophisticated hue to mature an atmosphere.

Soft Fern

Soft Fern is part of the Color Preview Collection. This pure soft color is a great neutral option for any home. It complements great with many colors due to its adaptable nature. Soft Fern feels authentic and timeless in any application and setting, and it is perfect for adding a little saturation to your home or to prepare it for resell.

Hunter Green

Last year, pastel colors were very trendy. This year takes a much darker approach. Hunter Green is a deep green that enriches any room. Benjamin Moore suggests that it pairs best with Wildwood Crest and Going to the Chapel. Enhance any room in your home with this bold shade of green. It will always feel classy and extraordinary in any space.

Decorator’s White

Who knew there were so many shades of white! Decorator’s White is a great place to start if you are looking to add white to your room this year. It is part of the Off-White Collection but adds subtle hints of warmth to the environment. Plus, it can enhance accents in dynamic atmospheres!

Paint can complete or add to any design. If you need any assistance in the selection process, one of our expert sales associates would love to help you. Please do not hesitate to call or visit our showroom for more information on our Benjamin Moore paint selection. Plus, if you missed part one or part two of our paint series, click the corresponding links to view them now. Thanks for reading!

Top Benjamin Moore Paint Picks for 2019 | Part Two

April 12, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Exploring the world of colors available for your home can be fun; however, finding the perfect shade can sometimes seem like a daunting task. With no direction, you can be searching for quite some time that is why we wanted to share the top color picks for 2019 with you. Let’s take a look!

Kona

Kona is part of the Affinity Color collection. It is balanced by earthy tones to help make your home feel more established and comfortable. This coffee color can add some energy to your life, and it works great with any color in the Affinity Color collection. Being so well-rounded, this is a confident color option to put in your home or workplace.

Putnam Ivory

Putnam Ivory is part of the Historic Color collection. This collection has gathered timeless remedies that have been refined to create the perfect color for your home. This traditional color celebrates American history, and it has proven to stand the test of time. While calming and simple, it never neglects to look sophisticated in any home.

Smoke

This contemporary hue of grey has cool undertones to help relax your space. It is perceived as a more refined option. This practical tone is perfect for keeping a mature and sophisticated atmosphere. It has been known to pair wonderfully with Gray Shower and Burnt Russet. This color trio can make a powerful statement in any space.

A subtle color that is soft-spoken can really be the perfect choice for many homes. This shade is a gentle white that has your atmosphere feeling airy and more open than ever. Finding the ideal white can be hard. If you are looking for a little more character to spruce up your space, look no further. This luminous, tender white can really be perfect for any home.

These are some of the most common colors used in 2019. They can be the perfect fit for your home or open your mind to other ideas or collections. Benjamin Moore has a large selection of inspiration colors to use in your home. Finding the perfect one may take time but is worth the investment. We recommend to try and find a color that complements your current décor and style best.

For more color inspiration, be sure to come back next week and check out our final post in the series. Plus, if you missed part one, you can view it here. Thanks for reading!

Top Benjamin Moore Paint Picks for 2019 | Part One

April 5, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

For the next three weeks, we are switching gears to focus on Benjamin Moore paint while we put the finishing touches on our brand new ICC Home showroom. If you missed any of our previous ICC Home showroom remodel posts, you can view them here. But for now, we wanted to share the top paint picks for 2019 with you:

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can feel overwhelming at times. With so many colors available on the market, it can be hard to even know where to begin. First, you should identify what you are trying to transpire visually through your design. Colors can all have influences on how we interpret a room’s overall feel and utilizing this aspect can be helpful. If you still have no idea where to begin, we recommend looking at some of Benjamin Moore’s top sellers in 2019. Determine what you like or do not like about each paint to help you determine which is the best color to put in your home.

Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels is a warm, ivory-influenced color. It is part of the Affinity Color collection. It brings a whole new look to a once-conventional color. This simply sophisticated hue is calming yet very inviting. It shows a true understanding of elegance. It is soft yet stabilizing and pairs great with Monet and Night Shade to create a sleek design contrast. You can create a more pleasant atmosphere in any space with Head Over Heels.

Metropolitan

Influenced by modern design, this grey tone the perfect neutral color. Metropolitan feels new and fresh but also seems to be timeless. It is a refined, distinguished color that is still conservative, and it serves the perfect balance between black and white. Keep your atmosphere neutral by pairing this color with Lemon Chiffon and Cinder.

Beau Green

Looking for a more vibrant choice? Consider the energetic Beau Green. This color is part of the Color Preview collection. Its deep undertones mixed with a brilliant color creates perfect harmony and a striking result. It is a fresh and rejuvenating color to put into your design if you are looking for something new. Additionally, this color is great to couple with Tranquility and Sweet Springs to make a relaxing yet revitalizing environment.

Hale Navy

With this deep-toned blue, your space will feel enriched. While softer blues were trending last year, the market has been demanding a deeper, more saturated, mature blend of colors. This is a perfectly shaded color which creates an unrivaled elegance to your space. Add this to your home to give a sophisticated yet luxurious vibe.

If you are stuck in the design process, interested in learning more about a color, or want to see a color in person, please do not hesitate to visit our showroom. One of our knowledgable sales team members would love to assist you in all of your paint project needs. Plus, with our recent showroom design, you can find everything you need and more for your design project in our one-stop-shop.

We look forward to the opportunity to work with you, and be sure to check back next week for part two of the series!

2019 Color of the Year: Living Coral

March 25, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Annually, Pantone, the global authority in colors, selects a new “Color of the Year.” Their select team of color experts travels the world to see what colors are up and coming and influential in marketing and design. The chosen color makes a high impact on many industries over the year. In fact, Pantone’s color choice influences many significant companies, and it is incorporated in modern merchandising, marketing, interior design, fashion, and much more. Knowing the “Color of the Year” can allow you to stay ahead in your home’s design as well as incorporate in commercial work. Let’s take a look at 2019’s Color of the Year:

Living Coral

2019’s Color of the Year is Living Coral. Living Coral is an energetic, “buoyant” color that can liven up any area while still complimenting passive, cool tones. It is referred to as a tangy-peach hue with golden undertones that evoke a powerful statement to any application.

Complementary Colors

Living Coral is a stimulating color that can pair well with other accompanying accent colors. As a warm tone, Living Coral pairs well with all of the other warm tones. You can try accompanying Living Coral with a Raspberry Red for a robust and spicy design. You can also move toward the cool tone family and choose a teal, navy, or turquoise to balance the space. While usually warm and cool tones can be paired with Living Coral to neutralize a space, these pairings are full of adventure, fun, and inspire an optimistic atmosphere.

Application

Pantone declared, “Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, vibrant, yet mellow, Pantone 16-1546, Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.” Applying this to your own space can help you stay up-to-date with modern colors as well as trends. It can be a great application to include in your business’ marketing or commercial space if you own your own business. If not, try incorporating Living Coral in your own home to bring new levels of energy into your own space.

The Color of the Year can be a great design addition. Pantone meticulously identifies a color that’s influence has the most significant impact on design that year. Have you seen this color used this year? How will you apply this trending color in your own space? We would love to hear from you! Comment below what you think about Living Coral.

Interview with Cam Haughey

March 22, 2019 by iccfloors 3 Comments

With the upcoming transition from ICC Floors to ICC Home, we wanted to feature a blog series on our showrooms’ remodel as well as our expansion to become your one-stop-shop for everything design related.

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cam Haughey, Co-Owner, to discuss the upcoming changes and what consumers can expect. Here is what Cam had to say:

Q: How long have you been in this industry?

A: “I have really been in the industry all of my adult life. I started in 1998 after I graduated from IU in 1997, and Nate and I started Indianapolis Custom Carpentry in the fall of 1998 for a year then quickly switched to ICC Floors, and now we are transitioning to ICC Home to offer even more to consumers. Growing up, I had my own lawn mowing business, and that unleashed my entrepreneurial bug. Additionally, I worked for Nate’s dad in college where I got my first experience in the building industry.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the industry since you have started ICC?

A: “There have been the ‘obvious’ changes in products. Every year there has been massive shifts in technology and trends that evolve the products. When we first started in the business, we began as hardwood floor installers and really the only available pre-finished hardwood floor at that time was 2-1/4 ” wide and maybe 3-1/4″ wide in about five colors of oak, and that was all we laid all day, every day.

But now, it is few and far between to use any 3-1/4″ solid hardwood. I think the most significant change in the industry is the reduction and consolidation of the dealer base and the shift into larger retail–it is a harder industry to survive as a small ‘ma and pa’ shop. In order to sample products, you have to have a substantial showroom and product line for it to truly be a source for consumers.”

Q: What changes have you seen at ICC Floors since you have opened?

A: “Obviously, there has been a significant change in the number of people and the size, but one of the things that I am most proud of is the ability to manage our growth, put systems in place and have those systems evolve. I feel like our structures and systems are far better now than they have ever been. These necessary structural and system changes have helped us evolve from Indianapolis Custom Carpentry to ICC Floors and now ICC Home.”

Q: What excites you about the remodel and transition to ICC Home?

A: “It is exciting to be embarking upon this new challenge, and it has been something that we have wanted to do for a long time. It makes complete sense–we feel it adds value for our customers. The showroom specifically excites me because we have been getting all of the kinks out by building strong relationships with cabinets suppliers, setting systems in place, and gathering our bearings to build this awesome showroom to knock it out the park. I am excited to finally have one of the best first-class kitchen and bath cabinet showrooms in the city. The remodel in relation to flooring is exciting because we are categorizing our design products by styles rather than brands to make the design process easier on the customer. We are providing our own custom displays so we can display it and make it easier, quicker and more user-friendly.”

Q: Why are you expanding/transitioning to ICC Home?

A: “I think ‘ICC Floors’ is no longer an accurate description of who we are and what we do. We had to find a name that reflected all of the products that we offered. We also wanted to emphasize that we are not just ‘dipping our toes in the water;’ we are serious and we are committed to it. These cabinets are not a sideshow for us; they are going to be a primary portion of our business. It is go-time for us!”

Q: What is ICC Home’s goal?

A: “There are four main components to ICC Home’s goal:

Provide a professional and relaxed atmosphere where we will showcase the highest quality products at honest prices.
Employ, train, and continually educate the best people in the business to facilitate your project.
Keep up with the latest marketplace design trends to best serve you, the customer.
Deliver the best possible service, from when you first walk through the door until your project is complete.”

Q: How will ICC Home better serve the customer?

A: “Currently, our customer base, especially those focusing on newer construction properties, are picking out cabinets while they are selecting floors. Since we understand that customers cannot ‘buy time,’ we wanted to capitalize on their ability to design in one place, not drag samples back and forth, and give them some of that ‘time’ back to spend with their families and friends and enjoy their newly designed home. And same goes for our builders, time is money for them–the less they are running around, and the more we consolidate and make their lives easier, the more profitable they can become with efficiency and retention.”

Q: Why are you passionate about the concept of ICC Home?

A: “I get really excited about new stuff–any new endeavor, new challenge is exciting. The ability to embark upon this new challenge excites me. I also get excited about building that portion of our business as well as make life easier on the consumer. I get excited as we continue to build up our offerings and showroom, see all of these changes, see the new, qualified staff that come onboard, and it opens a bunch of doors for us as far as being able to be more important to our current customers. It is just one more thing that sets us apart from other service providers.”

Q: Where do you hope to see the company in 10 years?

A: “I would like to see our Westfield store up and running and be more significant. In ten years, have it be a stand-alone building that we own or more a significant footprint in the Westfield community–something closer to what we have at Castleton. I would like to see ICC in other markets and launch our presence in other communities. Additionally, I think we would like to integrate different products that make sense in the home design–we are definitely not done adding product lines.”

This concludes our employee interview blog series, and we would like to say a special thank you to each of the employees who took the time to speak with us. If you missed last week’s interview with Blake, you can view it here.