Design

Remodeling for Beginners: Where to Start

February 7, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Whether you have lived in your home for years or you are simply updating the new house that you bought, remodeling a home is a great way to adapt your house to your specific needs. Since our homes are our safe place of refuge from the world, making your space tailored to your needs and wants is the best way to make a house a home. However, remodeling projects can be expensive avenues to explore. If it is your first-time remodeling, here is everything you need to know:

Remodeling for Your Home to Your Needs

When beginning a home remodel, you will want to decide what are some of the most pressing issues. Perhaps, you are remodeling your home to add another bedroom or change your kitchen layout. What is your reasoning? Try to look at some of the most urgent matters. For instance, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen because you do not have enough countertop space or cabinets, make sure you prioritize this step in the remodel. Trying to separate your needs and wants is a significant first step.

Selecting What You Want

However, wants can be fundamental at well. They are what make your home personalized to you. Perhaps, you like dark hardwood floors and marble countertops. These personal preferences are a great way to help you love your home even more. Plus, there are hundreds of unique ways to customize your home during a remodel. It can help to create a digital or physical mood board. On this board, collect paint samples that you plan on using, flooring samples, hardware samples, and anything else that will be coming into the new environment. This method can let you step back and look at how all these selections complement one another.

Considering Alternative Solutions

Maybe you are remodeling your home by removing a wall for a more open layout. However, upon investigation, you realize the wall you planned to delete is a load barrier wall. Remodeling projects are full of unique surprises. During the process, be prepared to adapt. You may want to assess a room in several alternative options before beginning the remodel.

When in Doubt, Hire a Contractor

When in doubt, hire a contractor! Unless you know the ins and outs of architecture and home improvements, remodeling projects can be very elaborate. You may want to find a contractor to oversee the project. With a contractor’s expertise, they can assess your space and find what is feasible and not. A contractor will also be able to put you together a good quote to help complete the project.

Remodeling your home can be exciting. Do not get overwhelmed in the process and understand it can take time. Make sure you thoroughly inspect how everything you do to your home can affect the final project. With these tricks in mind, novice or not, you can confidently remodel your home.

Take a Good Look (Design Exercise)

January 10, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Today, we wanted to feature a design exercise. This exercise will help you better understand your design needs and goals. To start, we want you to choose a room that you love and a room that you dislike in your house. The size of the room does not matter, so in essence, you could choose a laundry room and kitchen, and it would work perfectly fine.

Once you choose your two rooms, we will begin with the room that you love. In this particular space, you will want to look closely at the design elements and architectural features. What do you love about this space? Perhaps, you love the color scheme or maybe its the lighting provided by the windows. Make a mental note of everything that brings you joy in the space, and features that you are proud to own.

After you complete the room that you love, you will want to transition over to the room that you dislike. If you cannot figure out what you dislike about it, homeowners may find it helpful to look at these key areas:

Flooring
Cabinetry
Countertops
Wall Color
Furnishings
Lighting
Layout
Spaciousness
Flow
Decorations

These areas can help determine the overall aesthetic of your space; therefore, they may cause you to hate this room. If you feel like one element is weighing down the space, you will want to make note of it. However, if you cannot seem to pinpoint the exact flawed area, it may be best to work backward and think, “what do I wish this space look liked.”

While thinking about what you wish the room looked like, you may begin to change elements of the design in your head. For instance, your flooring may be a dark hardwood; however, in your imagination, you have light and airy floors. Or perhaps, your room feels condense, so maybe you realize that there is too much furniture. Whatever it may be, you will want to take into consideration how those specific elements have effected the overall design.

At the end of the exercise, you may come to the conclusion that you want to borrow design elements from the room that you love. Fortunately, at ICC Home, design dreams can become a reality with our expert staff, wide range of products, and efficient store layout. In fact, if you had trouble pinpointing your design disappointments, you do not need to worry. One of our expert sales associates would love to assist you. We can help you create the space of your dreams (literally).

New Year, New Design Goals

December 31, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

With the New Year, it is time to set some goals for your design. And while the New Year does not mean you need to revamp your design completely, it is time to start taking proactive steps in your home’s design. Educating yourself on design tips and tricks to use in your home can only go as far as you allow it. So, you will need to start by setting goals. For instance, do you have a room that does not have the most functional layout? Or, do you have a space that feels like you have not designed it? Perhaps, you have been talking about remodeling your kitchen, yet never got to the task. Well, this year is going to be different. We are going to set achievable and obtainable goals to help our design theme reach the next level, and here is how:

Types of Goals

Before you can make a goal, you need to understand the three types of goals. You can have long-term, medium-term, and short-term goals.

A long-term goal may be something like a kitchen remodel or an addition to your home. It can take a significant investment, incorporate many mini-projects, or consist of a long period of time to complete.
A medium-term goal may be redesigning your master bedroom’s theme. Perhaps, you need to invest in a new bed frame, mattress, furniture, and bedding. You may be able to complete this within a week.
A short-term goal is almost just daily maintenance. Doing your dishes or cleaning up after yourself.

SMART Goals

Now, it is time to create your goal with a plan. The SMART acronym is designed to help you easily obtain your goal with structure. Some refer to this method as the oars and rudder. Your goal is your oars to your boat. The plan of how you are going to carry out this goal is your rudder. Without the rudder directing your boat, you are meaninglessly paddling and will not reach your destination.

Specific

Make your goal specific. Having a goal like “remodel my kitchen” is not very specific. A goal that says, “I want to have new cabinets, countertops, and flooring in my kitchen by May 1, 2020.” This goal has specific actions and deadlines.

Measurable

A good goal is trackable. Make sure you can measure the progress of your goal. If your goal is to have your home’s flooring all redone, you can measure this goal by how many rooms you complete. If you have three out of four bedrooms’ flooring redone, you are 75% of the way complete.

Attainable

Make sure your goal is obtainable for you. If remodeling a bathroom is not in the near future budget, do not set this as a goal. Setting an unattainable goal can set you up for failure.

Realistic

Likewise, you do not want to make an unrealistic goal. If your home has zoning laws or limited property, do not set a goal to add to your home. This goal . is not realistic because your home cannot have this addition feasibly.

Time-Bound

Lastly, set time boundaries. You can use short-term and medium-term goals to help you obtain your long-term goals. If you are looking to finish your basement, setting aside a budget from each paycheck can be your short-term goal, while each project in and of itself could be a medium-term goal. Perhaps one month, you put up drywall and paint it. The following month you add flooring. These medium-goals can help move you along to the grand scheme plan, so make sure to set dates.

Setting these goals can help you obtain and achieve them. What are some of your design goals? Let us know below in the comment section. Remember, they can be all different sizes. Sometimes, stacking goals can actually make you stay more focused, so try not to overwhelm yourself.

How to Pick Hardware for Your Cabinets

November 15, 2019 by iccfloors 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.

Refresh Your Design for Summertime

July 30, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Whether you are just moving into a new home or planning on sprucing up your current home’s design this summer, there are thousands of avenues to take for home improvements. Some projects can help improve your space with simple décor pieces and other smaller investments, whereas a full-out remodel can really allow you to let your home shine. That being said, whether you are redecorating, remodeling, or renovating your home, we gathered some different projects to help refresh your design and embrace the effortless look of summertime. Let’s take a look!

Focus on Flooring

To quickly spruce up your flooring, you will want to invest in an area rug. You can find all kinds of patterns and colors to match your home’s design. Plus, if you are looking for a high-quality piece, you can order or select a remnant to be bound into the perfect sized rug for your home. You will be amazed by how effective an area rug can change the dynamic of any space. Additionally, hard surface flooring like luxury vinyl or tile can be the perfect summer remedy for beach days, mudrooms off of pools, and dirt from hikes. These easy to clean and maintain flooring options are the perfect choice for active homeowners who want flooring as stylish as it is durable.

Count on Countertops

Do not miss out on the opportunity to style your gorgeous countertops with decorative pieces. By adding decor to your countertops, you can highlight their beauty without taking away from them. Additionally, you can utilize beautiful countertop solutions like Quartz, Marble, or Granite to spruce up your design. These gorgeous countertops are as beautiful as they are durable. Quartz is a well-loved, superb countertop option that is non-porous and easy to maintain, whereas, Granite is a natural stone that features a timeless, classic look and is loved for its heat-resistant and low-maintenance properties. Marble is another stunning, luxurious countertop choice that features a veiny, highly-desirable look that instantly adds style and charm to any space. From Granite to Quartz to Marble, countertop styles and looks are truly endless and can refresh any kitchen or bathroom design this summer.

Color Me ‘Refreshed’

Another powerful tool you can use is paint. Color is one of the most effective ways to convey a feeling or mood into an atmosphere. Consider using pastel colors to keep a neutral feel while helping to brighten up your home. They will reflect natural light and help your atmosphere to feel soft and open.

Refresh Your Atmosphere

Refreshing your home’s atmosphere can be simple tactics to spice up your interior design. They do not need to be elaborate investments or changes to the blueprint of the house for them to be worthwhile. To help you find the perfect balance for your own home, we broke it down into several categories to look at when refreshing your space. Try adding some of these to your home to enhance the summer appeal.

‘Wall,’ Hello There

An easy way to refresh your space this summer is by adding pictures to your walls. Pictures can say a thousand words and can help enhance a theme in a room. If you already have images, you can swap them out with summertime classics to captivate the free-spirit, effortless vibe we admire about summer days. Simply store your winter/fall photos in a bin, and swap them out with light and airy artwork for a fresh look.

Delightful Décor

Let’s be honest; we all love décor. Whether it is scented candles or soft throw blankets, every homeowner leans more towards a particular piece. But if you find yourself limited, try adding flair to a space with homey decor pieces. Curtains, throw pillows, and shelving décor can give a room a theme and make the design feel deliberate. Just be sure to find a common theme and allow your décor to complement each other.

With all of these design elements, your home can embrace the light and airy vibe that we admire about summertime while encapsulating the homey attributes you always wanted. Thanks for reading!

Trending Backsplash Ideas for 2019

July 1, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Backsplashes are not only functional at protecting your walls from kitchen grease and water damage, but they are also a beautiful addition to your home’s design and overall aesthetic. Plus, there are hundreds of styles and types of backsplashes available nowadays. Selecting a backsplash for your home design has never been easier, and with us being in the middle of 2019, we have noticed some unique trends happening in homes and businesses. Check out some of our favorite 2019 trending backsplash ideas that you can add to your own home for added flair and character:

Encaustic Cement Tiles

Encaustic tiles are actually not a new concept, but their name may sound a bit unfamiliar to you. They have been around for centuries and have recently made a strong comeback this year in the housing market. They are extremely durable and add a unique aesthetic look to any room. These tiles are packed with character and artisan design, which can work in any atmosphere.

Large Subway Tiles

Typically, subway tiles are the classic 3”x6” white tiles. However, larger subway tiles are becoming more and more common in design. Subway tiles are a timeless classic used in many designs, including commercial spaces. These larger tiles allow buyers to purchase fewer boxes to complete a project. It is also trending to have subway tiles go higher up in the kitchen than the typical backsplash height. Some backsplashes now run from the counters to the ceilings for a more complete look.

Alternate Materials

While tiles are the common backsplash choice, many alternative options are coming out on the market. Shiplap is a wood layover many homeowners may use as an alternative for a more rustic look. Other materials like beadboard, glass, and even fabric have been making their rounds in interior designing in early 2019.

Bold Patterns

People are taking more risk currently in interior design. Bold colors are making a comeback as well. Where neutrals were primarily the route for backsplashes, it is not uncommon for many people to look for fresh, more lively colors to add to their home through backsplashes.

Backsplashes are great additions for kitchens and baths. All of these styles are very beautiful and will look amazing in many different types of homes. Which of these interests you the most? Let us know in the comment section, and if you are interested in viewing our selection, please visit us at ICC Home for more information.