ICC Floors Plus Blog

Behind the Scenes of the ICC Home Redesign

May 18, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

As we remodel the ICC Home showroom, we, like many homeowners, face the many challenging and fun aspects of design. While designing and planning our new layout, we needed to focus on making the showroom convenient and easy to navigate as well as beautiful. During this time, we also were in the process of rebranding our image–this included purchasing and designing new store signage, ordering and selecting materials to set up our “room scene” examples as well as picking out what products and manufacturers we wanted to feature throughout the space.

As you may already know, designing a corporate space involves similar aspects of design that you would see in your own home design. During a redesign, you have to pre-plan a lot of features before the work can begin. We had to look at our past experiences and use them to determine what was the correct flooring amount for the project, what features would work well with the other design elements as well as what the timeframe would be. Additionally, we had schedule installers after hours and on weekends for them to install our products.

During this time, we faced design challenges that would be no different from the ones you would meet. We had to determine when to have the floors installed, and whether they should go in before the cabinets or if the flooring would go in after the cabinets. We firmly believe that as homeowners, who have designed their own homes and have been through this redesign experience ourselves, we can help you master any design project. In fact, you will find our new showroom to be very user-friendly. We hope our new showroom provides you with ease of mind while shopping and making your design decisions.

With all of this being said, we cannot wait to showcase our new showroom to you. We hope you love it as much as we do. In fact, we are excited to feature a special announcement in June, so be sure to check back weekly to make sure you do not miss it. Thank you again for your continuous support, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future.

Five Elements to Consider When Choosing Countertops

May 11, 2019 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most intricate, yet rewarding, renovations you can do for your home’s value. While many decisions need to be made and considered along the way like cabinets, sinks, appliances, and countertops, you will find that all of these elements will play a significant role in the overall design. Not to mention, each one of these choices has a wide variety of stylish options you will need to consider.

At ICC Home, we understand that your countertops need to be a functional part of your layout. Since you will be preparing family dinners, hosting holiday traditions, and entertaining guests, your kitchen countertops need to be able to withstand your household’s daily activities, and we are here to help! When considering countertop options, it is important that you make sure you ask yourself these five essential questions:

Maintenance

When considering countertops, the first thing you should consider is the amount of maintenance and upkeep. Different countertop materials have different levels of required maintenance. While you may be in love with granite, you may not have the time or desire to keep up on the maintenance. If you are looking for an easy to maintain countertop solution, we recommend going with some beautiful yet simple like ceramic tile. If ceramic tile is not quite your speed, no need to fret; one of our expert sales staff would love to help guide you to the perfect material for your family’s lifestyle.

Type

There are many types of countertop options with different benefits. Granite, quartz, butcher block, ceramic tile, and more, all have added beneficial reasons that homeowners choose them. The first thing you should consider is the type that looks the most aesthetically pleasing with your home design. While this is important, functionality will also play a significant role. For example, what are the types of activities your kitchen countertops will see on a day to day basis? If your countertops will be used consistently and need to be cleaned regularly, you may want to opt for an easier to maintain countertop like quartz.

Heat Resistance

Some countertops are excellent heat resistors. For example, you can take a hot pot from the oven and set it directly onto a granite countertop. Unfortunately, you cannot do the same with wood or quartz countertops. That is why you will need to consider if heat resistance is an added benefit you are looking for in your countertops. Many people love this additional benefit, while others it does not matter.

Stain Resistance

Some more porous countertops will allow liquids to penetrate deep into the material and this can lead to unwanted stains. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you keep up on maintenance and apply a stain barrier when needed. And if you are unsure whether or not the countertop you like is porous, one of our expert sales associates would love to help differentiate the products for you!

Budget

Unfortunately, a significant determining factor for most people is the budget. Creating your kitchen can be a costly investment, and we understand that. Make sure you weigh out the options of different countertops that fit your budget and determine whether or not you want to put more of your investment into other areas of the kitchen.

Luckily with financing options available, your dream kitchen may be closer than you think! Let us help tailor every design element to your needs and make this an enjoyable experience at ICC Home. With our new showroom, you can explore our many countertop options and talk to one of our expert sales representatives about all of your design needs. While in our new showroom, be sure to check out everything you need to complete your design.

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!