The Art Deco lamp traces its roots to the mid-1920s. The term “Art Deco” originates from an art exhibition in Paris, at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in 1925. Art Deco was essentially a modern interpretation of the preceding movement, Art Nouveau. As a result, the naturalistic, rounded themes of Art Nouveau were replaced with geometric, angular, and mechanical motifs, featuring more linear elements. From 1925 until 1939, this stylistic change found its way into many designs, including lamps.

An Art Deco lamp typically displays a very simplistic theme. The traditional materials that were used were wrought iron, chrome, steel, and bronze. Many of these lamps appear to be made with only a single element and sport a sleek, futuristic style that continues to enhance rooms to this day. Both colored and frosted glass were extensively used in Art Deco lamp shades, along with metallic designs, replacing traditional fabric shades.

Often abstract in appearance, Art Deco lamps frequently utilize angular and parallel lines and sometimes resemble fountains or sunbursts. Another innovation during this period, the Anglepoise lamp, remains in use to this day. It is characterized by its highly functional, balanced-arm design, which makes it perfectly suited for tables and desktops.

Art Deco floor lamps, often known as torchieres, focus the light upwards for a softer, ambient glow, and many of these are often very tall. Wall sconces of this period adopted a similar role for effective accent lighting, while, depending upon the design, adding a futuristic look to an otherwise traditional room.

Even the chandelier was fashioned in Art Deco mode and styles ranged from those that resembled a wedding cake to creations more in the shape of a set of pistons. These can still be found today hanging over  kitchen islands or dining room tables.

Notable manufacturers of the period included the Markel Company of Buffalo, NY, Frenchmen Edgar Brandt and Muller Frères, and Maison Desny, especially well known for their fine metallic lighting designs. Several Tiffany lamps fall within this classification. An Art Deco lamp from manufacturers such as these is not only functional but is a highly sought after collectible,

No mention of Art Deco lamps would be complete, of course, without including the sensuality that was often displayed in nude forms gracing many of the lamp bases. It has long been believed that the inspiration for this aspect of the design came from the infamous Moulin Rouge in the Montmartre district of Paris.

When remodeling your home, hiring professionals for all of the many projects can quickly erode your budget. One way of reducing the carpet installation cost is to perform the work yourself, instead of hiring a contractor. Installing carpet, while not exactly easy for beginners, is certainly something that can be done if one takes the time to research the proper procedures and then follows them with care and patience.

Prior to beginning the installation, there are several initial steps to complete. First, you must have the proper equipment to install carpet. A common and costly mistake of amateurs is to try and make-do with tools that they already have. Lacking the necessary carpet tools is a good way to ruin your carpet and cause considerable expense, as well as waste your valuable time.

Requirements for a standard carpet installation include the following: measuring tape, carpet seam tape, carpet knife, tack strip cutter, knee kicker, trimmer, staple gun, power stretcher, nails, screws, and, of course, the carpet and carpet pad.

To prepare your carpet installation estimate to plug into your budget, it is crucial that a correct measurement of the room is taken. Measure it as accurately as possible, even measuring two or three times. Sketch the dimensions on paper, and try to outline how the carpet rolls will fit. Carpet rolls vary in size, so determine how to best cut the roll to fit the space. By doing this, you will minimize wasted. Carpet prices being what they are, this step alone can save you a significant amount of money.

Once the old carpet is removed, it is time to ready the floor for the new carpet installation. Repair any areas where odd noises are heard when stepped on and thoroughly clean the surface. Make sure the surface is dry prior to laying the padding, as moisture will damage its effectiveness and can lead to the development of a mold problem. Once you have installed the tack strips along the edges of the room, the floor is ready to go.

First install the pad. Start along one wall and extend it across the room. Be sure to overlap the tack strips two or three inches. Staple the padding every couple of feet, and ensure the surface is smooth, with no wrinkles or bunches.

Install the carpet similar to the padding installation. Nail the tack strips, and use a steam iron and carpet seam tape to merge any seams. Install the edge strips, and the carpet installation is complete.

For those who are still hesitant about tackling a project like this, there are numerous carpet installation videos and books available. Another option might be to install carpet tiles rather than wrestle with rolls of carpet. While not as plush as a good Berber carpet and probably not what you would want for your living room, tiles can be quite attractive in the right locations.

In the end, the decision has to be a personal one. The installation of your new carpeting will always come at a cost. It’s up to you whether that cost will be monetary or time and effort.

One problem that faces home owners that they often fail to anticipate is what to do with those pieces of carpeting that are inevitably left over after a new installation. The first inclination may be to simply toss them out or let the installers take them when they leave. Since they will quickly sell them for a little extra income on the side, your installers will generally be quite happy to take care of them for you.

However, there are several ways to put those remnants to good use. You might want to consider some of the following suggestions before simply choosing to get rid of them.

One excellent use of odd-sized remnants is to use them to protect that brand new carpeting you just had installed. If you are having other work done on your house at the same time, then there are likely workers running in and out tracking sheet rock dust or some other form of construction dirt. Turn those pieces of left over carpeting into walk-off mats for all the entrances. To make them even more effective, dampen them periodically. This will keep even more dust and dirt out of your home. Why take the chance of damaging or staining your new carpet, area rugs or wood flooring? Once all the renovations are finished, you can simply toss the carpet pieces.

Carpet remnants come in handy in areas where you would like some sort of rug or mat but don’t especially want to invest much money. The garage, basement, a storage area or workroom are all good examples. It doesn’t really matter what the color or style is for these areas and a carpet remnant will often be the perfect solution.

Once in awhile, you may find yourself with some rather large left over pieces of carpet. It is actually possible to use these larger remnants in small rooms like a guest bedroom, den or home office. Because of the tendency to fray, it is best if the remnant is large enough to go from wall to wall. More often than not, however, that will not be the case. There are different methods that you can use to bind the edges so that the fibers will not unravel. You can have it done professionally, usually the best option for quality but also the most costly. There are also ways to do it yourself with your own sewing machine or with a special tape and glue gun. The results can be quite attractive and will extend the life of your carpet remnant significantly.

There are those who will advise you to keep remnants in case your carpeting is damaged or needs replacement in a small area. While this seems to make sense in theory, it rarely lives up to its promise. Only a professional can cut and patch carpeting to make it look halfway decent, and, even then, the colors will simply not match. Often the bright new patched area will stand out even more than the piece it replaced.

Keeping and using those left over pieces of carpeting can be a very good idea. The key is to be selective in how and where you use them.

Vinyl or laminate is a popular choice for a bathroom floor. These are available in several colors and textures to fit any bathroom design. Vinyl or laminate flooring products are also inexpensive, easy to clean and able to withstand a fair amount of abuse.

Ceramic tile is another durable, easy to clean choice for a bathroom floor. There can be a wide range in price, however, depending upon the type of tile chosen. Especially throughout the southwest, where a cool floor that withstands not only regular bathroom moisture but the ever-present humidity is highly valued, ceramic tile continues to be extremely popular.

Stone is also a possibility for a bathroom floor. Stone floor tiles come in marble, granite, brick, to name just a few. Although rugged enough to withstand heavy use and certainly attractive, once again, this can be a pricey option. Perhaps the main reason that stone is not more widely used in bathrooms, though, is due to the fact that it can be slippery when wet; not an ideal situation in a room where it is nearly impossible to keep the floor dry.

Linoleum bathroom tile can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including limestone, wood flour, cork, and linseed oil. The newer designs look good, are easy to care for and relatively inexpensive, making the popularity of this type of bathroom floor gain momentum.

Although not often seen on bathroom floors, mosaic tile is a beautiful tile that will add tremendously to any bathroom décor. They typically come in one or two inch squares, which may or may not be taped together in one foot squares. The design possibilities are almost endless. Once properly installed, mosaic tile is very durable and easy to clean.

Concrete can also be used as bathroom flooring. Concrete requires very little maintenance and is impervious to damage that might be caused by the moisture level in a bathroom. Concrete can be painted, stained or even molded to mimic a stone floor. It is also inexpensive and fairly easy to install.

While it will perhaps never be ideal for the bathroom, hardwood flooring can be found in more bathrooms than one would expect. Engineered wood flooring is a better choice than solid plank because of it’s resistance to warping. Properly sealed and maintained, there is something about the old world beauty of oak or walnut flooring that transforms any room in which it is installed. The bathroom is certainly no exception.

For the ultimate luxury on those cold winter mornings, bathroom flooring can now be constructed in such a way as to have a heating element installed beneath the surface. With an adjustable thermostat, it really doesn’t get much better!

Without question, in the world of antique lamps, the one name that stands out from all the others is Tiffany. Recognized the world over for amazing quality and incredible craftsmanship, Tiffany Lamps have been known to sell at auction for millions of dollars. Not too bad a statement considering the fact that these lamps were originally made from the discarded bits of glass leftover from stained glass windows.

Everyone has heard of the famed Tiffany Lamp, whether they have actually seen one or not. They were associated with the Art Nouveau movement that was prevalent at the beginning of the 20th century. What is it, though, that made them so popular and continues to attract the attention of collectors and high-end designers, even today?

The exquisite Tiffany style lamps were first introduced in the 1880′s by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany was born in 1848, in New York City, and he was the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany of the renowned Tiffany and Co. jewelry stores. Louis Tiffany was a photographer, painter and craftsman who became inspired to make the interior of the home a work of art. There has been some disagreement as to who it was that actually designed the very first of the unique Tiffany lamp shades. In recent years, it has been suggested that the original design may have been the creation of Clara Driscoll, whose work inspired Tiffany to produce the many variations that we have come to recognize.

Around the turn of the century, Tiffany gained international status as a designer of fine jewelry, stained glass windows, as well as lamps. His designs were influenced quite significantly by Japanese art forms, which, in turn, draw heavily from nature.

Over the next several years, new products were produced from the Tiffany Studios. The beautiful artistry of Tiffany is displayed in picture frames, cigar boxes, jewelry boxes and, of course, jewelry. During the 1920′s, the popularity of the lamps began to lessen, and in 1930, Tiffany Lamps ceased production. The lamps did not make a comeback until several years after Tiffany’s death, in 1933, at the age of 85. In the 1950′s it was possible, once again, to find examples of those early masterpieces in the form of Tiffany table lamps as well as Tiffany floor lamps.

The extreme rarity and unparalleled quality are what set these lamps apart from other antique lamps and place them on a level all their own. Each lamp is made from pieces that are individually precision cut and then soldered together to produce a stunningly beautiful effect. Authentic Tiffany Lamps are fast approaching the 100 year mark and are quite rare, making them even more valuable and coveted by collectors.

Whether talking about the home or a high rise office building, when it comes to cleaning, the one task that demands the most time and energy is floor care. Fortunately, there are now tools that not only do a better job but do so with far less effort on the part of the one doing the cleaning. The floor polisher ranks right at the top of the list, with perhaps only the vacuum cleaner being more useful.

Often referred to as a floor buffer, polishers first hit the market with that initial wave of electrical appliances. Today’s models are more powerful and somewhat easier to operate, but, overall, are not that different from those early machines. Because they are shaped like an upright vacuum cleaner, novice users consistently make the mistake that they are as easy to operate. This is one misconception that lasts about five seconds after taking hold of the lever that puts the polisher into action. Although floor polishers are actually very easy to maneuver, the operation is not necessarily intuitive and requires paying attention to the instructions or training.

Floor polishing machines are typically used for a variety of projects, with some of the more common ones being stripping, cleaning and buffing. They are recommended for use on practically all types of flooring, including wood, ceramic tile, marble, granite, linoleum, VCT (vinyl composition tile) and even concrete.

In the past, buffers were even used on carpeting in a process that was referred to as bonneting. A cloth bonnet was attached to the polisher with the goal being for it to absorb the water out of carpet after it had been shampooed. The process often appeared successful for a short while, until the dirty water that was inevitably left behind started to come to the surface. Reputable commercial cleaning services no longer use this method. Not only are there far better ways of cleaning carpet, but floor polishers are powerful machines that often damaged the carpet it was meant to clean.

Despite their versatility, polishers may always be considered more of a necessity in a commercial or industrial setting than in the home. One area, however, where this is not the case is the garage. With the rise in popularity of garage floor coatings, polished concrete floors are now becoming quite common.

Whether in the garage or on the oak or walnut flooring in your den, floor polishing will most likely never become a favorite pastime. Nonetheless, it can certainly be made less onerous with the proper equipment. A floor polisher will save time, effort and make your floors look so great that you may find that it’s only drawback is that you will always be trying to figure out how to keep your neighbors from constantly asking to borrow it.

What exactly are contemporary rugs? Ask a dozen different people and you are apt to get at least that many definitions. Typically, however, contemporary refers to those rugs that make a design statement. Unlike their predecessors, what many label as “Oriental” or “Persian”, these creations are meant to be far more individualistic, rather than variations on traditional patterns.

Many different styles can fall under the umbrella of the contemporary rug. They range from braided to bamboo and Flokati to leather shag. Some are hand-woven, knotted or braided while others are mass produced by machine. The most popular materials are wool, cotton, silk, a silk-wool blend and various synthetic fabrics.

Often referred to as art for the floor, they attract big-name designers, like Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne, Bob Mackie, Martha Stewart, Barbara Smith, Dakota Smith and even the outrageous Andy Warhol. Of course, designer rugs, just like designer jeans, often come with a hefty price tag. That’s why many of these masterpieces end up showcased on the wall, rather than the floor, where people might actually walk on them.

More important, however, than the name attached to the product, is how something is going to look in your home. When establishing the overall décor of a room, there are two basic ways that an object can be used; either to complement or to dictate. If your theme is already in place, then the goal will be to add contemporary area rugs that match in color and character, so that they will blend and tie together the other design elements present. However, often a rug is so striking that it will be what inspires the decorator to create the room around it.

Whether chosen as a piece of art or simply as an accent rug, the style you choose should also take into account the type of flooring. What might go wonderfully with the richness of walnut flooring might not work nearly as well in a slate foyer. Ceramic tile, especially in a southwestern pattern, will call for something quite different than Italian marble.

The great thing about contemporary rugs is that there is a seemingly endless selection, but that can also be one of the chief drawbacks. For many, that makes the business of choosing rather overwhelming. It needn’t be, however. Simply take the time to go shopping. Begin by doing some research online, but be cautious about stopping there. For the same reason, never buy any sort of rug based on seeing a small sample. Even seeing the entire rug rolled out on a warehouse type floor can be deceiving. Try to find your rug where it is being displayed as part of a room setting. This will be the best way to get the feel of how it will look in your home.

A quality rug will be an integral part of your home for many years. Make your selection based on how it fits with your décor, of course, but, in the end, perhaps the best advice of all is to just choose the one that you like. Sometimes, it really is as simple as that.

Garage flooring may not be high on your list of priorities. If you are just moving into a new home, there are a million other things demanding your attention, and if you’ve lived in your current house for awhile, the thought of emptying the garage to install some sort of garage floor covering probably seems like way more trouble than it’s worth.

Actually, once you have made the effort to cover and protect your garage floor, you will more than likely think the same thing that so many others have, which is “why did I wait so long to do this?”

Whether you plan to simply park your car in the garage or use it as a recreation room where you will entertain guests, it will be important to protect the concrete that is the flooring found in most garages. Due to its porous nature, concrete stains very easily and spills or leaks of oil, antifreeze and other chemicals can be next to impossible to remove. Fortunately, there are a variety of floor covering options available.

Painting is the solution that initially comes to mind for most people. A little research, however, often results in a rethinking of that option. Applying garage floor paint is not at all the same as painting a wall in the den. Extensive preparations are necessary to even have a chance at getting the paint to bond to the concrete, and, even then, there is no guarantee that it won’t peel due to moisture or some other factor.

There are garage floor epoxy products designed specifically for use on concrete. They come in a variety of colors and can be combined with color chips to create an attractive pattern. Here again, even though advertised for the do-it-yourselfer, it might be a good idea to get a professional opinion before attempting to use any garage floor coating. You don’t want to join the ranks of those who spent several days painting their garage floors only to have them start to peel in a very short time.

Garage floor mats are a common option for many. Typically made from vinyl, they do a great job of protecting garage floors from spills or cover up areas that have already been stained. They come in various sizes, shapes, colors and degrees of thickness, as well as an anti slip backing. Being movable, they are easy to clean or replace. Some homeowners mark parking spots with them, while others place them strategically throughout the garage. The cushioning can also be a benefit, especially in an area used as a workspace.

Collectors of antique or high end autos have long used garage floor tiles, not only for floor protection but to also really jazz up the space. More and more, these colorful tiles are now being installed in garages everywhere. These tiles look great, but one of the main attractions is the ease of installation. No labor-intensive floor prep required here. In fact, no preparation at all. The tiles are simply installed over the concrete without any adhesives, glues or chemicals. There is no need to vent the area like when a coating is being used, and the garage can be used immediately.

Every situation is unique and what you choose will depend on your own individual situation. The important thing is that whether you decide on the most expensive garage floor tile, epoxy paint with color chips or a few simple mats, you will benefit from protecting your garage floor, now, for many years to come.

Unless you live in the heart of Manhattan or some similar urban setting, one of the most important features for a house that you intend to live in or market is the garage. If you don’t believe this, simply ask someone who made the mistake of moving into a house without one.

The average garage is fairly simple in design and usually consists of an open space with a concrete slab foundation. To get the most from it, there are certain things that should be taken into consideration. Drainage and HVAC availability are, of course, on that list, but so is the garage flooring.  Left in its natural state, concrete may look solid but is, in fact, quite porous. Oil, antifreeze, chemicals for the lawn and garden and all of the many other liquids stored or used in the garage quickly seep in and leave ugly stains that are nearly impossible to remove.

There are several garage floor covering solutions that can be employed to not only protect your flooring from staining but also change the entire look and feel of the space. These include special coatings, paints, mats and tiles.

Garage Floor Paint
One of the most common methods of protecting garage floors is to paint them. While this sounds like a simple, relatively inexpensive solution, it can turn out to be anything but.

There are many factors that can prevent paint from bonding to a concrete surface. Dust or dirt, oil, grease and sealers are often the guilty parties. Moisture migrating from beneath will cause almost any kind of coating to peel away. There is a simple way to test for this by placing a rubber mat or securing a piece of plastic that is roughly a yard square in size, to the concrete and leaving it overnight. Pull it up the next day and see if moisture has accumulated. If you find that there is a water issue, it may be possible to use a special garage floor coating, but your chances for success are slim. It would be wise to consult a professional before proceeding.

If you do decide to go ahead with some sort of coating, you will want to look for epoxy garage floor paint. Many manufacturers offer an attractive option with the addition of colorful chips between the base epoxy layer and the sealer topcoat. The chips or flakes not only look great but also hide imperfections in the floor. With proper surface preparation, which will make all the difference, this is a project that can be accomplished by the average do-it-yourselfer.

Garage Floor Mats
A much simpler method of protecting your garage floor from leaks and spills or hide those already present is with the addition of mats. Normally designed to be movable, these mats come in a variety of sizes, colors and thickness and typically come with an anti slip backing. Easily cleaned or even replaced, if necessary, they also provide a degree of cushioning, which will be appreciated if the garage also doubles as a workroom.

Garage Floor Tiles
An increasingly popular alternative is the use of garage floor tile. Available in a wide range of colors and design, the ease of installation has moved them from the realm of the car collector to the average suburban home. Unlike paints and coatings, which require extensive preparation, tiles can be applied to any surface with little to no prep work. There is no need for venting the area because there are no adhesives or chemicals to worry about and no waiting period before the garage can be used.

Whether you use your garage to simply park your vehicles, for storage, recreation or as a workspace, making the investment in protecting and upgrading your garage flooring will pay off for many years to come.

We would be appalled at the thought of leaving a gaping hole in the middle of our living room waiting for an unsuspecting family member or guest to step into and possibly be seriously injured. No less hazardous, however, are the types of flooring material found in most homes and businesses that become dangerously slippery, especially when wet. With the abundance of anti slip products and technology available today, there is really no excuse for having slippery floors.

Some of the more common floors that benefit from applications of anti slip paint or coating, anti slip tape, treads and mats are polished marble, granite, concrete, ceramic, terrazzo, travertine, porcelain and vinyl tiles. Notoriously slippery areas are bathroom floors, kitchen floors, bathtubs, shower pans, hallways and entrance ways, steps, locker rooms and swimming pool decks.

Even though stone and tile surfaces appear to be hard and smooth, they are actually porous to one degree or another. Moisture accumulates in these pores and just like a glass of water that can be filled slightly above the rim, liquid stands on the floor and creates the potential for someone walking across it to hydroplane and fall. Taking advantage of these openings in the tile, different kinds of anti slip coatings can be applied that fill these crevices and form an anti or non slip layer.

An anti slip mat placed at entryways, in bathrooms, including inside shower stalls and tubs and strategically oriented in kitchens can go a long way in reducing slips in these areas of the home that produce the most slip and fall accidents. Workrooms with concrete floors, especially where there is the possibility of oil or grease residue, should always have anti slip mats and they should be cleaned regularly. For those environments where mats would not be sufficient, anti slip flooring, while not inexpensive, can easily pay for itself if it prevents only one serious injury.

Accents rugs can double as being a tool in your decorating arsenal, with the colors chosen to complement and tie together the theme of your decor, and, at the same time, provide for stable footing on that oak or walnut flooring in your home or office. While hardwood flooring is not generally installed in rooms that normally get wet, a highly buffed wood floor can be quite slippery, especially to those wearing non rubber soled shoes.

Stairwells are obvious locations for anti slip stair treads but they should also be considered in areas where there are just a couple steps. Sometimes those areas are even more dangerous because people misjudge them. Anti slip tape with a reflective coating that is visible in low light can be a good choice in these cases.

The number two cause of injuries in the U. S. is slip and fall. Only auto accidents account for more. Slip and fall is number one in accidents in homes, lodging, restaurants and public buildings, and, of those, 70% occur on flat or level surfaces, meaning not on stairs or ladders or anything other than a flat surface.  Every day, approximately 25,000 injuries resulting from slips require hospitalization. According to the AARP, falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths in persons over 65 years of age and contribute to 40% of admissions to nursing homes.

Anti slip matting, coatings, treads and the like cannot, of course, prevent all of these, but can certainly go a long way to significantly reducing them. The most important thing is to be proactive. Don’t wait until someone you care about or one of your guests or customers is injured before taking the steps to create as safe an environment as possible.

One of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks for maintaining a commercial building is floor care. In the home, that same project may not have the same proportion but it still requires considerable time and energy. Whether you are a cleaning professional responsible for hundreds of thousands of square feet of flooring or only concerned about the floors in your own home, a floor buffer is a tool that will make life far easier.

The modern buffer, also known as a floor polisher, hasn’t changed all that much from the original model that entered the market with the first of the electrical appliances. In shape, it resembles an upright vacuum cleaner, but anyone trying to use one for the first time quickly realizes that it is far more powerful. More than one novice has found themselves propelled rapidly and none too gently across the floor, no matter how hard they tried to dig in their heels and make the machine stop. Control and experience are what operate floor buffers; never brute strength.

A floor buffer machine can be used for several different purposes, including stripping, cleaning and polishing and can be used on practically every type of floor. Wood, marble, granite, ceramic tile, VCT (vinyl composition tile) and linoleum all benefit from the use of this versatile piece of equipment. Each requires different techniques, brushes or pads and chemicals.

There are a couple situations where it is better not to use a floor buffer. One is on unfinished, uneven or damaged hardwood flooring. Only a very experienced professional should attempt this type of project. The other is on carpeting. In the past, buffers were used in what is called bonnet cleaning. An absorbent cloth bonnet was attached to the buffer and supposedly pulled the dirty water out of the carpet during shampooing. The results were questionable but not the fact that the process was extremely hard on the carpet. Few reputable professionals will bonnet a carpet these days.

It is absolutely necessary to know which of the various accessories to use for each project. Stripping layers of built up polish from tile or removing the finish from beautiful old oak or walnut flooring will require the use of specific rotating brushes or abrasive strips, depending upon the model of machine and type of job.  For cleaning and polishing there is an assortment of floor buffer pads, each one a different color indicating the function for which it is designed.

Floor buffers may look like oversized vacuum cleaners, but, unlike their tamer cousins, they can not be operated by simply turning on a switch. Taking the time to learn how to properly use them will not only improve your chance of a successfully completed project, but just might prevent the need to repair that hole you are bound to put in your wall or replace the glass in your patio door. Researching the correct chemicals and cleaning solutions to use and becoming familiar with when to use the white pads and when to never use the black pads can easily save you considerable time and expense.

Despite all the warnings, a floor buffer is an invaluable aid in floor care. For a commercial cleaning service, it is essential, and, for those home projects, it can make a world of difference. A little research, a little practice and next thing you know, your friends and neighbors will be amazed at how fantastic your floors look.

When the results of a recent survey aimed at discovering the features that prospective buyers most wanted to find in a house were released, realtors were amazed to discover that hardwood floors were nowhere to be found on the list. Upon further questioning, it was determined that the presence of wood flooring is no longer an option but rather something that those surveyed expect to find in any home they would seriously consider purchasing.

Of course, there are different ways to define wood flooring. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that, worldwide, engineered wood flooring now outsells solid wood. What they do not realize is that the history of engineered lumber dates back more than five thousand years to the ancient Egyptians. Hardwood was a scarce and expensive commodity in that part of the world so these ancient builders cleverly developed a process whereby high quality layers of wood were glued over lesser quality varieties. This gave birth to the first engineered hardwood flooring.

Even though the goal of the original creators of engineered wood was purely aesthetic, it was soon recognized that significant structural benefits resulted from the process. When the rotary lathe was invented, giving us the ability to peel thinner layers of wood from milled timber than had ever been possible, the future of engineered flooring was set.

There are several reasons for the rise in popularity of the engineered wood floor. Solid wood planks have a tendency to warp because of changes in temperature and humidly. This can be avoided in engineered hardwood floors by arranging the layers so that the grains run in different directions. In fact, this structure is so sturdy that it allows installation in places that have always been off limits for solid wood, like in basements.

In addition to increased strength and stability, engineered wood is more environmentally friendly. Flooring can be manufactured using smaller, faster growing trees than those necessary to harvest solid planks. By being able to use these younger trees, which can be replanted as a renewable resource, we can slow the loss of old growth forests.

Despite all of its advantages, engineered wood flooring has yet to be as popular in the United States as in the rest of the world. Americans fell in love with the look and feel of genuine oak and walnut flooring in the early colonial days and that has never changed. Engineered oak flooring is very attractive and almost looks like “the real thing”, but, for many, it simply does not give off that same warm glow that solid oak does.

As resources dwindle and more and more homeowners opt for sturdiness and ease of maintenance, the U.S. will no doubt follow the rest of world. Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that this will lessen our love of solid hardwood flooring.

Congratulations on finally starting your own business! It’s a dream that most people have but few actually manage to make a reality. That may be a good thing because as you have no doubt become aware, there is a lot to running a business that isn’t very glamorous or exciting. The sooner you learn to effectively manage the repetitive, daily tasks, the more chance you will have for success.

While you will quickly realize that there is never enough time to do all the things clamoring for your attention, there is one thing that will never be in short supply; advice from your family and friends. Everyone will have a suggestion about what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. It might be wise to keep in mind that there’s a reason why they still work for someone else. The best advice will come from other business owners, and becoming a member of professional and trade associations can be invaluable.

One particularly mundane chore is that of cleaning. If future entrepreneurs were polled about what they imagined themselves doing, it’s unlikely that many responses would include trash removal or cleaning up after customers or messy employees. Nonetheless, any business that does not have an adequate cleaning program is only asking for trouble.

If you lease space in an office building, the owner or management company will contract for commercial cleaning services that will normally include your offices as well as all common areas. Just make sure that you have taken the additional cost of your prorated share of operating expenses into account.

In smaller buildings or complexes and retail and industrial space, each tenant is responsible for the cleaning of their leased space. Early on, you will be faced with the choice between tasking your staff to do the cleaning or entering into an agreement with a commercial cleaning service.

This is where the advice of industry veterans can be especially helpful. Many businesses that are just getting started opt to save money and do everything in-house. While this can be a viable option, many times it is counterproductive in that it prevents employees from doing the job they were hired for, which should have been using their unique skill set to grow your business.

Even in those cases where it may be possible to have the daily vacuuming and light cleaning done by staff and not overly sacrifice productivity, there are exceptions.  More specialized and time-consuming projects should be handled by professionals. Contracting for regular visits from one of the commercial carpet cleaning services will insure that your carpeting is effectively cleaned, which will keep it looking far more attractive and will also lengthen the time before it must be replaced. If there is a reception area or other location with an insert with something like oak or walnut flooring, it will require professional care to avoid the appearance of wear. Marble or stone in an entryway will soon start to lose its shine if not correctly cleaned and polished.

You only get one chance to make a first impression on a new client or customer. Spots on the carpet, dull marble or hardwood flooring do not make a positive statement about your attention to detail.

There is also something to be said for the morale of your staff. While there is certainly nothing demeaning about cleaning, many employees resent being expected to do tasks that are not remotely related to their job description. They may not express how they fee,l but it will usually manifest in attitude and performance.

Controlling expenses is a key factor to growing a business to the point where it is making a profit. Knowing which items end up being more costly by not outsourcing is a skill that takes time to develop. One of the first places a new business owner is put to the test is in regard to commercial office cleaning services. How you score will be one of the many indicators that ultimately determine whether you succeed or fail.

Our love affair with horses began more than 5,000 years ago. The partnership that was created by domestication requires that we provide a safe and healthy environment for them. This includes proper diet, adequate exercise and protection from the elements.

The different types of horse rugs that are available on the market today play an important role in providing for their comfort and care. The horse rug is classified according to function and the following is a brief summary of the more common styles:

• Turnout Rugs – this rug is designed for protection during cold weather for animals that may be older or sick and for those not having had sufficient time to adjust from being relocated from a warmer climate. Horses that are stabled in a climate-controlled environment may also benefit from the warmth of one of these rugs when they are exercised. Typically, horse turnout rugs are measured according to weight instead of by the actual thickness of the material. Many are now also waterproof.
• Fly Rugs – horse flies, as opposed to their annoying cousins, do more than buzz around making a nuisance of themselves. These flies bite and sting. The fly rug, or fly sheet as it’s commonly referred to, is a thin sheet of plastic or mesh that protects the horse. There is also a mask made from the same material that, depending upon style, fits over the head, including the eyes and ears. While many horses learn to appreciate the relief provided, there can be issues when the fly sheets are first introduced.
• Coolers – it may seem counter-intuitive to place a rug or blanket over an animal that is hot and sweaty, but that is exactly what is done with the cooler.  This type of rug is commonly made of wool, cotton or a synthetic fleece and is placed over the horse as it is being walked to cool down. It can be dangerous for an over-heated animal to cool too quickly, so the fabric allows for the moisture to be wicked from the horse’s coat but slows the rate of drying.
• Saddle Rugs – often called a saddle pad or blanket, these rugs are placed between the horse and the saddle and serve to cushion and protect the horse and prevent excessive wearing of the saddle. The saddle rug absorbs the sweat as the horse is exercised and some now have wicking capabilities built into them.
• Stable Rugs – these rugs serve the same purpose as turnout rugs but are not meant to be worn outside. Both types come in three basic sizes, which are measured by the weight of the filler material used. Light weight rugs have less than 150 grams of filling, while medium weight rugs have between 150 and 300 grams and heavy weight have more than 300 grams.

There are numerous other kinds of horse rugs; some functional and others strictly for show. Those that provide for the protection and comfort of your horse are valuable and necessary types of gear to have. It will be easy to find horse rugs for sale, not only at equestrian centers, specialty horse tack shops and good old fashioned farm feed stores, but also at hundreds of online marketers, like WeatherBeeta. New styles and fabrics are now being marketed that claim to provide superior quality and fit. Many offer what appears to be very attractive pricing. A little bit of time invested in research to determine what is best for your situation and your horses will be worthwhile. While it may be tempting to try and save money, cutting corners by purchasing cheap horse rugs is never a good idea. That old adage that says that you get what you pay for is true more often than not. Putting the health and welfare of your horse at risk is not worth any small savings you might see and just might end up being far more costly than you can imagine.

Anyone skilled in the game of chess will tell you that the lowly pawn is ignored at your peril. These small soldiers may not be considered high value pieces, but in the big picture they play a vital role in the game. This is very much the same way that accent rugs are often mistakenly relegated to a low spot on the decorating priority list of many new homeowners. Experienced designers, on the other hand, often use the colors in an accent rug to build the entire room’s color scheme.

There’s nothing wrong in adding a rug to a room simply because it’s attractive and the colors at least somewhat complement the existing décor. However, blending colors to actually create a theme that flows through the room is several steps up.

One way to put your personal stamp on the room design is to match the colors in an area rug to one or personal items — a favorite work of art, quilt or afghan, collectibles. Matching the dominant color in the item with a rug and adding lamp shades or matching window treatments creates a unique method of balancing the room while showcasing your prized possessions.

Contemporary rugs by well-known designers, like Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne, Bob Mackie and even Andy Warhol, are actually referred to as art – floor art. In fact, you can find many of these rugs hanging on walls, instead of being placed on the floor where someone might step on them.

Kitchen accent rugs can go a long way to brighten rooms that sometimes come off feeling more institutional and less homey. They can also provide comfort for the cook who may end up spending several hours at a time standing on unforgiving tile floors. Round accent rugs are often placed in an entryway or small alcove.

It may seem odd to spend thousands of dollars installing new hardwood flooring to only turn around and cover it up, even with something as beautiful as one of the extraordinary styles of foreign accents rugs on the market today. The truth is, however, that the right rug will do a lot to emphasize a wood floor, not detract from it. Plus, it’s a good idea to provide some protection for those high traffic areas of your oak or walnut flooring.  Although a solid wood floor can be refinished to it’s original natural beauty, there’s no reason to have to do that any sooner than necessary.

Speaking of protection, another type of flooring that greatly benefits from the addition of home accent rugs is wall-to-wall carpeting. It may seem counter-intuitive to put a rug on top of a rug but it is quite attractive and a lifesaver in those areas that would otherwise quickly show signs of wear.

Perhaps one of the most popular uses of the accent rug is in creating the illusion of division in a room. By staging furniture around the rug, a defined space, such as a sitting area, is created.

Last, but far from least, less than room-sized rugs can not only be easily cleaned but can be replaced fairly inexpensively. This allows for an overall redesign of a room or an entire home without the accompanying huge expense.

Maybe changeability isn’t the final benefit of these colorful and versatile home accessories. They’re also a lot of fun! They help to make your home unlike any other, and their bright, cheerful or refined, peaceful colors give you a boost every time you walk in the room.

No matter what type flooring you have chosen for your home, whether it’s wood, tile or even carpeting, chances are that you are going to want to add area rugs. They will not only add color and warmth to a room, create the illusion of partitioning a larger space into smaller segments but will also protect the surface of those heavily trafficked areas.

Since the earliest days of colonial times, cold cabin floors were warmed by braided rugs, a style that is still popular today. Generations of women in families worked on these rugs, grandmothers, mothers and daughters creating the same rug together. Many of these have been passed down and are cherished family heirlooms.

The traditional, hand-made braided area rug is much like a quilt. Unlike our throw-away mentality, today, the early settlers of this country wasted very little. Most worn out clothing and bedding was saved and cut into squares for the next quilting bee. The rest became strips that were hand folded, braided together and laced to create a rug.

Once machines were invented to mass produce most of what was once made by hand, the skills and techniques for braiding were no longer passed from one generation to the next and the practice nearly died out until toward the latter part of the twentieth century. Many of the old crafts experienced a resurgence at that time, and now it is possible to find those with the skill to create a hand-made rug for your home.

A country braided rug in a more casual setting is what usually comes to mind when considering this type of rug. While that is the most popular style, there are certainly many others to choose from. Styles, shapes, colors and sizes come in a wide range of materials and can cost anywhere from under a hundred at a discount store like Wal-Mart to thousands of dollars from specialty manufacturers.

Wool is considered to be the material of choice. Wool blends, cottons, nylons, poly-blends and other synthetic materials are commonly used.  The most common commercially made braided rugs are made of yarn. Unlike the hand-made creations of our ancestors, today’s rugs consist of an outer layer of cloth or yarn wrapped around a core of filler material. Higher quality rugs will have filler made of natural pre-shrunk cotton or some sort of synthetic fiber, while cheaper brands may use paper or reprocessed materials. Filler is used to cut costs by reducing the amount of cloth or yarn required and still maintaining the weight and feel expected.

There are many styles and shapes to choose from depending upon the style of your home and the shape of the room it will go in. Oval braided rugs fit nicely in a living room or den while octagon, the newer elongated octagon and round braided rugs are often used as accent rugs in a more defined space. The color you select will vary based on decor and whether you are pairing with ceramic tile, oak, maple or walnut flooring or some other type of surface. The choices are nearly endless.

If you are one of the lucky ones and have one of these treasures that has been passed down through your family, count yourself fortunate indeed. Not only is it every bit as useful as it was when it was made, it is a part of your history. Consider taking the time to talk to the elders of your family. Maybe they can remember stories about those woven strips that will help you and those who come after you learn a little bit more about who you are and how you got here.

Solid wood planks are what people normally envision when they talk about wood flooring, but that may not always be true. There are many alternates being used, today, and there are those who believe that one day it will be rare to find solid wood in any but the most costly constructions.

Environmental considerations play a part in this trend. The practice of cutting down old growth forests has played havoc with everything from global warming to the extinction of entire species. Considering the rate of population growth, it is unlikely that we can plant and replace at a rate that would meet demand for construction.

One alternative, engineered wood flooring now outsells solid wood world wide, although that is not yet the case here in the United States. Engineered wood is created by pressing two or more strips of wood together. The layers are arranged with the grains running in different directions which has the benefit of significantly increasing stability. This discourages the same expansion and shrinkage that solid planks are prone to when exposed to variations in temperature and humidity. Consequently, this opens up the option of installing this type of floor in areas that are sub-grade and even in basements.

Reclaimed or recycled wood has become exceedingly popular. This wood is found in old houses, barns and cabins and carefully removed to be reused in new construction. Having been weathered by sun, wind and rain for decades, these planks have all the beauty of solid wood without any of the warping tendencies of freshly milled timber. Besides providing flooring that has a unique character, the homeowner has the extra benefit of knowing that not a single new tree had to be cut down.

Engineered and reclaimed wood flooring are attractive options to solid plank hardwood floors and are real wood. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, only has the appearance of wood. This imitation is created by gluing a photograph of one of the hardwood varieties onto a fiber board and resin composite. This is then sealed with a clear coating. In existence for approximately the last thirty years, the process has been greatly improved and some are even given a texture to simulate the feel of wood.

These alternatives may well become the norm for new construction and remodeling. The truth is that our hardwoods are a dwindling resource. What is less easy to believe, however, is that any substitute will ever truly equal the beauty and value added to a home by solid wood flooring.

Owners of commercial properties normally provide the cleaning services for the common areas of their buildings and for leased tenant space in office buildings. They may handle this for their retail and industrial tenants, but, generally, do not, although most leases will require that cleaning be done by a professional service.

As with most service industries, it is possible to obtain a commercial cleaning service contract from one of the half dozen or so large corporations who have branches in most of the major cities across the U.S. or from a “mom and pop” local company. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Either has the ability to service your account according your cleaning specifications. The difference lies more in the structure.

National companies like ABM, Pritchard and Sanitors offer well-defined programs and several layers of support. This is especially important in areas like staffing depth, training and account management. When there is a vacancy in the cleaning crew or a no-show, these companies are easily able to provide replacement coverage. If a tenant upgrades their reception area to a special type of wood flooring, chances are someone on their staff is familiar with how to clean it without damage. At budget time they will be able to give you precise predictions and back-up documentation. Should disaster strike in the form of a tornado, hurricane or something equally as messy, they can quickly have a virtual army onsite working to get you back to normal as soon as possible.

The small, independent companies that will compete for the commercial cleaning services for your building may be able to do everything that the big guys can, but it is not something that you can assume. If you are considering awarding them a contract on several hundred thousand square feet, it would be prudent to learn how they plan to staff it and where you will fall on their priority list. The advantage to a small company is that you may become their number one priority. In this case, it is quite likely that the service you receive will be far greater than what you would get elsewhere for the same amount of money.

One additional place where the size of the contractor servicing your account may make a difference is in the area of above standard cleaning projects. These include, among others, the cleaning and polishing of marble, providing commercial carpet cleaning service and special situations like oak or walnut flooring inserts in places like reception areas. You may be able to obtain these services at a reduced rate if they are part of your base contract, but smaller companies may not have the resources or the expertise.

As all commercial property owners and management companies are well aware, the quality of the cleaning is something near and dear to the hearts of all tenants. It is the first thing they will complain about if it’s not perfect and the last thing they will notice if it is. Maintaining Class-A cleaning standards is a never-ending, thankless part of building management. This is why the importance of having a competent, committed contractor providing commercial office cleaning services on your team can never be underestimated.

Managers with limited exposure to commercial and industrial cleaning services will be at a disadvantage, because learning as you go can be a costly experience. One of the best resources are other professional property managers. This happens to be a well-organized community and organizations like the Institute of Real Estate Management and the Building Owners and Managers Association provide opportunities for members to share experiences.

Walnut flooring may not be first type of hardwood floor that comes to mind — unless you happen to be a member of the First Family. We never get to see it because of the more famous oval rug covering it, but the floor of the Oval Office in the White House consists of a contrasting cross pattern of walnut and oak. This makes the perfect statement about walnut wood flooring and all hardwood floors in general. Not only is it the choice of presidents, kings and commoners alike, there is such a wide range of variations and choices that the result for all can be delightfully unique.

It doesn’t matter whether we’re admiring the design and elegance of the Oval Office or the rustic hand-hewn floor of a cabin in the mountains of Tennessee, there is a timeless quality to a walnut floor that can not be denied. All too often we find that we are asked to choose between aesthetics and strength, design and function and especially between what we enjoy and what is good for us. For once, that is not the case. The reason that the demand for hardwood floors has experienced such a surge in recent years is that they not only add a natural warmth and beauty to any room but, properly cared for, they will last for years and years and they are proven to be an excellent choice for suffers of asthma or other breathing problems.

While the way it makes our favorite rooms look may be a prime motivator, few of us can afford to not take into consideration how something affects the value of our homes these days. This is another area in which your walnut hardwood flooring will shine! Talk to a realtor or anyone recently involved in buying or selling a home. Wood flooring is one of the most significant features included in the listing description. Real Estate professionals know that the first few seconds after a prospect walks in the door makes or breaks a sale. Few things increase market value more than the warmth and richness of a well-cared-for wood floor.

Whether you choose walnut or oak flooring or another of the hardwood varieties will depend on your personal taste and preference as well as the durability factor. How well something stands up under the kind of constant use that flooring gets has to be a concern. American Walnut, found mainly in the heartland of the U.S., is considered to have a medium hardness rating, somewhat less than oak. Brazilian Walnut flooring, on the other hand, comes from one of the densest woods available. While there are products like walnut laminate flooring that are marketed for high traffic areas, most hardwood floors, properly finished and cared for, will hold up just fine and look great long after imitations have had to be replaced. Chances are, though, that there will eventually be some damage. One of the advantages with wood flooring is that it is not difficult to refinish or even replace an area to return it to its original state. There are wood floors all over the world that have been in place for well over a hundred years.

Beauty, value and durability aside, perhaps an even more compelling reason to replace that carpet is the health benefit for people with allergies or breathing problems. Nearly 20 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from asthma. This chronic lung disease, which often restricts activities in its milder form, can be life-threatening. Dust, mold, pollen residue, insect droppings and animal dander are among the more common factors that are known to trigger asthma attacks. These are found in almost every home but it is next to impossible to adequately get rid of them from a house with carpeting.

The decision to add walnut flooring to your home is one that you can make with confidence. This choice will add to the beauty and value of your home for years to come and, at the same time, protect the health of your family.

While all wood flooring is made of wood, not all are constructed with solid wood pieces. Engineered wood is formed when two or more thin strips of wood are pressed together. Top to bottom, solid walnut flooring planks are a single piece of wood, milled from one piece of timber.

For most of the early settlers in this country, floors were usually no more than bare ground or straw. It wasn’t until the early 17th century that solid wood planks became the norm for flooring. According to Stephen Calloway’s architectural encyclopedia, The Elements of Style, by the mid 1800’s, wood floors were being massed produced. Then, sadly, right after World War II, the rush of new and cheap housing available due to the GI Bill ushered in the carpet boom. During later periods of remodeling, many delighted homeowners have ripped old carpet out of their pre-WWII homes and discovered beautiful old oak or walnut floors.

There are dozens of varieties of hardwoods that are used in solid wood floors. They are available in a wide range of styles and dimensions. Originally, wood planks were nailed perpendicular to the support beams in a building to provide more stability to the structure. Framing methods have changed, however, and today the flooring elements that are visible are mainly for aesthetic rather than structural purposes.

Besides the appearance and being able to say that your floor is solid wood are there advantages over engineered wood? One key advantage is the ability to have a totally custom-designed floor. Your choice of combinations of species, cut, stains and finishes, creates a finished floor that will be completely unique and unlike any other. Another plus is that while the top layer of engineered walnut is real wood, it’s not very thick and sanding, if possible, has to be done with extreme care. Solid walnut, on the other hand is far easier and safer to sand and refinish. In fact, with solid wood, this can be done many times over the years. Also, solid wood planks of walnut or oak or the species of your choice can be installed with nails and may often be less expensive than most of the better types of engineered wood.

Where engineered wood flooring does perform better is in its resistance to changes in temperature and moisture levels. Solid wood has the tendency for planks to shrink or expand, depending upon the season and level of humidity. Although this is significantly reduced when properly milled and kiln dried, solid planks are normally cut no wider than 5″ in order to minimize this possibility and are not recommended for installation in basement or below grade levels. In addition, solid wood requires a sub-floor and should not be installed directly on top of concrete.