Virtual Room Designer March 9, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Website tools , add a comment 
Are you familiar with our Virtual Room Designer tool on our website? It is a fantastic tool to help you visualize different products in different room scenes. You can even upload a photo from one of your rooms in order to “try on” different floors, walls and even area rugs. With our virtual room designer, you can look at different size tiles in a room, different installation directions, dark floors or walls versus light floors or walls, you can look at hardwood installed in different directions. When it comes to choosing flooring, it’s nice to have a “crystal ball” to help visualize what your floors will look like before you make your purchase.
Using the Virtual Room Designer Tool is easy!
- First, choose a room type to work with or upload a photo of a room in your home.
- Then, choose a room that most closely resembles your room layout.
- From there, select an area to work with such as floor, wall, steps, cabinets, area rugs, etc.
- Next, you can make a selection of different products we offer by choosing the type, brand or product.
- Once you have chosen a product, you can choose to rotate the product to see different degrees of rotation for the installation.
You can change as many items as you like as many times as you like until you get the look you want. Along the way, you can save these images and selections in your own personal workbook. (you will be asked to provide some registration information in order to save and share your workbook) You can share these items in your workbook with friends or family and then we can review together to look at the actual samples of the products you have chosen. See? It’s that easy!
Design Perspective: Mixed Granites and Accent Tiles March 3, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Ceramic/Porcelain, Design Perspectives, Natural Stone , add a comment
This kitchen is a good example of how to use multiple granites in one room. It also shows how you can use contrasting accents of the same material. Let’s dive in and talk more about what’s happening in this room that’s worth noting from a design perspective!
The colors in the room blend and compliment each other very well together. The silver and black flecks in the granite on the countertop and the floors subtly tie the plumbing and appliances together.
The use of a slab of granite on the countertops, the granite backsplash and the same granite cut into tiles on the floor shows how you can use the same material in different forms.
On the floor, there are granite dots placed in the intersections of the granite tiles. Some might say that the number of “dots” on the floor draws too much attention to the floor because the rest of the room is so simple and that a better use of the granite accent dots may have been to use less of them. Others may argue that the floor with all of the dots serves as a focal point for the room.
From an installation standpoint, using the same material for the accent tile as the field tile (main tile) helps with the ease of installation because the materials are the same thickness.
The good thing about this kitchen is that all of the major cost items in this room are all neutral choices. If the homeowners of this kitchen would like to change the look in a few years, they can easily do that with a BOLD paint color or wall covering. Another way to add some punch or WOW to this kitchen would be to add a backsplash. Adding a backsplash made of the same granite may be a little too much of a good thing, but a complimentary ceramic or porcelain tile or a stainless tile might be a nice addition.
What are your thoughts on this kitchen? What would you change? What would you add down the road?
Reader Question: Safety of Carpet Padding February 23, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet Cushion , add a comment
Carpet cushion or padding is an item that is often overlooked. It is a very important factor in the installation of your carpet because good padding or cushion can actually make the carpet last longer. Below is a reader question and answer about the environmental friendliness or carpet padding.
Reader Question: Is carpet padding environmentally safe for my family and pets?
Answer: Most Carpet Cushions are made either from recycled materials or materials that are recyclable. Many cushions meet the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label for Indoor Air Quality, as they don’t emit hazardous levels of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). Some carpet cushions contain antimicrobial treatments to fight against environmental elements such as odor-causing mold, mildew and bacteria.
It doesn’t matter what the carpet padding looks like because once it is installed, you will never see it again. How it performs is what’s important!
For maximum comfort, consider a thicker, plusher carpet cushion for a luxurious feel in bedrooms, dens and living rooms, where comfort is a priority. Higher weight or higher density products will help your carpet look newer longer. Many carpet cushions are available that combine the best of both worlds – durability and ultra-plush comfort.
When shopping for new carpet, feel free to come in and walk on some samples to see how the padding feels under your feet. We can then talk details of safety and performance.
Removing Chocolate Stains from Carpet February 12, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance , add a comment
Are you planning on giving chocolate this Valentines Day? Hoping to receive chocolate for Valentines? Either way, we’ve got you covered in the event that some of the chocolate ends up on your carpet. We hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and that you are the recipient of some very fine chocolate!
Easy tips on how to remove chocolate stains:
Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Not sure? Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.
Happy Valentines Day!
Featured Product: Castle and Cottage Oak Auburn by Kahrs February 6, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Featured Product, Hardwood / Laminate , add a comment
The Castle & Cottage Collection by Kahrs was inspired by the color and interiors of southern Europe. The collection consists of pale to dark floors that have been gently brushed for added emotional effect and produced in unique design colors. Today’s feature is Oak Auburn. This product is so versatile, it could be used in most every design style ranging from eclectic to rustic. Of course, the image doesn’t nearly do justice to the texture and character of the wood so you might just have to stop by to see a sample.
Some features of the product:
- Wire brushed finish
- Distressed finish
- One strip design
- White Oak species
- Silk Matte finish
- Some knots present
This product is available in 6 stunning colors ranging from light shades to dark. Color available include: Carbonne, Cassis, Cognac, Espresso and Tarcot. You can see them all in our product catalog.
What Kahrs says about their company:
We have always worked with wood, and this is something that has developed into a 150-year love story. Today we are the world’s oldest wood floor manufacturer that is still in business.
As the world shrinks, and the wheel turns ever faster, roots become even more important. Our strong belief in craftsmanship that has distinguished us right from the start is deeply rooted.
This means that the high quality we stand for is represented in every single piece of wood that passes through our hands.
We hope you find this product as stunning as we do. It’s amazing to imagine the process of turning a tree into these beautiful floors.
Back From The Big Bob’s Convention……..and we need your help! January 29, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : About Us , add a comment
So…..we just came back from our 17th annual convention in Tennessee. The theme of the convention was “Think Pink”. The focus was learning how to better serve our female customers because they are responsible for almost all of the home interior decisions! The convention brings together other Big Bob’s dealers from around the country so we could share ideas. We talked about everything from how to improve our customer service to how to make the workplace better for everyone to what we can do to make the shopping experience better for you.
Everything we learned was GREAT, but we really want to hear from you! Please take a look at the list below and feel free to call, email or leave a comment with answers or opinions.
- Have you heard of Big Bob’s?
- If so, what is your impression?
- Have you shopped with Big Bob’s before?
- If so, did you have a good experience?
- If you had a less than perfect experience, please tell us about it so we can turn that around!
- If you have been to our store or shopped with us, is there anything we could do to improve your experience?
We honestly want to know how we can serve you better. We know what important decisions flooring and mattresses are! We want you to know that we care about each and every customer before, during and AFTER the sale. We are here for the long term – we want to earn your business and earn the referral of our store to your friends and family.
Please take a minute to let us know how you feel! Please leave a comment here or email Brad Millner at BMillner@fayuma.com.
Thank you!
Hardwood Flooring Maintenance – Reader Question January 19, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Care and Maintenance, Hardwood / Laminate, Reader Questions , add a comment
Reader Question:
“I just moved into my new home with my family and before I start cleaning my new hardwood floors I wanted to see if you could clear up a debate between my mother and me. My mother tells me to clean my hardwood floors with Windex like she does (and has for 40 years) because that will help keep the shine longer. My floors are the newer type where they came already finished right out of the box. I plan to mop them with soap and water like the rest of my floors. Can you tell us which one of us is right? ”
Ashley from Yuma, AZ
Answer:
Ashley,
We are so happy that you asked us this question before you took matters into your own hands! Your mother maybe giving you advice based on the type of hardwood floors she has in her home. Hardwood floors have changed significantly in recent years and with those changes have come more advanced cleaning methods. First, here’s the answer followed by an explanation! You, especially should only clean your hardwood floors with a manufacturer approved cleaner.
Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- Using the wrong type of cleaner can void your warranty
- Cleaning with multiple products can leave a permanent film on your floors
- Your floors have a special protective coating that was carefully applied in the factory. Some chemicals can damage that finish making your floors more susceptible to damage.
- Mopping hardwood floors with soap and water can cause your wood to expand and contract and cause a variety of other unsightly issues (take a stack of paper and soak it with water – that will give you an idea of what water and wood do when they meet!)
Hardwood floors, especially pre-finished hardwood floors are designed to be very little maintenance for you. You should only have to use a liquid to clean your floors when you have a spill or stain. Using a terry cloth head mop with a small amount of cleaner should do the trick. You will also want to be sure that you keep dirt and sand off of your hardwood floors on a regular basis by having walk off mats at every door.
Hope this helps!
Your friends at Big Bob’s
Design Perspective: Patterned Carpet January 12, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet, Design Perspectives , add a comment
When it comes to choosing patterned carpet, many questions always seems to come up. Today’s post is dedicated to the pro’s and con’s of patterned carpet.
First, ask yourself: What look am I trying to accomplish in this room? What is the function of this room? How many other fabrics and textures are in this room? Once you have thought about the answers to those questions, you are ready to think about patterned carpet.
One of the biggest misconceptions about patterned carpet is that it will make the room too busy. That can happen if there are too many focal points, fabrics and textures in the room, but if the room needs a focal point, texture or additional design element, patterned carpet can be the perfect solution.
Another reason people tend to shy away from patterned carpet all starts with the sample. It’s extremely difficult to visualize what an entire room of patterned carpet will look like from a typical carpet sample size. Most of the time, the sample isn’t even large enough to see the whole pattern. Thankfully, most have room scenes available either on the sample or the website. Our website offers a virtual room designer tool that can help you visualize what a patterned carpet will look like in a room. You can even upload a photo of your own home!
The image shown here is an example of how patterned carpet can be used successfully. In this case, it helps tie together the personality of the room and compliments the other textures in the room. This room doesn’t have a lot of patterned upholstery so the pattern on the floor is not distracting. (This is also a great example to answer the question – Will dark floors make my room look small?)
Patterned carpets can give a room depth, dimension and personality. Not all patterned carpets have objects such as the trees or leaves shown here. There are many pattern carpets that are simply abstract textures. You can use patterned carpet throughout your home if the pattern is not too distracting or defined. One way to use a patterned carpet that has a distinct pattern like the picture above is in a stand alone room such as a living room, home office or bedroom. Patterned carpets can make a guest room appear special and unique. This method will help keep you from growing tired of a distinct pattern.
Patterned carpets are not right for everyone, but if you want something unique and you want your floors to have a personality – give patterned carpet some consideration. Use the image here to help you visualize when looking at a sample in our store. Our sales staff can help talk you through specific patterns and whether they are right for your application. You may find a pattern that you want bound and made into an area rug to go over hard surfaces floors.
2009 Was A Good Year! January 8, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : About Us , add a commentIn 2009, Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet was fortunate enough to have several things to celebrate and be proud of that we would like to share with you in order to help you get to know our family a little better. Below are some of our accomplishments in 2009. If you would like more information on any of these topics, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Charitable organizations we support:
Yuma Regional Medical Center Foundation
Tri-Valley Ambulance
Good will service:
We provided new carpet ceramic tile and labor at no charge to help rebuild a house that was condemned by the city. Several articles about the project are available for more information.
Additions to the Big Bob’s family:
Store Manager Ted Noble and his wife had a baby girl
Retail Sales team member Sean McNatt and his wife had a baby boy
Local Press we received:
Customer Jerry Stuart wrote two letters to the editor of The Yuma Sun and commended our sales staff and installation department for their exemplary service.
We would like to thank everyone that was a part of all of these events and hope 2010 will bring as many good things for everyone!
