Bring a Friend, Stretch Your Perspective! June 21, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Hints and Tips , add a commentShopping for flooring can be intimidating. One helpful idea is to grab a friend to take with you. This can be a great idea, or it can backfire. Here are some tips to make shopping with a friend an asset rather than a liability.
Choose carefully. The friend that is so fun to run around with may not be your best choice when making a flooring decision. Does your friend have taste in home décor you admire? Will he/she help you make a good decision or want to take over the decision-making process? Do they help you make decisions or are they more likely to distract you?
Set ground rules. This is your home, not theirs. You want to end up with your own flooring choices. Let them know why you are bringing them along. A friend can help you remember certain characteristics you want that you may forget in the excitement of picking flooring (a reminder that you have children and dogs is helpful when you are drooling over that white carpet). Pick a friend who helps you think through decisions by asking the right questions.
Be prepared. If your friend is proving to be a distracting rather than a helpful element, let yourself either ask your friend to help you focus, or stop the process and come again later by yourself.
Consider a non-friend. Maybe your best helper is not a friend at all. How about your cousin Rita whose home always looks so beautiful? A spouse can be a real help or a challenge – consider past shopping trips when making that decision. How about your mom? Even consider someone you don’t know well, but you know loves home decorating. You may be surprised to find out that they would love to join you. Having finished their home, they may want to have the fun of helping you with yours!
Polyester Carpet Fibers June 17, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet, Product Education , add a comment
There is great confusion these days about polyester fiber for carpets. When you talk about polyester carpet, do you mean just plain polyester, PET or PTT? Most of today’s polyester carpets are made from PET fibers, which are manufactured primarily from used plastic soda bottles. PET is an improved fiber over the older, original polyester, but it still comes with some of the performance baggage about which you may have heard stories.
The main positives about PET carpets are that when new, they have a great “hand,” which means a particularly soft and luxurious feel. Probably the greatest lure of PET carpets is the price, which is generally inexpensive. Another selling point is the colorfastness and resistance to water-based staining agents. The biggest complaints about this carpet are its propensity to crush and mat quickly – and that oil-based stains are at best difficult – and at worst, impossible to remove.
PTT polyester is a relatively new introduction into the fiber market (by DuPont in 2000) and sold under the trade name Sorona. It has some unique characteristics, like 37% renewable resource content (corn-based) and reports of advanced stain and wear capabilities over older generations of polyester. In fact, because of its unusual performance characteristics in carpet construction, the FTC granted in March, 2009, a new generic carpet fiber name and classification, Triexta. Smartstrand carpets from Mohawk are manufactured from this fiber.
Early reports from both DuPont and Mohawk indicate that carpets made from this fiber will perform to the expectations of nylon, and will also retain the soft feel and stain-resistance of polyester.
We hope this helps you understand more about polyester carpet fibers! To learn more about Nylon, click here!
Nylon Carpet Fibers June 10, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet, Uncategorized , add a comment
60 years ago, the United States was in a wartime economy. Military fabrics producers were running out of the silk they needed to make parachutes – and the scramble was on to produce a synthetic replacement for silk. The result, originally created by DuPont’s chemical and textile engineers is the nylon we now utilize in myriad industries. Because of nylon’s incredible strength and durability, it made its way into both the commercial and residential carpet manufacturing markets.
Since its debut all those years ago, very little has changed in the essential chemical construction of nylon carpet fiber. Attendant processes though, like dye methods, carpet construction and finishing technologies have undergone regular improvements. The result has been consistent, incremental increases in performance, so that today’s nylon carpets perform exceptionally well, whether in plush (cut-pile) or loop pile constructions.
One of the keys to nylon’s popularity is its dramatic colorfastness. Solution dyed nylon – where the polymer is colored prior to extrusion into filament fiber – is virtually impervious to the effects of direct sunlight or bleach! Even nylon dyed after extrusion is incredibly colorfast, because of the latest stain protection technologies.
When they are constructed, installed and maintained properly, nylon carpets retain their original shape and appearance, providing years of useful life. Besides their ability to resist stain and soiling, nylon carpets also respond well to common commercial cleaning methodologies. Today’s nylon carpets will never actually wear out – they simply get ugly at the end of their useful lives.
Tigressá SoftStyle Carpet June 2, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet, Product Education , add a comment
At Big Bob’s, we want you to be in the know with what’s new and changing in the world of carpet. Shaw Floors has introduced a product called Tigressá. This new carpet has advanced engineered yarn that produces a stong, durable and soft new carpet.
The difference between Tigressá and other carpets is its unique fiber shape. This unique fiber shape helps maintain a smoother appearance and an ultra-soft texture. It also makes it stronger than ordinary carpet.
Other advantages of Tigressá carpet:
- Dense, resilient super-strong fibers show less matting, crushing and wear.
- More filaments per square inch spread out daily abuse over more individual fibers.
- Patented color enhancement system protects each fiber and allows for deeper color and textures.
Click here and you can enter to win in the Tigressá Sweepstakes.
Today Brings….A Poem by Riley Millner June 1, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Don't click here! , 3commentsToday’s post is a little different than our usual posts…. It’s not about how to decorate a room, how to remove a stain from your carpet or what the different types of flooring and mattress options are, but something far more important! Please take a few moments to read the following inspirational poem by 14 year old, Riley Millner and hopefully look at what today brings for you a little differently! – Thanks, Riley for sharing!
Today Brings…
When I wake up in the morning
I can hear the birds’ song.
It’s the tune that keeps me smiling
And dancing all day long.
As soon as I step outside
I see the wonderful things,
Which God has made for all of us,
So I find joy in that he brings.
The trees then beckon me towards them,
As a small breeze makes them sway.
Their arms of gentle branches
Make me skip their way.
On entering the forest,
I see a golden shine.
It shimmers in, between the leaves,
Into a secret place o’ mine.
I feel a tap upon my shoulder,
And welcome my dear friend.
She teaches me the beauty of life
And how it never ends.
Now, at the water’s side,
The sun begins to set.
The birds start to quiet their hum,
As I sleep with no regret.
Riley Millner
All About Carpet Fibers May 25, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Carpet, Product Education , add a comment
20 years may have come and gone, but carpet fiber options remain essentially the same! Nylon and polyester have continued to remain solid choices as they’ve evolved to higher performance, quality and appearance levels. But wool retains its position as the fiber of choice for a unique, luxurious look and feel. In upcoming entries, each of the fibers will star in it’s own post.
Nylon products have continued to lead the residential market. Today’s nylon carpets are attractive, stain resistant, and high-performing at reasonable prices. Installed over a quality cushion and with basic maintenance, nylon carpet will perform well for 10 – 20 years.
Polyester has made a significant comeback after having once been known for poor performance. Polyester carpets now account for up to one-fourth of residential carpet sales. Polyester’s draw is price. Just be sure to ask for yarn with multiple plies and multiple twists.
Wool, with a rich history of distinctive beauty and charm, is still the fiber of choice for those who dream of “the best!”Nylon may “ugly out” as it ages, but wool – because it wears so gracefully, keeps looking good year after year. With only basic maintenance, wool carpets will perform wonderfully for 20 years or more. It’s not hard to find beautiful 30-year-old wool carpets – despite a threadbare spot or two at high traffic or pivot locations!
Understanding Color: Color Blending from Room to Room May 20, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Design and Decorating, Uncategorized , 1 comment so far
Understanding Color: Color Blending from Room to Room
One of the challenges faced with a great room design is determining how to separate the spaces while still keeping the room cohesive. Color provides one of your best tools for accomplishing that goal. Planning your color palette ahead of time will keep you from taking the safe but rather dull one-color approach, but also protect you from too much color.
For the three spaces, choose three colors that work well together. You may already have color that will be part of the room through furniture, your flooring, rugs, paint or curtains. If not, start working with the colors you like best. One good source for ideas is your local upholstery fabric store. Take your time and discover fabrics in patterns that appeal to your color sense. Ask for sample swatches of those fabrics you like the best, and then bring them back to your space to see how they work with your flooring and other room elements.
Once you define your colors, assign one to each part of the great room: kitchen, dining and living areas. Think of which space could use brightening, and which space would benefit from the richest color in your arsenal. Make those colors the focal points of each room, using furniture and accessories, maybe even by painting an accent wall. Be sure to pull all three colors into each space in some way, to keep them interconnected.
Once you’re finished, stand back and look at the room from different perspectives. Does each space stand out, while still connecting to the rest of the room? Does the color flow well from space to space? You may need to move accessories around a to get the look you want, but it’s worth the effort to create a comfortable and inviting great room that works for you and your family.
Steps to Selecting the Right Area Rug – Part 2 May 11, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Area Rugs , add a comment
Steps to Selecting the Right Area Rug
Part Two: Shopping for the Right Rug
Are you ready to shop for a new rug? Taking the time now to determine the size, type and colors of your new rug will make the shopping process both easier and more fun (see Steps to Selecting the Right Area Rug Part One).
Where do you plan to shop? The best guarantee of getting a good rug is to start with a reputable flooring store, like us! The rug industry has a broad mix of quality, price and reliability. Unless you are a rug expert, the only way you can ensure a good rug at a fair price is through a retail outlet that you can trust.
Plan to take your time. We will help you look and decide, but there are many choices of area rugs to choose from! The more you can tell us about what size you need, your style, your budget, the more we can help you. Be sure to take a look at your final couple of selections near a window under natural light. The lighting significantly affects the colors of a rug. Also look at any hanging rugs you plan to buy on the floor first. They look very different when laid horizontally.
To get some ideas of what we have to choose from, please take a stroll through our area rug catalog.
Steps to Selecting the Right Area Rug May 7, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Area Rugs , 1 comment so far
Part One: Before You Start Shopping
If you’ve never shopped for an area rug before, the process can seem more than a little confusing. The good news is that with a little planning, you can start your shopping with a plan to make the whole process easier. Although there are many decisions involved, the following three factors will help you narrow your search right from the beginning.
What will you be demanding from your rug? If it is going to live in a high-traffic area, look at sturdy material choices such as nylon or wool. One of the interesting new options to consider is indoor-outdoor rugs. These tough materials stand up to a lot of use and can be hosed down outside when they need cleaning.
What size rug do you need? Measure your space to determine the best size, and how much larger or smaller you can go. Many stores will have the same rug in a number of sizes, so often size restrictions won’t limit your choices. Be sure to compensate for dining chairs by adding at least two feet of rug over and above the size of the table for each side with a chair. Otherwise, people may find themselves dropping off the edge when they pull a chair out to sit. For other living spaces, think of a rug as a frame connecting the elements in a room. If you have trouble visualizing the final look, you may want to use towels or tape to define the rug’s location and decide the best size for your space.
What look do you want in a rug? Will the rug make a strong statement – adding a design element to the room? Or are you looking for something to brighten a dark area or anchor a space that is a bit too light? What color will best mesh with the other furniture and accessories? Is there a color you want to see more of that the rug can pull into a space? Maybe your goal is a neutral that will pull disparate pieces together.
Once you determine these issues, make sure you go to the store prepared. Have your actual measurements with you – sizes in a showroom can be deceiving. Bring samples of any colors you may want to pull into the space by bringing along a throw pillow or paint chip. By doing your homework before you shop, your chances of finding that perfect rug are substantially improved.
Design Perspective: Laminate Flooring April 30, 2010
Posted by Shannonbilby in : Design Perspectives , add a comment
One of our favorite posts on our blog is to examine room scenes and talk about what works and what could be improved. Let’s dive into this room scene and talk about what works and what can be improved!
What works:
- Note the dark walls and light floors. Great contrast!
- The way the floor extends from the dining room into the foyer helps both rooms appear larger.
- The installation direction of the laminate elongates the room.
- Oak is used on the floor and the dining furniture is a similar stain color. Nice blend.
- The white trim around the doors and windows compliment the window treatments and table decor.
Improvement ideas:
- On the one hand, it’s complimentary that the floors and the furniture are similarly stained, but adding an area rug to separate the two could add contrast and texture.
What are your thoughts? Do you like this room? What would you improve on?
