Hardwood Flooring Trends

Hardwood Flooring Trends, a Touch of the Creative
(BPT)—The recovering U.S. housing market has led to increased demand for certain luxury items, including hardwood flooring. Exciting trends are influencing the marketplace and for today's consumers, there are more hardwood flooring options than ever before.
"Savvy consumers want variety and flexibility in their flooring choices," says Linda Jovanovich of the AMERICAN HARDWOOD ASSOCIATION "With American hardwood species running the gamut of color and because hardwood is a product that can adapt to many different decorating styles and decors, hardwood provides a degree of diversity, as well as long-term value, that cannot be matched by other flooring materials."
From the trend-watchers at independent market research firm, Market Insights Torcivia, and the National Wood Flooring Association, look at what's trending now.
A touch of the creative
* Using multiple wood species is very popular, typically using one species in the main field of the room, then introducing other contrasting species incorporated as a border or other subtle design elements in the room.
* Mixed media incorporates hardwood with other flooring options like stone, tile, carpet or even metal. This approach often helps to define different seating or functional areas within a large, open space.
* Installing wood floors, in a non-linear format, is increasingly popular as well. Custom parquet patterns can achieve this look but even traditional linear floors can accomplish the same goal by installing the linear pattern on a curve.
* Consumer preferences are gravitating toward darker species, like walnut, over the more traditional, medium-colored white and red oak. In many cases, however, existing oak floors are being refinished and stained to achieve this look without replacing the floor.
* Buyers are moving away from the traditional 2 1/4 inches strip floor to wider plank flooring, 3 inches and wider. Random width planks are also popular. This creates a very casual look, while utilizing more of the raw materials during the manufacturing process.
* Distressed flooring - hand-scraping the boards will achieve an antiqued look while, at the same time, hiding small imperfections that can appear in flooring over time, like small scratches or dents.-This distressed effect can also be achieved in the factory.
Stains and finishes
The National Wood Flooring Association also reports that flooring manufacturers are introducing new lines geared to satisfy the emerging trends toward gray stains and finishes - ranging from very subtle to very dark - and metallic finishes.>br> Metallic finishes incorporate softly shimmering metallic accents by embedding the metallic materials into the hardwood. The result is a pronounced grain that shimmers softly in contrast to the rest of the wood. It is difficult to predict if this trend will catch on long-term but it has become increasingly popular, particularly on the West Coast.
Get inspired
As the U.S. economy continues to recover, more and more consumers will enhance their living spaces with flooring, cabinetry and other luxury items made from American Hardwoods, the ultimate in value, versatility and style. Browse the photo gallery of the AMERICAN HARDWOOD ASSOCIATION for inspiration.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved

Being Prepared For A St Louis Mo Weather Emergency

PREPARING FOR A WEATHER EMERGENCY
“SNOW”
St. Louis, MO., has had some huge snow storms in the past. Currently St. Louis, Mo has an average of twelve inches on the ground with some areas reporting up to eighteen inches. Even if your area only gets minimal amounts of snow you should always be prepared. Here are a few suggestions that will increase your preparedness.
STOCK UP
Don't wait til the snow is hitting the ground, get to the grocery store and get plenty of food. Make sure you have the basics, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Coffee, Water, and any other food you may need for an extended snow holiday.
EQUIPMENT
You'll need to get your snow shovel out, check to make sure the handle isn't cracked or that the shovel part is not missing any bolts. If there are any concerns pick up a new one Find Snow Shovels Here. Rock Salt or Ice Melt should be another item if you don't have any on hand it can be picked up at most Grocery Stores, Home Improvement Centers or even Gas Stations. If you have concrete walks, steps or driveways, use only Ice Melt.
GEAR
Staying warm on cold snowy days is important. Hypothermia an Frostbite can only take minutes if your area is experiencing record cold temperatures like we are currently in St. Louis, MO. ABC News says unprotected skin can experience frostbite or hypothermia in minutes. You can read the ABC News Article Here You will need to wear a hat, gloves and boots at least. If you plan on being in the weather an extended amount of time invest in an insulated snow suit, snow boots and maybe even some long underwear. Layer your clothes to increase your level of insulation.
STAY UPDATED
Stayed tuned to a local TV or Radio station to keep updated on conditions. It is also suggested you have a crank style NOAA Radio in case of a power outage. The American Red Cross offers a hand crank radio that will provide AM/FM?NOAA and allows you to charge your cell phone with a USB cord
Being prepared in a weather emergency will insure you and your family peace of mind
The Helderle Team 2014 © All Rights Reserved

Selling A Home In St. Louis,MO

Selling a Home in St. Louis, MO
There are plenty of people in St. Louis, Missouri who are attempting to sell their own home. That is great because a skilled and professional Realtor from the Helderle Team is there to assist people with selling their homes. They also are here to help people with purchasing a home in Saint Louis,which is great for people because buying or selling a home I St. Louis, MO., can be an overwhelming process.
Helping people sell a home means educating potential home buyers on how to buy a home. There are certain steps that a person will need to take prior to contacting a Remax Realtor in order to make a home purchase. The first thing you will need to do is to decide if you are able to afford a home in the first place. Banks will always access the risk of a loan applicant, which is why you need to make sure that your credit is in good standing prior to purchasing a home. Make sure that you pay down existing debt and settle anything that is in collections
The next thing to do is to figure out what kind of home will suit your needs. Some people have larger families and will therefore need a larger home. Then there are people who would prefer a yard for children to play in or for space for pets. Finally some people will need a garage in order to park their car or work on a project. It’s best to sit down and figure out what your lifestyle needs are because this will make it much easier to select a home when you are prepared to meet with the .St.Louis Realtor
Once you have figured out your budget, credit, and lifestyle needs you are ready to meet with the Realtor. It is the job of the St.Louis Realtor to provide you with options for a home. Prior to looking at any concerns, make sure that you voice your concerns or needs to the St.Louis Realtor because that will help narrow down the selection. At this point you will begin to see different homes in a variety of neighborhoods. Some homes will be nearer to public services such as a school or a park. Other homes will be near commercial sectors like restaurants or maybe a river, park or lake.
Once you have found the perfect home for you and your family, it will be time to write up an offer to purchase, which your St. Louis Realtor will do. If your offer is accepted by the selling party, your time-line for inspections, surveys, insurance and mortgage loan commitment begins. In the St Louis area a normal time frame for inspections is 10-15 days and can include building, termite, radon and sewer lateral just to name a few of the inspections you'll want to have completed by a professional.. You'll need to arrange for insurance with a home insurance provider. Surveys are usually ordered through the title company and range anywhere from $350-$750 dependent on the type of survey you require. A larger lot will be more costly. Your St.Louis Realtorwill also be able to refer you to a couple of different mortgage people, so that you can get the necessary financing that you need to purchase the home. Once the sale is concluded you will be able to move into your new home and enjoy it.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis, Mo area? Visit HOMES OF STL for more information.
.The Helderle Team 2014 © All Rights Reserved