Posts

Posted on

Four Great Ideas for Redecorating a Teenager’s Room

Pleasing your teenager is a challenging task but when it comes to redecorating their room try a number of possibilities. Some of these DIY decoration projects are quite easy to execute and they will result in amazing living space transformations.

Change the Carpet
Changing the color, style and fabric of the carpet in your teenager’s room can help you accomplish a number of interior design goals. A thick and soft carpet will immediately add comfort and sophistication. A brighter color can make the ambiance in the room a lot livelier.

You can try various DIY carpet projects. The use of carpet tiles is one great idea because you simply need to stick those to the cleaned floor. The project can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your teenager.

Color Coordination
Once you choose the carpet color, go on and add a few more bright spots to the room.

Getting the walls painted and choosing bright bedding will both be fun options for transforming a teen’s room. Talk to your child about the selection of the colors – some teenagers may be uncomfortable with excessive brightness.

Bare-Brick Wall
Are you looking forward to creating a slightly more sophisticated teenager’s room? A bare-brick wall is a really cool possibility that both girls and boys will enjoy.

You can have an entire wall like this or you can create a special study corner for your teenager. Contrasting the simplicity of the bare bricks with fun and modernistic furniture is another exciting decorating option.

A Themed Teen Room
If you want to execute a large-scale redecoration project, you can think about creating a theme room for your teenager.

Do you have a young artist, rock musician or movie fan living with you? All of these are great decorating ideas. A little bit of research will boost your creativity – you will discover many amazing ideas for teenager theme rooms online.

Posted on

Installing Carpet Tiles Your Way-5 Steps

There are times when using professionals to install carpet tiles is not practical. Many carpet tiles are made for easy handling. Carpet tiles are practical and worry-free to use in any space you want. All you have to do is determine what you want for your floor space and pick out the right colors. Follow the 5 steps below, so that you can install carpet tiles your way:

  1. Mark each wall’s center. This will determine the pattern that you want to create. Place a tile at the room’s center, once you have found the center of every wall. Just measure the length of each wall and divide it by two. Use a pencil to mark the midpoint.
  2. Place a carpet tile square on your wall. Get a tile and measure its width. Divide the measurement by two. This is the center of the tile. Make sure that the center of the tile is in line with the center mark you placed on the wall. Do this with the four walls of the room.
  3. Position the first carpet tile square. Place this tile on the cross hair of the tiles you place against the wall centers. Do not remove the adhesive backing yet.
  4. Make your pattern. Be creative. If you want to make the room unique, then pick out different colors of carpet tiles. Position them wherever you like first, but do not remove the adhesive backing until you have finalized the pattern that you want.
  5. Trim the squares closest to the wall. Do this so that the tiles can fit the wall. You can use a straight edge or a carpenter’s square with a utility knife to accomplish the clean cut. If the edges you’ve cut are not even, molding will cover it up.

Installing carpet tiles is pretty easy; aim for uniqueness. Carpet tiles are strong, stain-proof and water-proof. Install and maintain them well, so that you can have a long lasting, durable carpet flooring for years.

Posted on

Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle®is not some new age mumbo jumbo. The concept originated in 2002 and is explained in the book by William McDonough, an American architect and Michael Braungart, a German chemist, “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things”.

The idea is that products should be created with “intelligent design” or with conscious intent they would be repurposed when products were worn out or thrown out.

It makes sense the authors would turn to nature for inspiration. Everything in the natural world is designed perfectly. Energy does not die, it just changes form. So, they compared human industry with nature where ‘materials are nutrients circulating in healthy, safe metabolisms’.

With nature as a guiding influence, it was determined that humans could revamp industry to be more ‘eco-effective’. When applied to the carpet industry, manufacturers could become cognizant during the design process of how to up-cycle carpet after it has served its purpose.

Keep in mind, the modality does not suggest an alchemic type process of changing worn out carpet into brand new carpet. Rather, it advocates putting together a product that can be taken apart and repurposed again and again ‘in a continuous and virtuous cycle’. At its essence, Cradle to Cradle® is all about eliminating the notion of waste.

Remember, all this innovation must take place in the design phase of a product. Various design features must be explored that would encourage the disbandment and reclamation of worn carpeting.

This requires a major shift in human consciousness where we eschew our old “cradle to grave” mentality and embrace “Cradle to Cradle®”. In adapting this philosophy, the desired outcome is to eventually end our need to keep drawing on nature’s resources.

Let’s explore the “cradle to grave” philosophy. Very simply it is – we do things this way, because we have always done things this way. Where carpeting is concerned, the “grave” translates to a landfill. Or, we might say filled-land.

The authors of “Cradle to Cradle®” advise that about each seven years carpeting is replaced. Perhaps it’s simply no longer in vogue or the color has faded. At any rate, square feet of carpeting, equaling millions are deposited in landfills. Now, here’s the kicker – did you know it takes approximately 50 years for natural materials i.e. wool to degrade?

Even more astonishingly, nylon and other manmade fibers take 250,000 years to decompose. Are you beginning to see what horrific amounts of waste humans have made because we’ve always done things this way? And we just focused on carpeting!

The authors went on to acknowledge corporate efforts toward going green, such as calculating their carbon footprint, finding ways to reduce it and improving operations. However, they contend these efforts do not bring about holistic change.

Indeed, select companies are already espousing the new paradigm, “Cradle to Cradle®” by repurposing old carpeting into different products, such as automobile parts. Alternatively, millions of used plastic bottles are being re-crafted as polyester fibers for carpeting.

Designing products that can be recycled again and yet again is no longer the wave of the future, it is NOW! So, whoever decreed we have to keep doing things the way we’ve always done them was wrong! Right?

Posted on

Decorating with Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles

There are times when relying on professionals to install carpet tiles is not practical at all. Many carpet tiles out there are made for easy handling by ordinary homeowners like you. It will help save time and money if you know what to do with carpet tiles. Carpet tiles are practical and worry-free to use in any space you want. All you have to do is determine what you want for your floor space and pick out the right colors. Follow the given steps below, so that you can install carpet tiles your way:

  • Mark each wall’s center. This will determine the pattern that you want to create. Place a tile at the room’s center, once you have found the center of every wall. Just measure the length of each wall and divide it by two. Use a pencil to mark the midpoint.
  • Place a carpet tile square on your wall. Get a tile and measure its width. Divide the measurement by two. This is the center of the tile. Make sure that the center of the tile is in line with the center mark you placed on the wall. Do this with the four walls of the room.
  • Position the first carpet tile square. Place this tile on the cross hair of the tiles you place against the wall centers. Do not remove the adhesive backing yet.
  • Make your pattern. Be creative. If you want to make the room unique, then pick out different colors of carpet tiles. Position them wherever you like first, but do not remove the adhesive backing until you have finalized the pattern that you want.
  • Trim the squares closest to the wall. Do this so that the tiles can fit the wall. You can use a straight edge or a carpenter’s square with a utility knife to accomplish the clean cut. If the edges you’ve cut are not even, molding will cover it up.

Installing carpet tiles is an easy task for any homeowner. Just pick your carpet tiles right and aim for uniqueness. Carpet tiles are strong, stain-proof and water-proof. Install and maintain them well, so that you can have a long lasting, durable carpet flooring for years.he smaller one starts to fill. That saves time during the final cleanup and emphasizes why so many people believe removing carpet tiles is easy.

Posted on

Removing Old Carpet Tiles

carpet tile installationAt some point part or all of the beautiful seamless carpet composed of tiles will need removed. Carpet tiles are divided into two general types: peel & stick and glue required. There is a different technique to remove each kind. Wear protective gloves for any method.

Peel & Stick Carpet Tiles

One person’s idea of “simple to do” is different from another, but the overall truth is that removing carpet tiles is an easy DIY project. Peel and stick is simpler because they typically have an easy-release non-slip padding that adheres to the floor. To remove:

  1. Start at any edge of the square and lift gently. Use a putty knife to lift the corner if it doesn’t want to budge.
  2. Peel the carpet back towards you until it is separate from the floor. Residue on the floor can be removed once all the carpeting is up.
  3. Prepare each piece for disposal as it is removed. Refer to the Prepare for Disposal steps below and make cleanup a breeze.

Glue-Required Carpet Tiles

Some carpet tiles require a special glue to adhere them to the floor. The sticky glue needs cleaned once the tiles are removed. To remove:

  1. Put the putty knife under the corner edge of one square. Work the knife up and down gently to lift the edge.
  2. Grasp the tile and pull towards you until the entire piece is lifted away.
  3. If it is stubborn, aim the hot air from a blow dryer towards the square to soften the glue until you can remove the piece.
  4. Make cleanup easier by following the instructions below as you remove each piece.

Prepare for Disposal

  1. Roll up each square or rectangle with the top facing out.
  2. Wrap a piece of masking tape around the center to hold the roll tightly.
  3. Keep a small box or bin close to you. Put the roll in after it’s wrapped.

Empty the rolls into a larger bin when the smaller one starts to fill. That saves time during the final cleanup and emphasizes why so many people believe removing carpet tiles is easy.

Posted on

Carpet Tiles and How to Care for them Naturally

Smart consumers and homeowners like you strive for the most beneficial products in the market. As much as possible, you aim to get value for your money every time you shop. This includes purchasing flooring material. Your floors endure pressure and grime every single day. What you need is sturdy flooring that is practical and easy on the eyes. This is when carpet tiles come in handy.

Reasons to Choose Carpet Tiles

Aesthetics and function are what homeowners look for. Carpet tiles provide you with the right look and the fitting durability for your demanding home. Here are some of the benefits you reap from carpet tiles:

  •     Easy to install. You can easily install carpet tiles with adhesive tapes or double sided carpet tapes. You can easily move your carpet tiles around as well.
  •     Easy to maintain. You can easily clean or replace carpet tiles. They can be easily removed even without professional help. If a tile is discolored or damaged, just replace that tile. You don’t have to replace the entire floor.
  •     Very durable. If you have a lot of foot traffic in your home, carpet tiles will have no problems withstanding abuse and pressure.
  •     Environment friendly. Most carpet tiles are made from recycled materials.
  •     Has more options for installation. You can use carpet tiles for your entire flooring or you can just use them as rugs around the house. You can also install them anywhere in the house (garages, attics, basements, or bathrooms).
  •     Can be used creatively. Because carpet tiles can be installed easily, you can use the, to create unique patterns and designs. Make your space fun with the combinations you can come up with.
  •     Doesn’t retain water. You don’t have to worry about carpet tiles rotting away because of moisture. They do not absorb water that is why they are very durable.
  •     Ideal for renters. If you decide that it’s time for you to move to another home, you can take your carpet tiles with you.
  •     Easy to work around with. You can just install carpet tiles around your furniture. You won’t have to empty the entire room just to install them.

Continue reading “Carpet Tiles and How to Care for them Naturally”

Posted on

Green Carpet Cleaning-What are the Benefits?

Cleaning your rug is an important part of keeping the household in good repair. As each home owner has a different type of carpet, and everyone has unique aspect to their home, the way you clean carpet may be different but products shouldn’t be.

Your home and family are the most important part of your world. Keeping them safe from the many allergens and toxins that can exist in cleaning supplies is something we’re all starting to consider just a little more carefully. Many of those allergens and toxins are part and parcel of cleaning supplies that we use on our carpets.

Green carpet cleaning is a relatively new technology but it’s one that is coming on strong and with good reason. For those who have pets and smaller children, they are close to the floors that you’re cleaning. The toxins and residue that traditional carpet cleaning supplies can leave behind is something that most of us would prefer to keep away from the smaller and more vulnerable members of the household.

Some carpet cleaning supplies can be very harsh. While the carpet cleaners of today are more efficient and the companies to which we offer our work may be very efficient in their attempts to remove the carpet cleaning supplies, no single cleaning can accomplish that. The rinse will never be absolutely complete. To that end, the products, on some level are left in the rug. Many smaller children have very sensitive skin and as such, these chemicals can be causative agents for allergic reactions and skin problems where the child comes into contact with the rug.

Green cleaning supplies are more natural, tending toward less harsh chemicals and petroleum laden cleaning methods. Green cleaning offers biodegradable and gentler methods of cleaning that leave a lower residue. That’s good not only for you, for the house and for your children, but for the environment too.

Green Cleaning Methods for a Lower Carbon Footprint.

We’ve all heard the phrase “lower your carbon footprint.” What does that actually mean and how can we accomplish it. Does it help us in any way? What’s the benefit to lowering your footprint on the earth and is there an up side to using green cleaning methods in your home?

Lowering your carbon footprint means using transportation methods wisely, using less energy when we can and even using healthier and less toxic methods of cleaning our environment.

When you clean your carpet, most of the carpet cleaning supplies that you will use or that will be used on your carpet by your cleaning team will be harsher chemicals. Many of these use chemicals which are not environmentally friendly and which can be toxic to your private home environment.

Did you know that more than half of all cleaning supplies use either petroleum derivatives or chlorine in some measure? Did you know that those things are not strictly necessary in order to clean your home and even to kill bacteria and viruses that can cause illness?

Something as simple as vinegar can take away the scent, effectively clean your flooring and actually kill bacteria, yet we use many harsher chemicals to do those things.

Green cleaning for your floors and your carpets can offer a wide range of benefits, not the least of which is being more environmentally friendly.

Green cleaning is less toxic. This means that you’re going to keep your environment healthier. Your children and pets will come into contact with fewer poisonous chemicals and may be affected in a positive way by that. The residue won’t be left in the rug to cause reactions to kids and pets. The products that must be discarded will be more readily broken down into natural substances rather than requiring a method to get rid of a waste product that is effectively toxic.

When you use green cleaning methods, you’re essentially protecting your home, your children, your pets and you from contact with chemicals that can cause reactions and that are not good for the environment as a whole. That’s a huge benefit if you think about it. Most of these cleaners are also less costly than the chemical ones. Save the planet and keep more of your money in your pocket. What’s not to love about that?

Posted on

Make a Big Entrance With Carpet Tile in the Entryway

The first thing people see when they walk in the door of any establishment is the entryway floor. As that is the case, it matters a good deal what kind of flooring is used in this space as it will be the first impression made on people coming through the door. It should be easy to maintain so it always looks its best.

Carpet tiles are the perfect choice for entryways. Installation is the first of many reasons they are one of the favored choices to make that first impression. Easy and fast to install means that new flooring can be in place with little disruption to normal business hours. The installation crew can begin installation after the business closes for the day and be done before it opens again on the next business day, whether it is the next morning or after a weekend.

Not all establishments are what could be called closed overnight or over the weekend but do have times of low traffic in the entryway. This is the perfect time for installation or cleaning to take place. Restaurants are completely closed at night but hotels and nursing homes always have people in them at all hours. Night or early mornings are often when low noise maintenance and installations take place. Carpet tiles can be installed without making much noise so guests or residents are not disturbed during the process. Cleaning doesn’t take long so even when that needs to be done during daytime hours, it is finished quickly so people going in and out are not impeded.

Entryways get most of the traffic in any business so durability is an issue. Carpet tiles are not only durable but should an area start showing wear and tear, new tiles can easily be put in place of worn tiles. The color holds well in tiles so new tiles blend in well without being too noticeably different.

Color is another reason tile carpeting is a wise choice. They come in a wide choice of colors so matching or complimenting the entryway’s decor or the decor of the area just beyond the entrance is easy. The entrance can be set apart from the rest of the area with tiles of slightly different colors being placed to form a pattern. This can prove to be helpful when there is nothing else to distinguish what is considered the entryway. Hotels and restaurants may find this to be a useful way to separate an entry area from the rest of a lobby area. Some establishments use a small area of vinyl flooring to do this. Carpet tiles or vinyl works well so either is an option but vinyl does mean the area can be slippery when there is wet weather such as rain or snow.

If your establishment, whether it is a hotel, restaurant, nursing home or other type, consider carpet tile flooring before you make a final decision on what you place in your entryway. The reasons to choose carpeting tiles will likely make them the best choice.

Proudly powered by WordPress