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Hardwood Flooring was always thought to be the more traditional choice in new home installations or existing home renovations, but in recent years it has seen a tremendous rise in popularity. With an ever-changing industry, it is important to stay knowledgeable about the options that are available, as well as learn about what other homeowners are choosing for their new floor installations. These trends all stayed popular throughout 2019 and have continued to gain traction through the beginning of this year. 

 

Wide Plank Flooring

 

Most of the wood flooring that you will see installed in older homes and buildings is narrow, traditional plank wood, and is very clean and free from imperfections. Recently though, wide plank flooring has surfaced as the preferred choice in the industry. It creates the appearance that your room is larger; and that the floors are sturdy and high quality and can be a great way to make a statement that your floor is the premium feature of your home. Wide plank flooring can be purchased in many different material types, and can have many different finishing treatments. The most important thing to remember when choosing wide plank flooring is that the possibilities are endless, but choosing an expert installation team is essential. 

 

Mixed Species of Wood

 

Another popular trend that lends to the rustic charm of a floor is to utilize either mixed species of wood, or mixed finishing treatments of wood. For people who would like solid Oak floors, but want to add a little contrast in color and texture, a mix of milled and distressed grade reclaimed oak can be used to create a unique and beautiful floor that flows naturally throughout the home. Another common trend is to mix the size of the planks, which achieves a similar unique design through the contrast, but will still flow naturally together and create a seamless finished floor. For even more contrast, a mix of size, grade and species can be used, and this will bring a rustic charm to any space. 

 

Environmentally Friendly Finishes

 

Many people are hesitant to consider hardwood flooring because of the common misconceptions surrounding the finishing treatments that are used in hardwood refinishing or installation projects; however, recently there have been many great improvements to the types of finishes that are commonly available to reduce the environmental impact.

 

For the new year, expect to see an increase in the usage of higher quality polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant and therefore will not off-gas as much as previous products. VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, have a high vapor pressure at room temperature and causes them to enter the surrounding air within an environment. There are a variety of higher grade finishes on the market that are both VOC compliant, but do not compromise on the durability or protective qualities of the finish. 

 

In addition to the polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant, the use of natural oils such as tung and linseed oils, have increased in popularity. One of the advantages of using natural oil is that they are biodegradable and can be easily reapplied when needed. They also have the benefit of creating a richer and more organic patina as they permeate into the natural wood. The downside to using these natural oils is that they require more regular maintenance, and they can easily absorb water, so they are not suitable for every home. 

Overall, no matter what design style you’re looking to accomplish, you can count on the expert team at Ward Hardwood Flooring to deliver a beautiful flooring masterpiece that will bring warmth and beauty to your home for many years. We will be involved in every step of the process, beginning with helping to choose the perfect design, and will be sure to deliver the floors of your dreams. Call us today for a Free Estimate, or sign up at http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/free-estimate.

There’s no denying that beautiful hardwood flooring can make every living room look elevated and unique. Each piece features a different texture, grain, and appearance, making the room stand out. While the type of wood you choose at the hardwood floor showroom will largely set the tone for the room, the stain and color can make all the difference in how you choose to decorate the space. Dark stains are practically guaranteed to make the room more modern and sleek, but without the right décor in place, they can make the space feel small and claustrophobic. Here are a few easy ways to decorate dark-floored living rooms.

Opt for Lighter Walls

Dark walls have their place in interior design, but they’re not ideal for rooms with dark hardwood floors. The combination of dark wood stain and dark paint can make the room feel smaller and more closed in. With the living room, it’s important to make the space feel open and inviting, making the lighting stand out and truly brighten the space. Instead of dark walls, opt for a lighter color paint like eggshell white, cream, or even a light pastel. This will reflect both natural and artificial light throughout the room more effectively, thus making the room feel larger and more open.

Make Use of Accent Rugs

Open floorplans are wonderful, but when the flooring is identical throughout each room, it can quickly start to feel overwhelming and monochromatic. Instead of relying solely on the walls and ceiling to brighten the living room, make use of accent rugs. These rugs can be whatever color you want, highlighting or complementing existing colors and patterns in the other décor of the room. Lay them under the coffee table and sofa to create a well-framed look and use runners to draw the eye through the hallway or walkway.

Add Color With Curtains

Widows are one of the most underutilized parts of the living room. While they can bring in plenty of natural light during the day, they’re far more versatile than you might imagine. Instead of leaving them as bare openings in the wall, decorate them with curtains to accent both the walls and the rest of the décor. While the floor will still be dark, curtains draw the eye upward and away from the floor, helping to keep the dark floor from becoming overwhelming. Just remember, dark curtains on a light wall may tie the room together, but it they will block more light. When they’re drawn, they can make the room feel smaller, but by the same token, they’re ideal for blocking out neighborhood lights for movie night!

Incorporate Dark Wood Furniture Into the Space

It may seem counterintuitive to add dark wood furniture into a room with dark floors, doing so can actually make the room feel brighter. If you’re looking to refurnish the living room, consider incorporating pieces with wood accents that are close to the same color as the floors. This will make the upholstery and accent colors on the rest of the piece stand out and pop. Remember, dark on dark doesn’t have to be bad—you just have to take care to find pieces that have enough color and accent elements not to completely blend in with the hardwood flooring.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match Wood

When installing dark floors, contrast is the name of the game. Though dark wood furniture will work in the space, light wood can help create wonderful contrast. Look for furniture that uses pale woods like pine, birch, and unstained elm. The lighter color will break up the dark appearance of the floor while still showing off that unique wood grain you know and love. Best of all, if you ever decide to refinish the floors or install new hardwood with a lighter stain, your furniture will still work in the space.

Accent With Lighting

Light fixtures can change how a space looks and feels, even when the lights are off. With dark floors, it’s important to make sure the space is bright, but not washed out. When you incorporate brightly colored furniture and white walls, it’s easy to lose sight of the unique and cozy feel the floors bring to the space. Use your light fixtures to tie the room together, accentuating the dark floors without forcing the ceiling to become overwhelmingly dark or bold. Delicate wrought iron chandeliers and table lamps bring a touch of rustic charm—just keep things bright by using a light colored shade over the bulbs. If you want to create a modern look, opt for metal fixtures that reflect light naturally. Brushed stainless steel is an ideal option for both large and small rooms.

Don’t Neglect The Throw Pillows

Pops of color can go a long way towards brightening a space. While painting an entire wall a vibrant accent color can be overwhelming, it’s not your only option. In fact, adding throw pillows to the sofa and chairs will allow you to bring more life into the room without committing to a single large swath of color. The eye naturally seeks out these bits of brightness, drawing attention away from the dark floors and up towards the natural light of the space. The colors you choose are entirely up to you and can easily be mixed with darker accents to keep the room cozy.

Dark hardwood floors are a beautiful touch to add to any home, but they can make decorating the room a bit more of a challenge than a more neutral or lighter color. However, with a bit of imagination and a touch of your personal interior design flair, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and welcoming living room the entire family will love. If you’re ever ready to upgrade your hardwood flooring or simply want a second opinion on refinishing the planks you already have in place, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our expert staff understand the care and maintenance hardwood requires in order to keep your home looking its best for years to come.

Anyone that has recently refinished their existing hardwood floors, or installed new hardwood floors, can attest that they want to show off the natural beauty and warmth that they added back into their home. These tips are a fantastic way to highlight your new floors while still utilizing cost effective methods, perfect to show off to your family and friends.

Let There Be Light
Homeowners and designers often underutilize natural light sources in rooms with hardwood floors or features and increasing the amount of light in a room can visually make a huge difference. Use lighter elements in the interior design style to help reflect light. You may consider painting the walls a light beige or grey, use white or light blue throw pillows, and soft but bright area rugs in order to increase the light in the room and make the space feel large and airy. Adding mirrors will help to reflect light but be sure to place them strategically so that they reflect off glass surfaces to amplify the effect. You may also consider rearranging the furniture so that the space feels more open and be sure to arrange pieces in a way that doesn’t throw off the balance of the room.

Make It Match
Interior design style plays an important factor in highlighting the hardwood as a feature in any room. For example, if your interior design style is more rustic and you add contemporary pieces, it will clash and take away from the beauty of your flooring. Most hardwood flooring fits well into a rustic design, which is perfect for creating an area of rest and relaxation. For this style, choose items that are distressed, unique and embellished with natural wear. If you are looking for something more modern, then choose items with clean lines, and utilize metallic finishes. Whatever your design style may be, just ensure that it is consistent to keep the items from clashing and causing a distraction from the centerpiece of the room.

Add Unique Touches
Something as simple as adding a hardwood beam or mantle to the design of a room can help to guide the eye to the flooring. Adding touches of wood into the design that complement the flooring is the perfect way to showcase the hardwoods and can be done in a variety of ways. Wall treatments or barn doors are a popular, yet still unique, method of integrating wood elements into a space to create this desired effect.

With a bit of imagination and a touch of your personal interior design flair, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and welcoming space that all of your friends and family will enjoy for years to come. If you’re ever ready to refinish or upgrade your hardwood flooring, or simply want a second opinion on how to highlight your existing space, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our expert staff understand the care and maintenance hardwood requires in order to keep your home looking its best for years to come.

Your bedroom is the place you start and end your day and should invoke peace and tranquility. The space should be arranged and designed in a way to make you enjoy your time spent there. Unfortunately, sometimes a bedroom design and layout can cause you stress or difficulty sleeping! There are so many great ways to create the bedroom you are looking for. No matter what your budget, explore these options to mix up the space and make it work better for you. From layout, storage, and fireplaces, to furniture, and flooring with reclaimed wood, learn how to create a bedroom that works for you.

Layout Design Ideas

The design and layout of your bedroom is key. Avoid having a bedroom that is cluttered and laid out in a manner that is hard to navigate around. You should be able to get to each point in the bedroom—from the bed to the closet. If you have a small room, keep your bed close to a wall and leave a small walkway. Choose the corner of the room diagonal to the door to provide a larger amount of space for the other furniture in the room. 

For larger rooms, opt to have your bed centered on a wall opposite of the door. In both large and small rooms, you can have tables or attached nightstands with lamps and other items. One way to help a room seem larger, or for great décor, is to have a mirror mounted on the wall. When choosing the spot to mount it, mount it right above the bed. This way, you will help the room feel larger and airier with great aesthetic design. 

If you choose to have a television in your bedroom, avoid putting it in a location hard to see. One of the best options is to mount it to the wall directly in front of the bed—if possible. If not, choose the side of the room easiest for viewing if it does not distract from the other areas. To tie in rustic elements, consider adding a wooden accent wall made of reclaimed wood at the far end of the space. Finalize the room with a tall mirror, a favorite painting, or even wood accent shelving to hold items that bring your personality into the space.

Closets and Storage

The closet in your master bedroom needs to be easy to organize and navigate. When starting from scratch, there are a variety of brilliant ways to make the space work for you that goes beyond clothing bars to hang clothes. While you may have the space to hang your clothes, consider adding built-in shelves that can take place of your dressers—freeing up space in the bedroom. You can have separate areas for different types of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more. You can also have built-in drawers added to your master closet as well for personal items. No matter what you need stored, you can add it in your customized master closet. 

Tying into the reclaimed wood accent wall in the bedroom, hardwood flooring is a great option for a closet. Why? It is easy to clean and doesn’t harbor dust and other elements the way carpet does—keeping your clothes cleaner and minimizing allergens. 

For closet lighting design, ultimately that is up to you. You can choose warm vibes, which tie in well with a rustic feel, or even hang a chandelier to add a chic vibe. You can choose from recessed, track, or hanging lights that fit your feel. You can even add in lights within your built-in shelves to help you better identify items.  

Fireplaces and Mantels

A great addition to your bedroom during a renovation is a fireplace. It helps create that cozy feel you are looking for and helps keep you warm in the winter. 

When it comes to the types of fireplaces you can choose, there are electric and gas models. If trying to save money up front, electric models cost less—but note that it will increase your electric bills each month. For smaller bedrooms, many homeowners choose electric to help save on space; however, if you have a larger bedroom then a gas fireplace is a great option. If you choose a gas fireplace, it will need a chimney whereas an electric will not. Wood burning fireplaces are the most cost-effective, but also require the most work for installation. Ultimately, the choice is yours. 

When building your ideal fireplace, wood accents will bring both character and personalization to the focal point of the room. One of the most common locations to place the fireplace is across from a bed on an outer wall to highlight its’ beauty. You can decorate around it with chairs and a small table and mount a television or mirror above a mantel made of reclaimed wood.

Furniture

Do you have a smaller bedroom? Find furniture that serves a dual purpose with storage. You can find beds with built-in drawers to replace your dressers. You can also find nightstands with drawers that attach to your bed to help save on space. If you will be adding lamps or lighting to your bed, make sure to be mindful of their size as you do not want the room to become cluttered. If you would like to continue using reclaimed wood, consider having a custom bed built out of the same material to tie in with the existing accents. 

For another small cozy touch, add a chair with an ottoman or a chaise in the corner opposite of the bed. Next to the chair, place a lamp with warm lighting. This is perfect for reading or relaxing at the end of a long day.

Flooring Go-Tos

For the perfect flooring option in your master bedroom remodel, add reclaimed hardwood. Reclaimed hardwood flooring is the final piece to tie into your bedroom design. It adds the warmth needed for a relaxing environment. For a darker tone, choose a distressed grade reclaimed oak to achieve varying shades of dark brown. For a lighter choice, try a milled grade reclaimed tobacco pine.

To help you with any of your reclaimed wood needs for your bedroom renovation, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help. When it comes to choosing Denver reclaimed wood flooring from your hardwood floor showroom, we can show you everything to design your perfect space. Get started on your ideal bedroom design today by calling 303-674-6713, or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com.

Upgrading your home’s flooring is a simple way to improve the value of your house. Nothing adds character and beauty to the space like quality hardwood flooring. However, if you’re just transitioning from carpet or are looking to make a statement with your home’s interior design, finding the right wood can be a real challenge. Before you start receiving estimates and browsing products at your hardwood floor showroom, it’s important that you ask yourself these questions:

What flooring do I really want in my house?

Within the realm of hardwood floors, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types to choose from. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the type of wood you want to install. Consider if you would prefer the charm of a wide plank floor or if you want a more traditional live sawn material. Will your room look better with wide or narrow planks? The more specific you can get about the type of flooring you want, the easier it will be to make an appropriate choice based on what will fit your home and your needs best.

What type of wood do I really want to have?

Hardwood floors can be stained, but in some cases leaving the wood natural is typically the best option. Not only does it give you more versatility when redecorating your house, but it also makes the space more approachable should you ever decide to sell to another family. When making the choice, think about the type of feel you want the room to have. Ash, maple, and birch all make the space look bright, increasing the amount of natural light that gets reflected throughout the room. Woods like cherry or mahogany make the room darker, but also add an air of sophistication. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer—picking the color of your floors is a matter of personal preference.

Which finishes are the best for my house?

Hardwood floors come in different finishes ranging from satin and matte to high-gloss. Satin finishes give the wood a softer appearance, reflecting less light and keeping glare to a minimum. High-gloss floors are heavily polished and reflect even small amounts of light vibrantly. The finishes are, like wood choice, a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that high-gloss floors will show more dirt and dust than matte or satin sheen floors. If you have lots of pets or small children, a finish with less sheen may be better for your home.

Have I considered existing woodwork?

Hardwood flooring needs to match the rest of your home’s interior design. If you’re upgrading to wood in the kitchen, consider the colors of your cabinets, walls, wood trim, and any other existing woodwork in the room. Choose a tone and type of wood that matches your existing décor. This way, you’ll be able to keep the interior you love while upgrading your floors. Remember, the less you have to change about your existing interior, the more money you’ll save in the long run.

How much do I need to order?

When determining how much wood you need to buy to upgrade your home’s flooring, you’ll want to look at how many square feet you need to cover. Asking a professional to provide you with an accurate estimate will eliminate any guesswork on the size of the rooms you wish to redo. Though it may be tempting to purchase the exact amount of wood for the total square footage you want to cover, it’s best to order more than you think you’ll need. Remember, mistakes happen and if you don’t order more than the exact square footage, you’ll be in big trouble if a cut is misplaced. As a general rule, order at least 10 percent more wood than you’ll need to cover the room. This will give you leeway for a few mistakes without forcing you to run short on materials.

Ready to start thinking about replacing your home’s flooring with quality hardwood? Browse the full collection of products at Ward Hardwood Flooring and find the perfect match for your space. Our dedicated staff is on hand to help you explore your options and find the best materials for your budget and your family’s unique needs. Schedule an estimate today and let our friendly staff help you transform your home.