New Building Material Trends: Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a natural surface covering material that has many of the properties of hardwood flooring, even though it is actually produced from a type of grass. It has the same look, feel and maintenance as  hardwood. The more you understand the properties of this material, the better informed you will be when making a purchasing or maintenance decision.

Ecologically Friendly: Bamboo is made from natural vegetation. The bamboo plant is a highly renewable resource that is able to grow to maturity in as little as three to five years. This is much faster than hardwood trees which can take upwards of twenty years or more to reach maturity.

Easy Maintenance: Bamboo is relatively easy to maintain. You just have to sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris. You can also occasional damp mop it, or clean it with a non wax, non-alkaline, hardwood or bamboo floor cleanser.

          

Cognac Bamboo              Marbled Bamboo
Water Resistant: This material is slightly more resistant to water damage, stains, and warping than hardwood materials, although it is still a concern.

Natural Material: The use of natural materials is an important trend in the construction industry right now. As people are becoming more ecologically conscious they are demanding products that reflect these values. They are also seeking materials and designs that reject the modern cookie cutter world and instead focus on individual personality and natural evolution.

Both Kitchen cabinets and flooring in above photo are bamboo.

Price: This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. You will often find bamboo ranging from about two dollars to eight dollars per square foot. You should avoid bargain basement materials as they are often lower quality castoffs.

Durability: There are certain types of bamboo that can be extremely strong, hard, and durable. Natural, un-carbonized bamboo that was properly harvested and manufactured can be as durable as red oak. Strand woven bamboo can be manufactured even harder than that.

Style: Bamboo is a trendy flooring material that can elevate the elegance of a space almost instantly. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet, is still distinct and different. This can add an ineffable quality to a room.

Not all bamboo flooring is created equal. A reputable flooring company will not only stand behind the durability of their product,  some undergo a proprietary Fossilized® manufacturing process that makes it twice the density of any other hardwood floor in the world, backed by a 50-year warranty.

Further, reputable companies process their bamboo using ultra-low VOC with no added urea formaldehyde, the perfect union of sustainability and durability to last a lifetime.  This also reduces emissions in the manufacturing process, making this product even more environmentally friendly.

WHAT BUILDING MATERIAL TRENDS DO YOU LOVE?  WHY?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

New Building Material Trends: Reclaimed Barn Wood

Homeowners recycle and upcycle now more than ever.  One of the latest trends in building is using reclaimed barn wood. Barn beams are making their way into the fray as well, adding rustic charm to any home when used for tables, benches, islands, or even flooring, walls or ceilings.

HOW IS RECLAIMED BARN WOOD BEING USED?

I found a couple of fantastic uses for reclaimed barn wood in our latest Signature Home.  One of the challenges of building this home was respecting the homeowners’  budget while including all the extras.  Reduction in square footage was key so this sliding barn door handcrafted from a 100 year old barn in upstate New York was a no brainer and immediately made its way onto the “must haves” list.

A second challenge was combining two very different types of styles as one homeowner loved rustic and the other sleek urban lines.  Again I turned to reclaimed barn wood as the perfect answer, this time in the form of the breakfast bar.

WHY ARE DECONSTRUCTED BARNS BEING USED?

The history and stories behind the barn materials appeal to consumers. Some of these barns are 150 years old.  You can’t find this character in new wood and it’s gorgeous.

 

While the green movement is certainly propelling the trend, it’s the authentic look of it that draws folks in.  People like the character their furniture has and the story that comes with it.  Plus the look really gives it the ‘wow’ factor. It’s the aesthetics attracting homeowners’ attention. It’s more appealing to the eye when something is natural, rather than new trying to look old.

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN USING BARN WOOD?

It is important that the barn wood is processed correctly. Make sure all foreign objects and nails are removed from the wood.  Next reclaimed wood needs to be dried it out to stabilize it, so there will be no movement when it’s made into furniture. A reputable source will also sanitize it to destroy any larvae or burrowing insects.

I recommend asking questions and communicating openly with the company selling the reclaimed barn wood. To be sure, search the List for a highly rated woodworker. You need to have somebody you can trust inspect the material.  Or at least do the research, so you have something to compare the product to;  you have to know what you’re buying.

Tell us:  Have you used reclaimed barn wood in your home?  Tell us how you have used this piece of Americana and the story behind it!

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Style in a Small Space: The Georgia O’Keefe

We have spent the last two weeks discussing the best use of small spaces. This week we will show you how we have done just that in our latest Signature Home. We built the Georgia O’Keefe, a 2200 square foot ranch style home in Shakes Run, just east of Middletown, Kentucky. With three bedrooms, two full baths, an open chef’s kitchen and dining area, it is amazing how roomy this home feels!

The two homeowners had very different styles: one loved the rustic feel and wanted to used reclaimed barn wood while the other loved sleek lines and an urban feel. Martha Wolford, our in house interior designer, not only made it work but exceeded the clients expectations!  Here some of the techniques we used to open up this home:

Less walls = more space. The number one space saving tip in any house is to open it up and eliminate walls. Although walls are only 4” thick, this 4” can become valuable real estate. It allows rooms to become multi-purpose- as dining/living and hallways are all combined. This home has a kitchen that opens to the combination dining, living room and also serves as access to both the master suite and the guest suites.

 

The barn door and pocket door are seeing a great resurgence in smaller living areas like condos and townhouses and has become a big trend in new construction as well. Our rustic barn door which separates the sleek master bath from the master bedroom  is as authentic as it gets, handmade from timbers that framed a tobacco barn, 100 years ago. I am in love with this barn door, not just for it’s great style, but it’s practicality as well as it saves valuable floor space by eliminating the room you need for traditional doors to swing.

 

Look up. Lighting is key to making smaller rooms have a big impact. Fanciful chandeliers (as in this Master bedroom) or this crystal orb chandelier over dining table (from Restoration Hardware) are the stars of the show. A cozy foyer becomes a grand entrance when embellished with just the right piece!

 

The delight is in the details. Small spaces are the perfect place to splurge on more expensive items. Exotic granite? Check. Carrera marble backplash? Check. Designer tile in master shower ? Check. Wainscoting? Check. These are all items that are priced per square foot, so less square footage is now your best friend!

Tell us: Do you live in a small space? What are your can’t-live-without pieces?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

 

Small spaces: Big Style

In a compact space, choosing just-right furnishings can make all the difference between your home feeling cramped or comfortable. From practically invisible acrylic chairs to mini Parson desks whose use can flex with the needs of your space, these 5 furniture pieces should be on any small-space-dweller’s must-have list.

 

1.  Settee. A petite love seat or settee makes for cozy seating and gives you a place to stretch out when on your own, without the bulk of a full-size sofa. In a larger space, a settee can also work at the foot of a bed, in the entry or even pulled up to a dining table.

 

2. Mini Parsons desk. It can be a desk, but it also works as an oversize bedside table, bar, buffet or kitchen table. In fact, there’s not much this versatile table can’t do. The sleek shape makes it an especially good choice for studio apartments, where you need your table to pull double (or triple) duty.

 

3. Bench. A backless bench is a smart choice in a small dining area since it can be tucked under the table, as it is here, when not in use. A low bench also works well as a coffee table, and it can be called into service as extra seating when guests outnumber the chairs.

 

4. Acrylic chair. Like an invisibility cloak for your furniture, anything made of clear acrylic is an excellent choice for small spaces. An acrylic armchair is an especially useful piece to have, since it can tuck in just about anywhere, from the living room to the desk.

 

5. Poufs. Whether you choose Moroccan-style leather, rustic burlap or seagrass, poufs are a must for any small home. Use them as footstools, extra seats or side tables (just top with a tray).

Tell us: Do you live in a small space? What are your can’t-live-without pieces?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

 

 

 

Small Spaces: Big Style

In a compact space, choosing just-right furnishings can make all the difference between your home feeling cramped or comfortable. From practically invisible acrylic chairs to shelving that flexes with the needs of your space, these 5 furniture pieces should be on any small–space-dweller’s must-have list.

 

1. Pedestal table. A round table with a slender pedestal base tucks into small spaces with ease. The round edge means no bumping into sharp corners, and the (nearly) leg-free base makes it easier to squeeze one more friend around the table.

 

2. Shelving that can go vertical or horizontal. Instead of choosing the largest possible shelving unit that will fit your space, consider picking up a few versatile cubby-like shelves that can stand upright or lie flat. A pair can stand side by side on a big wall; be separated for use in different rooms; or flank a sofa, as shown here. Positioned horizontally, a sturdy shelf can even do double duty as a bench.

 

3. Stack of stools. Just because you don’t have room for bulky armchairs and a giant sofa doesn’t mean you won’t have a need for ample seating. One solution is to tuck a stack of stools in a corner — when extra guests pop by, you can simply unstack the stools.

Short stacking stools, like those seen here, are even more versatile than tall stools since they can be used as side tables as well as extra seats.

4. Big mirror. If you’re going to buy only a few items to make the most of your small space, a great, big mirror should definitely top the list. Hanging a large mirror instantly makes a small room feel bigger and brighter. Position it across from a window for maximum light-boosting power.

Budget tip: To get the look of a big mirror without spending a fortune, pick up two or three simple full-length mirrors and hang them side by side. Back-to-school is a good time to find full-length mirrors on sale; look for them in the dorm-decorating section.

5. Small-scale armchairs. Bulky armchairs may be cozy, but they also take up a ton of floor space. In a compact living room, you can pack more seating into the available space by choosing armless chairs, or armchairs with an upright profile like the barrel chairs shown here. And if you move into a larger space in the future, a pair of small-scale armchairs can round out a larger seating arrangement, or flank a console table in a spacious entry hall.

Many thanks to Houzz.com for great ideas!!

Tell us: Do you live in a small space? What are your can’t-live-without pieces?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com