In its original state, this room was simply a 12-by-14-foot box with beige walls and taupe travertine tile floor. Look and see what is possible with some, paint, carpet and a little imagination.

An overall dreamy aesthetic draws you into this little girl’s bedroom. Horizontal planks of pine were given a lighter appearance by a custom whitewash finish. The walls and ceiling were painted a chic shade of lavender. Basic 1-by-6-foot V-groove pink planks were given a dreamy and elegant update with one coat of a custom-mixed whitewash. To create a whitewash treatment, simply dilute white paint with water until the desired balance is achieved. In order to make wood grain and knots fade away, a less-diluted mix works best; however, if the grain and knots are desired for textural reasons, heavily diluted white paint is key.

Softening the travertine tile floors was a main concern. By simply adding carpet tiles wall to wall, the entire room took on a more elegant appearance packed with softness and durability. Should any damage occur to the carpet tiles, they can simply be picked up, taken to a sink and rinsed. Once dry, the tile can slide back into place and look as good as new. If any tiles should be permanently damaged, a single tile can be ordered online, as opposed to having to replace the carpet throughout the entire room.

This sophisticated toddler bedroom is made up of three zones: a sleeping area to the left, a wide open play space in the center and an activity and learning center on the right.

This basic toddler bed has been customized with a sprayed violet paint finish. To give the bedding a designer update, decorative trim was added to the pillows and a duvet cover. Pendant lights shaped as bouquets of roses were installed in the ceiling above plastic nightstands. Pendant light fixtures permanently affixed to the ceiling are a more durable solution to table lamps that can easily be knocked over. To keep pendants out of a toddler’s reach, make sure they’re installed so that they hang above the center of the nightstand.

And finally check out the closet!

For a quick and cost-effective update, the closet is painted a dark violet tone to coordinate with the overall plum, gray and lavender tones of the bedroom. Organic woven baskets and hanging storage systems maximize the space and add a designated spot for clothes and favorite toys.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic when cabinets are towering overhead. Many cooks can’t reach what’s in them and the overall feeling is boxy and closed in. Get organized and trade the top cupboards for open storage. Consider shelving, pot racks and magnetic knife or spice holders instead. Your kitchen will look more spacious and serve up display space for your favorite dishes, shiny pots and pans, or artwork.

Because your kitchen may be short on interesting architectural details, it’s up to you to add the all-important style via compelling countertop surfaces, cabinetry, fixtures, flooring, lighting and color. One tip: Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet pulls can help unify a look.

One of the easiest ways to visually expand a kitchen is to incorporate glass. Try a glass counter or tabletop, tile, door cabinets or kitchen doors that lead to the outside world or to the next room. Mirrors, in a backsplash also lighten up the look.

A small kitchen requires a combination of task and atmospheric lighting. To counteract the bluish cast of fluorescent lighting and add drama, install pendant lights in the eating area, incandescent lighting underneath upper cabinets and incandescent spot lighting above cabinetry.

Flooring in a small kitchen is so important. Linoleum in a checkerboard pattern can be really eye-catching and relatively inexpensive. Since square footage is small, you may be able to afford a beautiful tumbled marble.

The color of walls, appliances, counters, stools — even the dishtowels — can change the atmosphere and perceived size of the kitchen. Pastels or light colors, with good doses of white, reflect light and draw the eye up, making ceilings appear higher. Bold colorations can be very effective in smaller kitchens.

Rather than using tricks to visually enlarge the space, consider embracing your kitchen as-is. Instead of going light or sleek, opt for country cozy.

So you see a small kitchen isn’t a bad thing. Using the appropriate design techniques you can make your small space, efficient, elegant and desirable.

See how this client customized a 25-foot-wide cabinet to house the flat-screen TV and hide the ugly stuff (cable box, DVD player and gaming console).

A neutral color scheme and luxurious textures — like cashmere, silk and linen — create a cohesive aesthetic, allowing the flat-screen TV to blend in seamlessly above the fireplace. A custom credenza to conceal the wires and provide additional storage finishes off this space beautifully.

Make a stunning setting for the television as opposed to trying to hide the TV behind doors. This custom piece becomes part of the architecture of the room, with ample shelving and cabinets for storage.

To spice up your TV area, create a feature wall with picture frames of various shapes and sizes. Here, the flat-screen blends in with other pieces to create a nice eclectic mix above a modern media storage unit.

More and more flat-screen TVs are being mounted above the fireplace. To keep the space clean purchase a cabinet to conceal all of the necessary wires and media components. This built-in fits neatly within a niche adjacent to the TV, and the custom shelving offers a display for books and accessories.

And there you have it. Lots of great ideas to make technology quite stylish.

Before you do anything new in your living room you must measure. Use a tape measure or measure your foot and then walk the room heel to toe. Make sure you also check the dimensions of any hallways, stairways and door widths. There is nothing more annoying than buying a piece of furniture and not being able to get it into the room.

Buy furniture in a variety of sizes and different characteristics. Adding different objects will add more interest, depth and visual appeal to a room.

Symmetry versus asymmetry. If you use symmetry, two of the same thing, you will create a peaceful atmosphere. If you choose to use asymmetry, like two candles of differing heights next to one another, you will create more visual motion and excitement.

Comfortable seating areas are a must. Add an oversized sofa in a durable fabric that is kid friendly. Use lots of throw pillows for extra comfort. If your room isn’t large enough for a large sofa use lounge chairs arranged in a conversational grouping. A glass coffee table will keep even a cozy space looking airy and open.

A built-in wall unit can be the perfect addition to a living room. Add mirrors to a few of the shelves to visually expand the space while adding extra dimension.

Do you have a fireplace? Why not cover it in glass mosaic fireplace tiles for a dramatic centerpiece to your room? Yep, tile is not just for the kitchen and bathroom.

No room is complete without striking accent pieces. A contemporary area rug or an eye-catching piece of art will make your living room look complete.

Girls need a little glam. Use wall decals in a creative way.

Use your tween’s favorite color and whimsical patterns.

Add shelving and a desk. Not only is this a good place for your tween to study, but it also allows them to display their treasures.

Get artistic and paint a mural on the wall. Add accessories in the same theme to complete the look.

Keep your tween’s room current. Pick bright, bold colors and experiment with bold patterns.

Don’t be surprised if you get big hugs for helping your tween makeover their room.  After all, they’re not teenagers yet, whew!

Once you enter the home create a custom mosaic on your floor for personalization. Add a monogram, or just decorative tile. Remember that your entry way is your house’s way of saying welcome home.  Wide maple plank flooring or beautiful area rugs are also good ideas.

Whether you live in an opulent loft or a modest ranch, making a beautiful first impression goes a long way in making a design statement. If you have a large entryway be sure to use furniture large enough to fill the space. If you have a smaller entryway mirrors help make a tight hall space feel larger.

Among the other areas to consider showcasing in the foyer are the walls, ceilings and lighting. If you like color, using bright colors or wallpaper can create a fun transitional space. Don’t forget about your ceilings  – your fifth wall. A faux painting finish can make an average entryway more intriguing. If you have a two-story foyer hang a two or three level chandelier. Always make sure your lighting fixtures match your stair railings.

Remember your foyer is the prologue to the rest of your house. Start by making a great first impression.

What are your biggest goals this year? Do you want to replace all your carpet, update the kitchen or redo your master bath?

Have you thought about getting trendy in 2012? Did you know color palettes are changing? Indigo is the new “black”. Dimensional wallpaper, lighter floor finishes, and colorful, bold patterned furniture are also “in”. Peacock patterns, antiques, chandeliers, animal prints and high beds are also popular.

Don’t feel as though everything in your home has to match. Do you like a headboard that doesn’t match your nightstands and dressers? That’s ok.

Look for one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans. There’s nothing like having a beautiful centerpiece in your home that no one else can duplicate.

Make small changes like adding a backsplash to your kitchen or add a glass tile mosaic in your bathroom. These seemingly easy projects can make an old room look new.

Wallpaper is back. It goes way beyond what you can do with paint. Powder rooms are a great place to use this idea. Create a jewel box effect by using a larger pattern. It’s fun to go big and bold in small spaces.

We’re here to help you. Our in house designers can help create “your look”.  And with our free in-home estimates, virtual design center and on-line financing we can make your project as easy and effortless as possible.

If you choose this room you like urban chic. You hate clutter, or at least you want your countertops to look bare and clean. View other urban chic rooms here to get more decorating ideas.

If you choose this room you love stately elegance. Your style is orderly, conservative and formal. View other stately elegant rooms here.

If you choose this room you love Rustic Reflections. Based in the arts and crafts movement, sophisticated Southwestern influences and mountain living, this style demonstrates true craftsmanship, simple design and the loving, organic combination of home, hearth and nature.  View other Rustic rooms here.

If you choose this room you love Seaside Simplicity. Seaside Simplicity is a light, easy-going lifestyle, think Tommy Bahama. View other Seaside Simplicity rooms here.

If you choose this room you love Italian Impressions. You crave objects aged and worn, rooms of heavy woods and wrought iron. View other Italian Impressions rooms here.

At Pierce Flooring we can help you design any room in your house in your own personal style. Our design center will help you get started.

Every element in this room contributes to the mood. The tile floor is off white, but with touches of darker tones to add warmth and connect the floor to the black pieces. The floor is offset by an area rug in a floral pattern of black and white – the black prevalent to offset the light floor.

The other strong note of black comes from the loveseat, which provides a perfect foil for the brightness of the rest of the décor. Black and white floral patterns come through again in throw pillows and the lampshade.

Crystal and glass abound in this room in many forms. The coffee table is topped in glass, allowing the daring area rug to shine. The room divider behind the buffet is also glass, with a large floral etching to add separation and style. Crystal comes from the chandelier and the amazing column of crystals that run behind the sofa.

Silver is the other strong element. Old world silver candlesticks and a bowl top the buffet. Two small graceful tables and simple picture frames are covered in silver leaf for a distinctive sparkle.

This room was made for a party, but the glamour doesn’t come from any one thing. Instead, it’s a smart mix of old and new that creates the feeling of yesterday in the style of today.

The first step in decorating is to determine how your lifestyle affects how you decorate. The design center at Pierce Flooring is a great way to begin. At the design center you can complete a fun quiz about How you Live. You’ll answer questions about color schemes you enjoy, how you want the atmosphere of your home to feel, how many family members live in the home and where they spend the majority of their time. At the end of the quiz you will receive solid decorating advice, everything from what types of carpet are better for a playroom to how to decorate with warm or cool colors and how to maximize the resale value of your house.

Pierce Flooring also offers a What I like quiz. Created by their design and decorating experts this is a quick and easy 10 questions that will help you determine what type of style you enjoy. Do you like Urban Chic, or is Seaside Simplicity more your thing? Pierce Flooring even offers a Virtual Room Designer where you can “practice” putting together tile, flooring and paint combinations. How fun is that?

By determining the style you enjoy and the most practical flooring, carpeting and design questions you can easily begin your home décor projects.