Carpet in a bathroom? Are you crazy? No! If you pick a water, mildew and stain resistant product go right ahead and install carpet. But be sure that the carpet also has a backing that prevents water from seeping into the pad. Now you can walk barefoot on your soft and cozy bathroom floor.

Ok, so maybe you’re not sold on carpet in your bathroom. Fear not, there are still many other options. The most traditional bathroom flooring is ceramic tile. You can get super creative with ceramic tile as it comes in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Don’t forget that you can also play around with grout color.  Just be sure to pay close attention to the porosity rating.

If you want to be a bit more unique with your flooring choice then why not go with natural stone? This option is durable and easy to care for but it does require a strong subfloor. On the downside, natural stone can also be quite slippery and cold.

What’s not cold or slippery? Hardwood.  Just be sure that you finish the floors to be water resistant. A few coats of clear gloss sealant will keep them watertight.

Glass tile can be installed just about anywhere ceramic tile would work, and it’s resistant to damage from moisture and temperature changes. Glass tile flooring is easy to keep beautiful with a mop and the same glass cleaner you use on your windows. While tiles aren’t prone to break, they can be slippery, and smooth surfaces are prone to scratching.

Bamboo and cork each offer unique properties that can make them good choices for bathrooms. Bamboo floors look similar to traditional wood floors, but are naturally harder and more durable. Cork offers a soft, warm feel on bare feet. Both cork and bamboo are naturally resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and both naturally repel moisture, excellent qualities in bathroom floors.

For homeowners who want the look of posh stone at a fraction of the cost and with easier upkeep, concrete may be the way to go. Many bathrooms already have a layer of concrete under existing tile or linoleum floors that can be restored through acid staining into a gorgeous, new stone-look floor. Concrete also works exceptionally well over underfloor radiant heating systems. Maintaining acid-stained concrete floors is easy, requiring only a mop and periodic polishing.

Whatever option you choose, we are here to help make the experience as easy and as painless as possible.

Use different sizes of the same colored tile go create a sense of infinite space.

Keep the floor and wall tiles the same.

Play with trim colors.

Continue with the same tile floor over the shower curb and into the shower pan to visually expand the bathroom floor.

Consider using three different color tiles to create a tonal variation. By combining different tiles in similar colors, you further emphasize the size of the space while creating a sense of visual texture.

Think about installing ceramic tiles vertically in order to emphasize the geometry of the space and give the illusion of height.

Our store is full of designers to help you make your own bathroom as beautiful as your favorite hotel. Please visit us so we can help you find the perfect tiles for your project.

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!

The best way to prevent the accumulation of pet hair is to vacuum your pets, or have them groomed regularly. There are some great brushes on the market and your groomer also has a few methods of removing hair efficiently.

Be sure to vacuum and dust often and keep your clothes away from where pet hair accumulates. Wash throw rugs and blankets that pets have contact with.

If removing hair from a low pile carpet, barely dampen a regular kitchen sponge. Rub the carpet with the sponge. The pet hair will ball up and you can pick the clumps off by hand.

Fabric softener sheets make the best dusters. They pick up pet hair really well.

Rub a balloon along the surface of your carpet. The static this creates will pick up the pet hair. Putting on a pair of rubber gloves and rubbing them on the carpet will do the same thing.

Use a rubber broom or a squeegee and push it along the floor. The rubber will pull up the pet hair and make it easier to vacuum.

At the end of the day, pets shed. But the love, laughter and joy they bring to our lives make it worth the extra cleaning effort.

Subway tiles can be found in every style of home from Victorian to Contemporary.  Their rectangular shape can be set in a running bond or brick pattern or for a more contemporary look, a straight bond pattern where the tiles are set in a grid.  For walls, the tiles can be laid out vertically in either a straight or running bond pattern for a new twist on an old pattern.

For floors, larger tiles like the ones in this kitchen make the most sense. Traditional sized subway tiles would create far too many grout lines, which would be a cleaning nightmare on the floor. In a bathroom, a larger subway tile on the floor can play off of the traditional size on the wall and shower. The pattern can be laid out in either vertical or horizontal rows on the floor.  Horizontal rows will make the room feel wider; vertical rows will make the room feel longer.

Subway inspired tiles can give a whole new look depending on where you use them, the size of the tile and the pattern you chose to install them.

Use a pillow as an inspiration for a vibrant wall.

Hang curtains behind your bed for some drama.

Dark chocolate walls and stripes? Yes, this one is a DO.

An unexpected pop of color on the ceiling takes this bedroom from traditional to modern.

Choose a deep red color and add accessories in the same shade.

Yes you can have gray walls, but be sure to add some great accent pieces and make this color combination pop!

Now you have some inspiration to take that bedroom from drab to fabulous!

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind while shopping for your carpet. If you have a family and pets, be sure to choose your color and material carefully. Wool rugs with a pattern are best to hide the signs of your active household. Area rugs should not cover an entire room. Be sure you keep at least a 12-inch border. Likewise all furniture does not need to be placed directly on the rug. Position just the front legs of your chairs and sofas to help anchor the carpet. Be daring and unexpected.

If you have a monochromatic room use a rug with a vibrant pattern or color as a visual surprise. Area rugs come in all sizes and shapes. Use the shape of the room as well as the shape of your furniture to help choose which rug would look best. Use round rugs under round tables, rectangular rugs for long tables and hexagonal rugs with square tables.

If you have a long narrow room, choose a long, narrow rug. Area rugs define space. If you have a very large room don’t be afraid to use two rugs. Just be sure that they complement each other.

If you have a very colorful or busy room (think patterns) a neutral area rug is best as it can tone down and bring unity to the space. Always use a non-skid pad under your area rugs. Pads should measure 2 inches smaller than the rug so that it won’t peek out but still allow your rug ends to lay flat. Excited to go rug shopping now? We have rugs to fit every decor.

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.

Rich, inviting hardwood floors are not only beautiful to live with, they’re easy to care for as well. Plus, today, hardwood types, options and applications are more diverse and delightful than ever.

The Global Exotics line is no exception. With names like African Mahogany, Tigerwood Natural and Lapacho, Global Exotics hardwoods are distinguished by their origin, color and sophisticated grain.

This line of hardwood will give any room in your home an elegant look. Designed to be durable, this flooring line will not only add an aura of sophistication but will also add quality and value to your home. From soft and subtle colors to vibrant and dark tones, you will find the perfect option for whatever your decorating style.

View the product catalog and rooms featuring  Global Exotics floors.

Pierce is proud to offer this line of flooring as the Armstrong brand is known and trusted for reliable quality, and an expansive offering of colors and designs to meet the personal style of all customers.

Once you browse the on-line catalog, please contact us to make an appointment for an in-home estimate.

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.