Blog | Finnteriors

January 18, 2021 by finnteriors

6 Tips to Choosing the Right Commercial Flooring

When decorating a commercial space, we often pay more attention to the walls, the interior décor, and the furniture, but give the floors less thought. Although shopping for flooring is not always the most exciting decorating activity, it is still important to choose the correct type of flooring for a business. Flooring is the foundation that can tie the whole room together.

There are many types of flooring to choose from. Common selections include solid wood, engineered hardwood, carpet tile, quarry tile, epoxy, terrazzo, vinyl composite tile, laminate wood, and luxury vinyl tile, among others.

What to Consider for Your Business

Flooring isn’t the first thing most customers notice when they walk into a business. After all, we are usually looking ahead or around and not down. That doesn’t mean flooring isn’t still important.

Before you spend money on the flooring or hire a contractor to install it, you should know what is needed for your type of business. The right flooring can last for many years and be relatively easy to maintain. This can help you get the most out of your investment.

1. Function of the Space

Knowing how your space will be used can aid in choosing the best flooring for your business. If you anticipate a lot of foot traffic, you’ll want to make sure the materials chosen are durable and easy to maintain. The flooring you choose needs to support the people using the space.

The flooring also needs to hold up to the functionality of the business. For example, a restaurant should have flooring that can withstand spills and stains. Also, think about how flooring will impact people’s feet. Operations where workers sit most of the time can have a less padded or cushioned floor or carpet versus an area where there’s a lot of walking.

2. Company Image

Does the flooring you choose match the image you want to portray about your company? The look and feel of commercial space are important for employees and customers. It’s wise to invest in flooring that improves the image of a space.

3. Budget

Depending on your financial resources and the nature of your business, flooring can be one of the biggest expenses for the facility. The amount of money you designate will dictate which types of flooring materials you choose.

4. Maintenance Requirements

In addition to being durable and visually appealing, you want to make sure your flooring is easy to maintain. Hard surfaces are generally easier to maintain than carpeting. Vinyl flooring is cheaper to maintain than other materials. Some flooring materials like hardwood must be buffed regularly in a busy environment.

It is recommended to include the cost of cleaning and caring for your floor into the overall flooring budget for your business. If you have carpet, bear in mind that you’ll need to get it steam cleaned to make it last longer. The more maintenance your flooring requires, the more it can increase your overall flooring expenses.

5. Noise

A major factor for businesses that work in sectors such as retail and manufacturing is noise. Consider the sounds of wheels of a shopping cart or a forklift being driven across floors. Will these make too much noise on the flooring you choose? Will you need sound barriers if it’s too loud?

When you are looking to choose new flooring, you must think about the room and how your room is divided up. Do you have a large open plan space, or is your facility split up into different rooms? Depending on the layout, the noise levels may be different.

Sound is going to bounce more on hard surfaces while being muffled with carpet. If you have an open-plan space, you should choose carpet tiles that are great for absorbing sound.

6. Health and Safety

All business owners must make it a priority to protect employees and customers alike. A key factor is the slip rating of the flooring, which is determined by foot traffic and who will be using the flooring.

Get the Flooring You Need

There are several options when it comes to commercial flooring. Once you have chosen the type of flooring needed for your commercial space, you’ll need to have a contractor install it. Finnteriors specializes in reimagining and remodeling spaces, both residential and commercial.

Our experienced team can make the most of your space with new flooring that will benefit your employees, visitors, and customers. Let us help you with your flooring installation.

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December 28, 2020 by finnteriors

5 Tips for Designing a Nursery

Whether you’re expecting your first child or you’re on baby number three, you will need a designated space for the extra family member. Decorating a nursery is an exciting project. All you need is a little creativity to make the perfect space for your baby. Knowing how to utilize the space you have will make decorating that much easier.

Create a Room You and Your Baby Will Love

A baby nursery is a big expense of having a baby. Both you and your baby will be spending lots of time in this room, so choose the decor wisely. Make sure it is as comfortable as possible. Nursery color schemes, themes, furniture, and storage are major considerations to begin planning your nursery.

1. Choose Your Space

It’s expected that nurseries will be a separate bedroom that has ample room for a crib, dresser, storage, and toys. This is not always the case. Consider adding a room to your home or converting existing space if you don’t have any room for a nursery. If you are planning to have children later on, you may want to start making plans for a room addition now.

Depending on the size of your home, some new moms may have to share their bedroom or use a closet, at least temporarily. All that is needed is a bassinet and portable changing station. You can set off the nursery space with a divider. If your space is too small to accommodate a divider, use color instead to designate the baby’s space.

2. Color Scheme and Themes

Once you’ve determined where you’re going to put your baby, settle on the colors for your baby’s space. Will you want bright colors or neutral colors in the room? Do you want jungle-themed or fairytale-themed décor?

If you don’t want to paint the entire room or just want a pop of color, consider an accent wall. Incorporate patterned wallpaper, easy-to-remove decals, a mural, or bright paint color. You can add some color to the ceiling as well. The ceiling is what the baby will be looking at the most while in bed. Stick-on decals like stars or flowers or an eye-catching wallpaper that goes with the theme of the room will attract the baby’s attention.

3. Furniture

Baby furniture choices should be based on functionality and comfort. Cribs are essential furniture pieces that come in many different colors and added features. White, gray, pink, brown, and cream are common colors. Some cribs come with storage, drawers, and attached changing tables.

Since you’ll be getting up frequently during the nights for a while, you want to be comfortable. A glider, recliner, or comfy chair with an ottoman to rest your feet will be helpful for feedings and soothing your infant. Other useful furniture and decor for a nursery can include a table, dresser, and area rug.

If you’re on a budget, try shopping at thrift and vintage stores. Vintage furniture can create an elegant and unique look for a baby’s room, often at a fraction of the price. Garage sales and online marketing sites are good sources for used baby items too. Don’t be shy about asking friends and family if they have baby items they’re no longer using.

4. Storage

Storage baskets are both a functional and decorative addition to any baby room. Baby storage baskets and bins can help you keep your tiny nursery tidy and organized. These containers are great for storing diapers, toys, books, clothes, blankets, towels, and more.

If you don’t use clear storage containers, be sure to use labels so you can find items you need quickly.

Utilizing wall space for additional baby room storage is a great option if you don’t want to take up floor space. Try adding multi-level shelving by the changing table to store diapers and wipes. Or add floating shelves by the crib to store blankets and toys.

5. Lighting

Pay attention to the lighting in the room. Natural light is a must for a nursery. For daytime naps, you’ll need to darken the room. Consider blackout curtains or blinds for the window coverings.

Unique light fixtures are a great nursery design idea. Consider chandeliers, pendant lights, sconces, or even table lamps in your nursery. Make sure you install a dimmer switch so you can adjust the brightness for your baby.

Not Enough Space for Your New Baby?

If you have a bundle of joy on the way or want to plan early before you start a family, consider a room addition. Adding a nursery away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home allows for a unique space to nurture your baby during those first years.

Finnteriors has the experience to design and build your new dream space. Contact us today for more information.

FREE Consultation!

December 13, 2020 by finnteriors

7 Kitchen Design Trends for 2021

With people working from home more nowadays, many have noticed their home has been neglected, especially regarding the kitchen. The kitchen is the most used room in a home, so it might as well be both functional and appealing.

There are numerous options to transform kitchens no matter the layout or size. One thing is for sure: homeowners now have the time to explore new kitchen designs.

Trendy Ideas for Your Kitchen

Updating your kitchen with new lighting, flooring, or color will make your kitchen beautiful and on-trend. You’ll enjoy spending time in your kitchen and entertaining more often after implementing the following kitchen design ideas.

1. Large Windows

To help with being stuck in the house all day, letting in natural light through large windows is a good way to bring natural influences into your home. Consider installing large picture windows to take in spectacular outside views.

You'll easily relax and shed stress in minutes when relishing in the beautiful natural light. A positive and upbeat mood prevails for people wherever warm sunlight flows into rooms throughout a house.

Kitchens and breakfast nooks also benefit from extra sunlight when installing sliding glass doors leading to the outdoors. A window over the sink is another trend that will continue into the new year.

2. The Right Color Scheme

Warm beige colors and green hues that reflect lush gardens bring a calming effect into the home. You can also go with a light blue or gray which remains as popular choices for painting kitchen walls.

Don’t forget that you can paint your kitchen ceiling or an accent wall a different color hue to add depth and contrast. Painted window and ceiling trims can add more spark to the overall aesthetic.

3. Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is another major kitchen design trend. By installing lighting underneath cabinets, you'll have the option for soft light in the evening instead of the usual bright overhead lighting. It will also give you more visibility to cook, clean, and entertain.

Pendant light fixtures give you plenty of light while also adding a unique design element that can be customized to fit your style. A kitchen bar or center kitchen island is a great place to add pendant lights. For a relaxing vibe after dinner, use kitchen and dining light fixtures that can be dimmed to a softer tone.

4. Cabinets

Cabinets are the main event in the kitchen design world and have a huge impact on the final look of any kitchen layout. It's important to always select cabinet finishes that complement your wall color.

Light-colored cabinets are still the top choice among homeowners. A trend that will continue into 2021, is two-toned cabinets, where white upper cabinets pair beautifully with dark lower cabinets.

Homeowners also want better storage options and functionality. Sliding pull outs installed within cabinets allow you to avoid getting on the floor. You can easily organize everything so it’s more accessible without having to unpack cookware to get to the back of the cabinet.

If this style does not work for you, getting rid of the cabinets is also an option. Open shelving is a growing feature seen in farmhouse and minimalist style kitchens. Minimalist kitchens with shelving usually showcase specialty items, such as glassware or old pottery pieces.

5. Countertops

Quartz is a favorite among types of countertops because it comes in many styles, colors, beauty, and durability. Other high-end countertop options include granite and marble. However, there are less expensive options that do a good job at imitating the look without spending a lot.

6. Appliances and Furnishings

Stainless steel appliances will likely never go out of style. The light gray color goes with every cabinet, wall, and flooring color combination you can come up with. Other kitchen design ideas make kitchen life simply more practical. These include kitchen gardens, and the middle of the kitchen dining tables.

7. Kitchen Flooring

Hardwood floors are the latest trend for kitchens. They offer a gorgeous aesthetic and give any room a warm and welcoming feel. The softwood is perfect for colder mornings as it won't feel as cold as tile. Their top advantage is that they are very easy to keep clean.

Tile, cement, and vinyl plank flooring are options for the kitchen. There are several factors to consider when choosing a type of flooring. A few include easy to maintain, durability, color options.

Ready for an Upgrade?

There are a lot of choices available to redesign your kitchen. You can do a complete overhaul, or you may choose a more budget-friendly option. At Finnteriors, our goal is to exceed your expectations. We’ll listen to your needs, wants, and budget.

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November 24, 2020 by finnteriors

5 Design Tips for a Home Office that Works for You

More and more people are telecommuting, as the benefits of remote work are being seen by companies and employees alike. The global pandemic has increased the work-from-home population and will probably continue for the near future. If your home is where your office is, you need to create an environment that will be productive, inspiring, and comfortable.

Whether you spend the full work week there or even just a few hours, your home office should be a comfortable and inviting place to spend time and to get your work done efficiently.

Create a Working Space You Enjoy

Working from home has its benefits, yet many distractions can come from all directions. Whether it’s the kids, spouse, neighbors, or delivery people, a more secluded workspace can help limit interruptions.

A home office should not only meet your specific needs, but also inspire your work and stoke productivity. Here are a few top tips on designing a home office that can provide these benefits.

1. Location, Location, Location

Home offices come in many different shapes and sizes. Your designated workspace can be a separate room, a quiet corner, or even in your kitchen. The key to selecting the right spot for your home office is to think about where and when you do your work.

If you are a busy mom, a kitchen desk area may be the ideal place for your central command post. If your job requires that you be on the phone, you’ll want to select a space that’s away from the daily distractions of your household. If your work requires concentration, a quiet and secluded area is critical.

2. Allow Enough Space

It’s common to underestimate how much space you need. Make sure you allow enough room to work comfortably. Will you be able to move around easily to complete tasks?

If you run a business or need more equipment to do your job, then your office should be large enough to house all the items required to do your job. Think about the size desk and chair you’ll need. Some occupations require two computer screens. However, if all you’ll ever need is a laptop, you can get away with less square footage.

Will you have clients or customers visit during the day? If you have room to have a small meeting area, that is ideal. If not, plan for some additional seating in your home office design to allow for sit-down meetings. This can be as simple as 1-2 comfortable chairs, which are easy to pull up to your desk.

3. Storage and Shelving

Storage is often overlooked when designing a home office and can affect your productivity. Make sure to include enough shelving, filing cabinets, or cupboards for your supplies and storage needs. The proper shelving and storage can assist with filing systems and workflow. It can also keep your manuals, catalogs, or reference books organized and readily available when you need them.

4. Natural Light and View

Good lighting is critical for any home office space. Choose a location with some natural light and a view if possible. Position your desk to face the windows or in a location where your computer screen will not be affected by the reflection. Translucent window shades or blinds can help reduce any glare without darkening your room. You can enhance natural light by including a mirror and by keeping most of your walls a light color.

An overhead ceiling light will provide good general lighting. A pair of open-top floor lamps placed in the corners of your room will do the same. A pleasant view to look at while you're working will give your eyes a rest and something to focus on when you look up from your work.

5. Accessorize and Personalize

One great aspect of working from home is that you can decide how you want your home office to look and feel. You can choose to match your home office with the design and style of your home.

Think about what inspires you. It could be a favorite piece of artwork, a collection of objects, or invigorating paint color. Include these personal touches when you plan your home office design. It will brighten up your day.

Need a Customized Workspace?

Get started on your home office design with Finnteriors. We can take your ideas and needs to create a space that works for you.

Whether you need to add a room or renovate an existing room in your home, we can take care of it. Finnteriors can make you more productive, comfortable, and organized in your home office.

FREE Consultation!

November 11, 2020 by finnteriors

8 Economical Ways to Remodel Your Home

Your home should reflect your family’s personality. You don’t always need to remodel your home from top to bottom to give it a fresh look. Think about what aspects of your home are most important to you and invest your money there.

There are plenty of ways to save money on your renovation for any living space in your home. You can make an old room feel new again with just a fresh coat of paint, although there are other budget-friendly projects to consider.

How to Remodel without Breaking the Bank

When you start planning for a home remodel, it’s easy for the dollar signs to stack up. However, whether you’re updating because you want to make your home more comfortable or because you’re planning to sell, it is possible to remodel on a budget.

1. Plan and Budget

Before you begin painting or knocking down walls, you’ll need to create a plan. Don’t just jump into remodeling without knowing the details. Set a firm budget and stick to it. When you make a budget for your project, it’s a good idea to set aside at least 10 % for unexpected expenses.

Track all expenses as they occur. Whenever you spend money, it’s a good idea to know how much of your total income or savings are allotted for the purchase. If you’re planning to do work on your home, it’s important to have a dollar amount that you’re comfortable spending before you begin making design choices.

You can price fixtures and materials and begin to get a grasp on what will work with your budget and what won’t. After your list is created, you can see areas that are eating up a lot of your budget. Make adjustments by choosing less expensive materials or deciding to cut out items altogether.

2. Research

You will be surprised at the number of options you have once you start your research. Take the time to shop around for the supplies and materials you will need ahead of time to get the best deals. You can reap big savings with recycled or lightly used fixtures and building materials.

3. Paint Your Cabinets

If your existing cabinets are a nice, quality wood and in decent shape but the color isn’t the look you’re going for anymore, consider painting them a new, lighter color to brighten the space. You can paint the doors and cabinets to save money compared to doing a full remodel. You can also retrofit things like roll-out trays and trash and recycle receptacles into your existing cabinets to get modern amenities.

4. Add Some Backsplash

Remodeling a house on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t indulge. Choose one area of your kitchen, such as behind your stove to splurge for a colorful mosaic backsplash. You can also add white subway tiles to the rest of your walls.

5. Update Countertops

Countertops are often the focal point of your kitchen. Consider using two types of materials such as quartz on the outside perimeter if the room and the more cost-effective butcher block for your kitchen island. Decluttering your countertops and reorganizing to give yourself more space can also make a world of difference in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

6. Open Up Your Space

Merging rooms by removing a wall can make your house feel brand new and improve the overall flow. Open-space design is still a popular option among homeowners. Make sure you know whether the wall to be removed is either load-bearing or non-load bearing. If it is a non-load-bearing wall, the cost can be minimal. However, if a wall is important to the structure of your house, you may want to keep it in place.

7. Update Your Flooring

Check underneath your old carpet to see if you have usable hardwood flooring. Even if it’s not what you expected, you can remove the carpet and install low maintenance flooring for minimal cost.

8. Finish Your Basement

To add usable square footage to your home, finishing your basement is a great option for getting additional living space and more room for storage. Of course, depending on the extent of the remodel, the transformation may be more expensive than other remodeling options.

Call the Remodeling Professionals

If your home doesn’t meet your needs or desires, it may be time to do some renovations. You don't have to spend a ton of money to make your home your sanctuary. No matter your budget, Finnteriors can make changes that will take your home to a whole new level. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.

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