Benefits of Wide Plank Flooring

If you're considering putting down hardwood floors in your home, you've got a lot options to choose from. JCB Interiors offers an enormous selection of solid hard wood, and engineered hard wood in a huge assortment of styles and colors.

Wide plank flooring has become more popular in recent years. Let's take a look at its benefits:

It can make a room look bigger 

Updating a tiny room? Wide plank flooring can make it look larger! Because there are fewer seams with wide planks, they tend to make rooms look less busy. What a great way to make any room look bigger.

It draws out wood's natural beauty

Many types of woods have inherently intriguing features. With wide plank flooring, these details become significantly more visible. If you love the natural beauty of wood, then wider planks may be the right choice for you.

It's ideal for just about any style

 
Whether your space is contemporary or rustic, wide plank flooring fits the bill. You can even use area rugs to add warmth and softness. There's no limit to what you can do!

Sound like wide plank flooring is for you? Contact JCB Interiors at (203) 327-0450 to discuss its benefits in more detail. Connect with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for more tips!

Carpeting Trends for 2015

Even if you don't consider yourself to be stylish, when it comes to installing new carpeting, you want to avoid choosing an outdated carpet fashion. Give your home a fresh look by familiarizing yourself with the latest and greatest in carpeting! Below are a few carpeting trends that are already big for 2015.

1. Step away from the beige

"Now, with numerous textures, patterns, and colors available, carpet is emerging as the focal point in some interior designs," reports HGTV. Even more traditional carpet styles can be made more interesting by adding unique colors. Consider opting for the "new neutrals" like soft green, pale yellow and hues of blue.

2. Look for soft textures

Combining a soft texture and layered colors helps make carpeting a design focus rather than a background. Berber carpeting from JCB Interiors comes in attractive earth tones and textures. It's also ideal for high-traffic areas.

3. Choose natural fibers

Wools and sisals have become more popular over the years. That's because they're eco-friendly and offer a more minimalist style. These types of carpets may cost more, but they tend to last longer and can even lead to better air quality.

What other carpeting trends do you think will be big in 2015? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your ideas with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Call JCB Interiors today at (203) 327-0450 to discuss carpeting trends with one of our design experts!

Learn More About Linoleum Flooring

Although it's been an inexpensive and long-lasting flooring option for more than a century, the popularity of linoleum had begun to fade. Today, however, it's making a comeback. "With more and more homeowners now looking for 'green living' alternatives, linoleum is fast becoming a popular choice once again," reports Realtor.com. Let's learn more about linoleum flooring:

It's durable

One of the primary benefits of linoleum flooring is its durability. Linoleum can maintain its look and finish for more than 40 years when properly maintained. Because it's so long-lasting, this material can be used in a variety of spaces, from bathrooms and kitchens to hallways.

It's environmentally-friendly

Linoleum flooring is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most eco-friendly flooring options on the market. The material is made from natural, renewable products. Therefore, it has a low impact onthe environment.

It's low-cost

Compared to some of today's most popular flooring options -- like hardwood and tile -- linoleum is far less expensive. Installation is easy, and therefore it's usually affordable as well. JCB Interiors' linoleum manufacturers include:

• Congoleum
• Daltile
• Winton Tile
• Duraceramic
• Armstrong

Contact JCB Interiors at (203) 327-0450 or visit us online to learn more about your flooring choices. Connect with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for more tips!

3 Bathroom Flooring Trends

As we round off the first month of the New Year, everyone seems to have the same question in mind: What will be trending in 2015? We at JCB Interiors like to stay ahead of the curve, so we're always keeping an eye out for the next big thing. Today, let's discuss three bathroom flooring trends that are about to explode:

1. Hardwood

Complementing white bathroom fixtures with hardwood floors creates a clean yet warm look. If hardwood flooring is outside of your budget, consider laminate. It mimics wood perfectly for a fraction of the price!

2. Ceramic tile

Brightly colored ceramic tiles can transform the look of your bathroom. JCB Interiors offers beautiful designs, including rustic, classy or even bright and loud. If you've got a busy family, you'll be happy to know that ceramic tile is also quite durable.

3. Area rugs

This year, bathrooms are starting to look less like bathrooms and more like the rest of the home. Many homeowners want art and furniture to be the focal point of their bathrooms, as opposed to the sink, toilet or shower. A unique and fashionable area rug helps achieve this goal.

What other bathroom flooring trends do you see being big in 2015? We'd love to hear your ideas. Share your thoughts with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ now!

Bedroom Flooring: Carpet vs. Hardwood

When it comes to flooring, lots of people follow made-up rules. The truth is, most flooring products will work well in just about any room of your home. The bedroom is no exception. Whether you're considering installing carpeting or hardwood floors, you'll find there are pros and cons to each.

Bedroom flooring: carpet versus hardwood

Carpeting pros

• Easy to maintain
• Provides insulation
• Comfortable on feet
• Great for minimizing sound

Carpeting cons

• Easily stained
• Can hold onto dust, dirt, insects and debris
• Not ideal for pet owners
• Prone to mold and mildew growth

Hardwood pros

• Beautiful look
• Increase home's value
• Durable and long-lasting
• Easy to maintain

Hardwood cons

• Expensive
• Cold on feet
• Loud and creaky
• Easy to scratch and wear down

Carpeting and hardwood flooring are both great choices for a bedroom. The final decision truly depends on your preferences. If you can't seem to choose between the two, consider installing a hardwood floor and topping it with an area rug.

For help choosing the right flooring option for your bedroom, call JCB Interiors at (203) 327-0450. Connect with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for more tips!

How to Ask Guests to Lose Their Shoes at the Door

We all know that the best way to protect your floors is to avoid wearing shoes around the house. But what do you do when you have company? Many people feel uncomfortable about enforcing a no-shoes rule. You shouldn't have to feel that way! Here's how to (kindly) ask guests to lose their shoes at the door:

 
Tell them beforehand. If you lay out the rules before your invitees arrive, they'll be prepared for it. For some, this could mean making sure to wear their "good socks" on that day. (It sounds ridiculous, but you'd be surprised by how many people are hiding socks with holes under their shoes!) When you send out that initial invite, include your no shoes rule as a disclaimer.

Have paper slippers on-hand. Whether you make them or buy them, the idea is the same: Guests will feel more comfortable taking off their shoes if they have something else to slip into. Furthermore, paper slippers will help keep your floors sweat-free!

Hang a sign. Make light of the situation by posting a fun sign. Etsy user TheFabulousPhoenix offers a no shoes sign that reads, "Because little hands touch our floor, please leave your shoes at the door." How adorable is that? You can also create your own cute sign.

Now you should have no problem asking your guests to lose their shoes at the door! Following the tips above will not only protect your floors, but also help make your home a cleaner one. Connect with JCB Interiors on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for more tips!

Best Flooring Options for Homes with Pets

Knowing that pets can scratch up and dirty your floors may deter you from becoming a pet owner. But we're here to let you know that you can have it all -- new floors and furry friends! You just have to bear in mind that some flooring options are better suited for cats and dogs. Here are the best flooring options for homes with pets:.

1. Vinyl

For many, the words "vinyl flooring" conjure images of old-school peel-and-stick flooring. Today, however, vinyl is more like laminate. It's durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Perhaps most importantly, vinyl flooring simulates the beauty of natural material. Whether your pets spill their water, scratch with their nails or have an accident in the house, vinyl flooring will persevere!

2. Hardwood

Don't be discouraged by the naysayers. Hardwood floors are actually pet-friendly -- if you're up for a little maintenance. Trim your pets' nails regularly to avoid scratching, and keep an eye out for spills that could stain and warp the wood. Following these two guidelines should ensure your hardwood flooring stays safe.

3. Carpet

If you choose to carpet your home, you'll have one big advantage: not having to worry about scratches. However, keep in mind that it's more difficult to remove stains from carpeting. Choose durable carpet -- like berber or sisal -- for added peace of mind.

Have more questions about the best flooring options for homes with pets? Don't hesitate to give JCB Interiors a call at (203) 327-0450. We also offer laminate, tile and area rugs! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ and Twitter for more tips.