FLOORS WINDOWS

WALLS & CEILINGS

Floors are often the most expensive or most permanent

backgrounds of the room, so plan your interior decoration around

these first.

Pros: Carpet adds warmth and comfort.

Comfortable underfoot. Adds warmth and texture to the décor. Least expensive of all flooring options. Stain-fighting fibers improve practicality

for kitchen use.Cons:

Absorbs excess moisture. Some stains may be hard to remove.

Carpeting can be installed wall-to-wall, or may be an area rug that has finished edges and is not attached to the floor.

When choosing the carpet for your home it is as important to consider the

quality as it is the style and color.  When judging the construction and durability of carpet it is important to

consider the type of fiber, the yarn twist and the pile density. (while cotton is

used for small throw rugs, it is generally not durable enough for carpets)

Nylon – Nylon is a synthetic fiber and is known for it’s strength and abrasion resistance. Over

half of all carpets sold in America are nylon.

Wool – This is an expensive, resilient fiber shorn from sheep.  It is a natural fiber

and is very easy to clean. It is soft and warm, but prone

to high static. 

Olefin (Polypropylene) – This is an inexpensive very

abrasive-resistance fiber but has less resiliency and limited in color range.

Polyester – This is a fiber that is naturally stain resistant

because it has no dye sites, however, it is not as durable as nylon. Known for color clarity.

It is very soft.

Acrylic - Acrylic carpet fiber offers the appearance and

feel of wool without the cost. Acrylic carpet fiber

has a low static level and is moisture and mildew

resistant.

Twist refers to the number of times that the individual fibers are twisted per linear inch, and can be judged by looking at those fibers closely

and comparing. The tighter the twist the better the carpet

will retain its appearance.  Twist

should be easy to see with tight and well-defined tufts rather than those that are

loose and flared open at the tips. Carpets that are “heat set” are best, as it gives the carpet

memory, stabilizes the yarn, and retains twist

the longest.

You can compare density by bending carpet samples as they would be bent over a stair tread. Then look into

the pile. The higher density carpet will show more pile

fiber and less of the backing material. A high density

carpet will make it difficult to feel the backing.

Dense carpet packs more fiber into the pile so that it

wears longer, resists crushing and matting better and retains its texture longer in heavy use. Dense carpet also helps resist stains and dirt by keeping them on the

surface of the pile where they're more easily cleaned

away.  

Pile density refers to the amount of fiber used in the construction of the carpet and is a combination of how closely the fibers are tufted together and their pile height.  Face weight, the numeric expression that refers to the number of ounces of the pile fiber in a square yard of carpet, is also a

good indication of the quality of a carpet. 

Velvet Sometimes referred to as

a "plush", velvets are smooth finished carpets with a rich, velvety look. They are an extra dense, cut pile with a luxurious look and color.They are

most suited, although not exclusively, to formal areas such as living

rooms, and dining rooms.

Saxony Versatile beauty in cut pile.

Not as formal as velvets, but easier to live with. The degree to which each individual tuft is visible in the pile creates a wide range of subtly different appeals. This texture is often

called "trackless", and it is the most popular style in today's carpet market. It offers a solid color surface like a velvet, but

with a rougher finish that helps to minimize sweeper

marks and footprints.

Textured SaxonyThe most casual and rugged of

cut pile carpets. Tightly twisted yarns curl back on

themselves, creating a distinctive nubby, loose and shaggy, or pebbled texture

look. They might be referred to as a shag carpet; some with

very tight twist are called Freizé (pronounced "free-

zay”). The twist level provides durability, while the looser pile

provides comfort.

Berbers / SisalsThe visibility of each loop and the way light reflects

from the surface give level loop carpets a charming

appeal that blends well with any decor.

The looped construction offers exceptional durability, and a unique look. Many berbers are patterned, using high and low loops,

which can give an embossed look not available with most

other textures.

Cut And Loop These carpets are often

called "sculptured", because of the pattern formed in the

face of the carpet by the looped areas. Cut and loops provide a casual setting, and are usually found in family rooms and rec-rooms. In solid colors, their subtle shading creates a unique

style of multi-toned beauty. They are sometimes referred

to as “traceries”.

Bonded Urethane - Made by grinding flexible polyurethane foam into small particles and bonding them together with a chemical adhesive. The

quality is measured by the foam density, or weight of the material per cubic foot. Bonded cushion is commonly called "rebound“.

Prime Urethane - Manufactured in chemical mixing and reaction processes. The quality is measured by the foam density, or weight of the

material per cubic foot.

Sponge Rubber - There are two common variants of sponge rubber cushion: Flat sponge cushion generally offers a firm feel, while rippled sponge provides a softer feel. The quality of sponge rubber cushion is

measured by its weight in ounces per square yard.

Fiber - There are three common types of fiber cushion, natural fiber (such as hair or jute), synthetic fiber (made of nylon, polypropylene etc.), and

resinated textile fiber (made of recycled textiles). The quality of fiber cushion is measured by its weight in ounces per square yard. Fiber

cushion is commonly called "felt“.

Installed under the carpet, this cushioning makes your carpet feel better by absorbing

foot traffic pressure for a softer walk. It improves insulation, increases the efficiency of vacuuming, reduces noise, and maximizes

durability.

Vinyl flooring (or resilient flooring) began as linoleum and has been a very popular choice over the years.  In the last several

years, there have been huge improvements in durability and styling.

Pros: Relatively inexpensive.

Soft and quiet underfoot. Easy to clean and maintain

Durable (higher-quality grades). Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.

Stain resistant. Damage relatively easy to

repairAvailable in tiles or planks or

rolls Cons:

May show wear after about five years (lower-quality grades) Cushioned vinyl may be cut easily by small rocks, etc.

Pros:

Hardwoods are the most durable, versatile, and resistant to wear. Comfortable underfoot.

Parquet floors are those installed in a pattern or 3D effect.

Appear warm and luxurious.

Cons: Must be sealed well and

maintained to resist spills, scratches, chemicals and wear.

Refinishing worn floors is difficult, requiring sanding, re-

staining, and refinishingFloors may expand or contract or finishes crack with variations in

temperature and humidity.

The type of wood and the stain offer a variety of wood grains

and colors.

Pros: Virtually stainproof and fade-

resistant. Easy to clean and maintain -- never

needs waxing. Economical, priced only slightly

higher than quality vinyl. Available in wood grains and patterns

that mimic tile, stone, and other materials

Forgiving of uneven base surfaces Resists indentations,

stains, heat, fading, and surface moisture.

Cons:Wood portion of flooring susceptible

to damage from excess moisture. May appear to be “fake” wood or stone.

The top layer includes a decorative paper layer with the design on it and coating

over it.  Almost all laminates are installed as floating floors, meaning that the

laminate planks or tiles are attached to each other, but not to the sub-floor.

MANY COUNTERTOP MATERIALS ARE ALSO LAMINATES

Pros:Ceramic tile gives you

unlimited patternpossibilities.

Durable and easy to maintain Many shapes, sizes, textures,

and colors Glazed tiles are impervious to

moisture and stains Cons:

Relatively expensive, especially if new subflooring

is needed Requires monthly cleaning

with an oil-base detergent to resist stains (unglazed tiles)

Relatively noisy, cold, and hard underfoot

May show surface wear in high-traffic areas (glazed tiles) Chips easily if hard items are

dropped on it

Pros:Stone floors are elegant and

durable. The hardest stones (granite and

marble) are most durable.Easy to clean if sealed.

Comes in polished or honed (matte) or textured surfaces.

Cons:Expensive

Requires frequent resealing. Needs regular waxing and

polishing to maintain sheen. Can be highly reactive to acidic

solutions such as vinegar or orange juice, so use caution in where you put it.

Hard to stand or walk on for long periods.

Sandstone, limestone (travertine), marble, slate, granite, and the man-made stones terrazo and

terra-cotta are suitable for floors.

Pros:

Cork tiles are inexpensive, soft, warm, and quiet

underfoot. Non-

allergenic. Unique.

Cons: They

do have limited durability. They are susceptible to water

damage and gouging. Comes in

very few color and style choices.

Originates from a layer of tree bark, found in greatest quantities

on a cork oak tree that grows near the Mediterranean Sea

Pros: Rubber tiles are durable and hard-

wearing. Come in a range of patterns and colors to complement

contemporary kitchen styles or home gyms.

Often used commercially. Provides cushion for your step, slip resistance,

and sound absorption.

Cons: They require

periodic polishing to maintain their sheen.

Susceptible to stains, cuts,

and gouges. Some textures present cleaning challenges.

Naturally derived from a rubber tree, but synthetically is a

petroleum product.

Pros: Concrete is

extremely durable and easy to clean.

Comes in the standard gray and

colors.

Cons: Will look worn

and dull if not sealed and waxed. No sound absorption. Cold and hard to

walk on.

A solution made with water, acid and inorganic salts reacts with minerals already present in the

concrete to create the color effects. It can be applied to both

interiors and exteriors. The results are a mottled, variegated, marble-

like look.

Once the floor covering has been decided on, plan the wall coverings.

Suppose you are a prospective buyer, and the current owners have already

moved out. They have left empty rooms. Do the floors and walls go together without benefit of other

furnishings?

Drywall compound can be used to apply textures to ceilings or walls. They can be

sprayed, brushed, or spread with a trowel to create a variety of effects.

They add interest, provide some acoustical advantages, and hide minor imperfections. They may be difficult to

paint, and are difficult to remove.

Popcorn

Knock Down

StompOrange Peel

Painting is probably the most common wall covering because it is: fairly temporary, least

expensive, and least labor intensive.

Stenciling is using a pattern to transfer a design onto the wall

drawing or painting through the cutout areas of the design

template. Faux finishing “fakes” expensive

surfaces such as marble, by using sponges, combs, etc.

Before painting, walls must be prepared. They must be washed and cracks or nail holes filled. A primer is a

sealant that makes surfaces non-porous,

keeps out humidity, and may cover stains.

There are two main types of paint…

Solvent-based Paint May be oil or alkyd (synthetic

resin-based Sometimes called “enamel paint” Provides a durable and washable surface Brushes must be cleaned in a solvent such as

mineral spirits

Latex Paint Is water-based and quick-drying.

Environmentally safe. Quick water cleanup of brushes.

May not adhere to some surfaces. Not as durable as

solvent-based.Paints are available in various finishes: gloss (easiest to clean), semi-gloss, satin or eggshell, flat (dull, but most formal looking), and textured (adds interest

but difficult to clean or remove).

Decorative papers have been used to cover walls since the

16th century in Europe.

Though wallpaper is an easy and inexpensive way to add color, texture, and style to a

room, wallpaper is somewhat vulnerable to damage because of the

nature of the material and method of application.

Walls must be carefully prepared before applying

paper. Some paper needs to be pasted; most is pre-

pasted and just needs water.

Strippable paper means it can be removed without

having to score, steam, or scrape it off.

Consider the elements and principles of design carefully when choosing

wallpaper patterns.

Foil papers can make small rooms appear larger. Heavily embossed or flocked

papers with raised surfaces can create a formal effect. Vinyl and coated papers are

washable, so make cleaning easier.

Chair rails and wainscoting were originally added to plaster walls to protect them from damage to chairs. Today, there are primarily for decoration, applied to

the lower 1/3 of the wall.

Crown moldings are a wide trim board attached at the top of the wall next to the ceiling. Whether ornate or simple, they

add a “finished” or elegant touch.

Baseboard, window, and door moldings hide breaks between

surfaces and prevent damage to wall areas and keep dirt out of

cracks. They provide a finishing touch.

Solid wood paneling adds a warmth and richness to a room. It is attractive but costly. Cherry, mahogany, oak, pine, and walnut are

popular woods for paneling.Manufactured

wood paneling has a wood veneer

(thin overlay) top over a backing material, and

laminated plastic paneling is printed

in wood grain or other patterns. Both are more

economical and finished to protect them from stains and moisture, but

are less attractive.

A ceramic tile is a mixture of clays which is shaped and fired at high temperatures. The hard slab that

results from this process can be glazed or decorated or remain unglazed.

   Advantages of glazed tiles: unlimited

color range and superior stain resistance.

Advantages of unglazed tiles are: wear resistance and added slip resistance as

compared to glazed ceramic tile.

The grout or adhesive filler between the tiles may present a cleaning challenge after time, or may crumble and allow water to

seep under the tile.

Wall tiles are not usually as durable as ceramic floor tiles.

Fabrics can be applied to walls to give unique textures, colors, and

patterns. They can be attached with glue, tacks, or double-faced tapes.

Fabrics can be repeated on windows upholstery, or accessories.

Grasscloth, burlap, or even carpeting have been popular on walls. The

fabric needs to be thick enough to prevent glue from showing through. It must also be resistant to stains,

fading, mildew, and shrinking. Cleaning can be a challenge.

Mirrors can be used to cover an entire wall or

smaller area. They make a room look larger.

Large mirrors or mirror tiles can be used.

Distortion-free glass should be used in large

mirrors.

They are expensive, but give a dramatic effect.

Make sure the view reflected is appropriate.

Mirrors can be clear, smoked, or patterned.

Maintenance is easy, but needs to be done

frequently.

Windows are the least permanent of the three backgrounds, although not

necessarily the least expensive or permanent. Homeowners may even

remove them when they move out. The floors, walls, and windows should all “go together” without the benefit of

other furnishings in the room.

Bay window: A composite of three or more windows, usually made up

of a large center unit and two flanking units at 30°, 45° or 90°

angles to the wall.

Bow window: A composite of

four or more window units in a radial or bow

formation.

Curtains should be hung to the stool/sill, to the apron, halfway

between the apron and the floor, to the floor, or puddled on the floor for

a very romantic look.

Curtains are usually unlined fabric or lace. They are hung or shirred (gathered) onto a rod, and offer a variety in colors, patterns,

and textures. They are considered informal.Curtains may be sheer (transparent), semi-sheer (diffuse light and view), or

opaque. Sheer curtains are sometimes used as an under-curtain, behind

draperies.

Café Curtains Usually hung on rings that

slide along a rod. They cover only the lower half of the

window.Scarf treatments are softly draped and free flowing.

Austrian Curtain Panel has shirred

pouf design

Tie Back Curtains are drawn back to the side and

held with a sash or cord.

Priscilla Curtains are tie back curtains,

edged with ruffles.

Long curtain “panels” with tab

tops

Short window “tiers”, often

hung on the top and bottom or as shown here with

a valance.Rod-pocket curtains have a

casing and are shirred onto a rod; should start out being 2 times the rod width. 3 times the width for sheer curtains.

A Valance is a top window treatment that can stand alone or be mounted over curtains or draperies.

Swag at the center with Cascades down the side Scarf valance

Blouson or balloon valance, sometimes stuffed with tissue paper for fullness

Shaped Valance

Tailored Valance with a Jabot (center ruffle or

drape) Cornice Valance

Draperies are traditionally a more formal window treatment. They are pinch-pleated and hung from a transverse rod that allows them to be opened and closed by pulling on a cord.

They are often lined or made of a heavier fabric.

Pleated and Cellular Shades (two pieces of

fabric with air space between)

Roman Shades raise in folds

Roller Shade (least expensive)

Balloon Shade

Woven Wood Shades

Shades can be used alone or in combination with other

window treatments. They were designed to filter or block the

sun and cold air.

Wood Blinds

Vertical Blinds

Vinyl Blinds

Blinds are made of a series of evenly spaced slats that can

opened and closed. They provide privacy and control over sunlight allowed into the room. Blinds are more difficult to clean than some

other window treatments.

Shutters control privacy, the degree of sunlight in the room,

and even temperature.

Shutters have crosswise slats called louvers, which vary in

width. Some use a fabric insert instead of louvers. They

can be painted or stained.

FLOORS WINDOWS

WALLS & CEILINGS

Name: _____________________ Due Date: __________________ Attach samples with double-sided tape; fill box if possible.

Add additional samples to back of sheet, only if desired.

Floor Covering

DraperyWall Covering

Adjoining Bath Flooring

Adjoining Bath Countertop

Find samples as indicated… for a master bedroom

and adjoining bath.

Color Scheme: _______________

Find samples of

backgrounds as indicated… for a kitchen.

Color Scheme: ____________

Floor Covering Countertop

Wall Paper Paint or Curtain

Name: _____________________ Due Date: __________________ Attach samples with double-sided tape; fill box if possible

Add additional samples to back of sheet, only if desired.

Find samples of

backgrounds as indicated…

for a living room.

Color Scheme: ____________

Floor Covering Drapery alone or drapery and under-curtain Attach picture of window treatment to this

sheet

Wall Covering Upholstery

Name: _____________________ Due Date: __________________ Attach samples with double-sided tape; fill box if possible

Add additional samples to back of sheet, only if desired.