Allergy Sufferers and Area Rugs Can Get Along

Carpets and area rugs have needlessly suffered a bad reputation among the sixty million Americans who live with allergies. It took the Swedish, among others to debunk the idea. A fifteen year study there found that not only was there no link between allergies, asthma attacks and rugs but furthermore allergy incidents increased thirty percent in a period when rug usage decreased by seventy percent. A study closer to home uncovered similar findings. A 2003 study of New Jersey school children suffering from asthma revealed that those with rugs in their bedrooms needed less asthma medication and missed fewer days of school. Numerous other studies have backed these up.

It appears that rather than contributing to attacks, area rugs serve to prevent them by trapping pet dander, pollen dust, and other particulates that allergy sufferers would otherwise inhale. Rugs and carpets serve as filters to trap allergens until they can be vacuumed, bagged, and removed from the house. Vacuuming is the operative word here. In order to reduce allergens, improve air quality, and of course, retain the value of the area rugs, the Carpet and Rug Institute recommends vacuuming  high traffic or pet-accessed areas daily, medium traffic areas twice weekly, and lightly trafficked areas once a week. Placing a mat at the door for those entering to wipe their feet will keep even more impurities off the rugs, and best of all, requiring visitors to leave their shoes at the door will insure nothing is tracked in.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are rugs that, rather than trapping allergens, repel them. Natural fiber rugs, such as those made from sisal, jute, or sea grass fall into this category. They have no long fibers so allergens do not stick to them, plus their natural plant fibers resist water so they don't allow mold or mildew to grow, both of which play havoc to allergy-sufferers. 

Nylon and polypropylene, although they are synthetic, not natural, are also water resistant, and thus similarly anti-mold and anti-mildew. Wool offers yet another answer to the allergy/area rug question. A natural material, wool acts like a magnet for particles floating in the air. It also has the ability to attract air pollutants like noxious oxides and formaldehyde, and neutralize them on the spot. Rugs made of wool also resist dust mites. 

With so many choices to be made, one last question remains -  area rug or wall to wall carpet? Area rugs San Diego with its temperate weather and low humidity would be the better choice since they can be removed from the house to be cleaned and thoroughly dried before being put back, whereas wall-to-wall carpeting is steam cleaned and the slight dampness that remains can be enough to start mold growth.

Interior Design for a Large Living Space

Homes and lofts with open floor layouts often have at least one large living space that is difficult to use efficiently. While a wide open layout makes a home feel spacious, having large rooms can make it difficult to fill with furniture and decorate appropriately. Homeowners do not want their homes to feel empty or their décor to get lost in the space. Large homes can even feel awkwardly small when the space doesn’t accommodate the dweller’s lifestyle correctly. Creating a Focus Designers and decorators often consider the major focal points in the room. For some families, this might be a TV or a fireplace.

The dining table is often another focal point of the home. Focal points are where people are going to spend their time and where the designer wants the eye to be drawn to when one enters the room. Most of the time, the furnishings, area rugs san diego and color use are what San Diego decorators use to draw the eye to the appropriate place in the large living space. Choosing Furniture Furniture in a large space can be placed to help break up the room. A couch or chair can be used to cut a room into sections without feeling invasive, provided there is still plenty of room to walk past. Furniture for large spaces can help make the space feel larger when light colors are chosen or can add dimension to the room with texture and color.

Using Area Rugs Area rugs are a popular way to break up a large space with a hard flooring. An area rug can be placed under a couch, bed or table to help create the illusion of a separated space, segmenting the room and creating a stronger focal point. The area rug chosen should be of adequate size, note most designers, since rugs that are too small will make the space feel cramped and the furniture seem ill-fitting. Selecting and Hanging Artwork Larger artwork can help a large space feel impressive and not unnecessary. Most designers look for a piece of art that can help tie together the colors and texture of the space.

They also look for artwork that is as large as possible, without looking crowded or diminished in the room.

The ideal size for artwork in a home depends greatly on the ceiling height, additional focal points in the space and the overall size of the room.

Layering Areas Rugs to Create Trendy Home Designs

Area rugs can be used as a decorating tool to enhance the beauty of a home. Many homeowners are discovering the secrets of layering area rugs to create the stylish décor they desire. Layering can be used to help define an area, highlight certain aspects of a room or add contrast by mixing and matching patterns and textures.  By experimenting with various ideas, homeowners can create a unique home décor that reflects their personality and character. The following tips may be helpful in purchasing area rugs San Diego to enhance your home design.

Choose Color Scheme

The look of layered rugs is more appealing when colors complement one another and don’t compete with existing furniture.  Neutral colors work best for larger rugs as they’re easy to mix and match with smaller, colorful rug designs. Natural area rugs made of such materials as jute, seagrass or sisal make excellent bases for layering.

Mix and Match Textures

Layering rugs gives homeowners an opportunity to add character and depth to a room by mixing and matching textures. The rugs should balance one another to achieve the desired results. Before investing in specific rug patterns or designs, homeowners should consider what they want to accomplish by their efforts and how layering will contribute to their décor. Rug proportions are important when layering as proportions affect the overall results. Large neutral rugs work best as bases when put together with a rug that’s slightly smaller in size as it creates a more pleasing design.

Consider Rug Shapes and Patterns

By experimenting with different rug patterns and shapes, homeowners can come up with one-of-a-kind designs. Overlapping small oriental rugs can give the impression of one large rug with unique patterns. Choosing rugs with the same color scheme helps maintain balance and keeps rugs from competing with each other or existing décor.  At the same time, homeowners can choose to mix and match shapes to highlight an area or rug design. A colorful round rug, for example, placed over a neutral base in a living room can be used to highlight a coffee table or act as its own focal point in the room’s design.

Layering area rugs is an art that’s worth learning to enhance the beauty of a home’s décor. In addition to adding aesthetic appeal, area rugs contribute to a home in many practical ways, making them a worthwhile investment.

Area Rugs Protect Hardwood Floors and Add Extra Features

Hardwood floors have boomed in popularity over the last several years, but it has become apparent that they're fairly weak against the demands of foot traffic. One of the easiest ways to lower the need for refinishing is to put area rugs over the parts that get the most use. This protects the floor in a way that beautifies the room at the same time.

There are a few things to think about when choosing area rugs San Diego hardwood protection. The first is the matter of safety. Finished hardwood is very slippery, so the wrong kind of rug will work like a banana peel. To stop this, use a non-slip rug backing. These can be separate sheets or be made as part of the rug. Don't permanently stick the rug to the floor if the hardwood is still in good shape.

The next issue to consider is the condition of the floor. If it looks great, it may be best to take the rugs up during special events so that the wood's beauty can be seen. If this is in the plan, choose rugs that are small enough to easily roll up and store. A worn-out floor, on the other hand, looks better if it remains covered. In that case, use a big rug that covers everything but the nice-looking edges of the floor.

A rug's other purposes are also important. They'll all protect the floor from foot traffic and provide a covering, but some may be used for other reasons on top of those. For example, an area rug in the family room may be sat on by kids playing video games. One in the bedroom may be added to provide a warm surface for bare feet. An ornate rug can be used as a focal point in an upscale dining room. The list goes on.

When choosing a rug for one of these extra purposes, it's important to look for specific characteristics. The one that'll be used by kids should be washable or at least stain resistant. One used for warmth should have deep pile. Ornate, upscale options are almost never easily washable, so care in placement is important.

Keeping all of these factors in mind will make it easy to get a rug that does more than cover up a hardwood floor. In fact, the rug buyer may find that the end result is better than the bare wood in more ways than one.

The Importance of Proper Area Rug Maintainence

A beautiful, well-kept area rug can provide a stunning accent to the home interior, but rugs that are neglected can significantly detract from the asethetic appeal of any room. Taking care of area rugs San Diego isn't necessarily a difficult task, but many people are simply unfamiliar with the basics of how to maintain a rug so that it looks good for years. 

One of the most common mistakes is not providing the rug with protection from damaging UV rays. For instance, most people love the look of sunlight flooding in through the windows but fail to realize that the sun's rays can fade and discolor rugs that are exposed to them over a long period of time. Closing the drapes or shutters during the times of day when the sun is at its strongest, such as between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is encouraged for those who want to keep their rugs from becoming overly faded.

Shutters and drapes should always be closed when homeowners and other household residents are at work, school, or otherwise gone from the house during the daytime hours.

Window films and treated glass can also help protect rugs and other vulnerable surfaces from becoming discolored or faded due to UV rays. These are excellent solutions for those who would prefer not to shut out the sunlight while they are at home during the day. 

Window films are relatively inexpensive alternatives for those who don't wish to invest in full window replacements, although it should be noted that replacing existing windows with ones that meet certain federal energy efficiency guidelines may result in substantial tax incentives.

  

Choosing the right rug is also an important factor on how well the rug will look in several years. For instance, it's unrealistic for a young family with children and several pets to purchase an overly expensive area rug and place it right in the middle of the location of the majority of family activity. Even if they were to clean the rug often and on a regular basis, it would still show signs of wear and tear. 

Saving this type of rug for parts of the home designated for adult use will prevent this problem. Even family friendly area rugs need proper cleaning and maintenance, however, but a good rug is worth the small investment in time and labor required to keep it looking good.

Easy Design Tips for the Perfect Summer Patio

The best part of the summer season is the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Even Californians, who have nice weather year round, can't get enough of the long summer days and warm summer nights hanging out on the back patio. To make any backyard extra inviting and a go to spot for guests this summer, be sure to follow these easy decorating tips.

Top 5 Patio Design Ideas for Summer


Pops of Color

From pastels to bright reds and yellows, adding a bit of color to an outdoor space is the perfect way to draw guests in and keep them there for a day full of fun. With the combination of some contemporary or even vintage furniture, it's easy to create a comfortable and welcoming backyard oasis.

Think Cozy

Offer guests a place to retreat from the sun when the heat starts to be a bit too much on particularly hot days with the help of a cozy reading nook. A solitary spot in the backyard or on the patio will simply beg to be used for quiet conversations, a nice mid-day nap or alone time with a good book.

Take Cover

An elegant way to create the perfect outdoor retreat is with the help of a covered patio. If a full renovation isn't in the cards this summer, think outside of the box with an exterior wall or fence and a few gilded mirrors to bring in a hint of luxury and sophistication to the space. Tables with umbrellas also make for the perfect place to hang out and have an ice cold drink or a snack.

Fireside Chats

Spend hours entertaining friends and family around an open fire right in the backyard! Fire pits can be used day or night and give guests the opportunity to get comfortable around the fire while grilling kebabs, roasting weenies and making s'mores. Don't forget to pick up plenty of extra seating as this new backyard addition is sure to be the talk of the neighborhood.

Delicate Details

Bring the whole space together with the help of beautiful and tasteful accents like candles, potted plants, throw pillows and extra summer blankets for cooler evenings.

Head out on a shopping trip to find unique items like table centerpieces, storage boxes, antique side tables and intricately crafted area rugs San Diego.

Unique Area Rugs in San Diego

Area rugs San Diego can be used to anchor a room, protect the floor or give a room a new look.  These partial floor coverings give decorators opportunities to enjoy and protect special flooring while fine-tuning the ambiance of a room. Available in numerous textures, shapes and colors, area rugs lend versatility to any given décor.

Area rugs come in many types, and decorators often choose them base on their use and the final look to be achieved. For example, a decorator might choose a cotton rug for the kitchen because they can soak up spills and are often washable.  Silk rugs might be used in the bedroom and low traffic areas.  These rugs are extremely luxurious and give off a wonderful sheen.

Unlike cotton rugs, silk rugs are sensitive to moisture and often are more expensive. Because of their versatility, wool rugs are often used in living rooms and great rooms. Made from sheep’s fleece, they are sturdy and start off as white pile.  This makes them easy to dye, so decorators can match them with any deco.  Other types of rugs include the following:

·         Jute – Made from the inner fiber of the jute plant. These rugs often have the look and feel of soft rope.  A decorator’s trick is to use a jute rug under a smaller vintage rug.  Layering the smaller, often more expensive rug, with the natural fibrous rug, extends its use and enhances the beauty of the room. Jute rugs are a bit susceptible to stains and moisture is their enemy.

·         Sisal – The thin, long, strong fibers of sisal rugs are extracted from the fibers of the henequen plant (from the cactus family), which are native to Mexico. Sisal rugs are a bit smoother and finer than jute rugs, and also have a rope-like texture. Though the sturdiness of these rugs will make them last for years, they don’t do well when moist or stained.

·         Seagrass – Another of the natural fibers, seagrass rugs are made from saltwater marshes. Starting off in their natural green color, these rugs often show no matting or footprints. Seagrass is pliable and less scratch than jute and sisal rugs. Cleaning these rugs with water will not leave a watermark, but to maintain their beauty, decorators keep them away from areas that might get a lot of moisture

Decorators also make use of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene when selecting area rugs in San Diego. These rugs are often used under dining tables because stains on them are easy to clean.  Leather is also a good option for its softness and durability. Leather rugs are also stain resistant and cleanups are easy.

Finding the Perfect Area Rugs for a Home

Home décor plays a big part in transforming a house into home. A warm and friendly home makes for a more desirable place to live. Area rugs can contribute much to a home environment. The following tips can be helpful in finding area rugs San Diego to enhance home comfort and appearance.

Cost 

Although quality, name-brand area rugs are more expensive, they are well worth the cost. When it comes to comfort, aesthetic appearance and wear, a quality silk or wool rug will give homeowners greater value for their investment. To help calculate area rug prices, homeowners can use the cost of a room’s furniture as a guide. In the case of a large, high-quality living room rug, homeowners can expect to pay more or less the equivalent of their living room sofa. The greater flexibility homeowners have in their budget, the higher quality product they can buy.

Size

Along with quality, homeowners should carefully calculate area rug size when making their purchase. Many home design experts suggest that area rugs be about 2 feet shorter than a room or area’s smallest wall. Large area rugs need to suit the size, shape, decor and furnishings of the room for which they are intended. Hallway rugs should allow for at least 6 inches of bare floor to show around the sides. When purchasing an area rug for a dining room, buyers should consider how the rug accommodates both table size and dining room chairs.

Who to Buy

From Name-brand rug manufacturers and retailers are the best sources for purchasing quality area rugs at decent prices. Homeowners should consider such brands as Karastan, Shaw, Merida Meridian and Royal Intercontinental to get the most for their investment. Browsing online can give buyers an idea of rug designs, materials, colors and styles; buying from a local manufacturer or retailer, however, allows buyers to view, touch and experience the product first-hand to ensure it’s exactly what they’re looking for.

When it comes to décor, area rugs can make a tremendous impact on a room or area. For this reason, it’s important for homeowners to choose wisely. It’s much easier to decorate a room around the color and texture of an area rug than trying to find a rug to match an existing décor. By choosing a pleasing rug, homeowners can will get greater value and enjoyment from their investment over the long run.

Choosing Area Rugs For Dorm Rooms And Small Apartments

College students and young professionals experience a great deal of excitement as they leave their parents' homes and experience life on their own for the first time. Unfortunately, their initial dorms and apartments are typically ugly and uncomfortable. Bad flooring greatly increases this sense of discomfort, with many college dorms featuring concrete floors, or, for luckier students, a still ugly vinyl alternative. Although young adults generally do not have the option of installing newer, more comfortable flooring in their dorms and apartments, they can keep the issues related to their current floors to a minimum with the help of expansive area rugs. The following are just a few of the important considerations to keep in mind while hunting for a dorm-style area rug.

Size The goal with any dorm rug should be to fill up as much of the floor space as possible. This is clearly not going to be possible with a rug that is only three or four feet long.

Ideally, a rug should be at least eight or nine feet long and five or six feet wide. This should offer plenty of coverage in high traffic areas.

Material A variety of rug materials are available, but not all are ideal for college students and other young adults. Cotton rugs are common in this age group, as they are relatively inexpensive. For a sturdier and warmer alternative, consider opting for a wool rug. Those interested in taking the eco friendly approach may prefer bamboo, which is attractive and biodegradable. The warmth provided by the rug's material should be considered, especially in light of the climate conditions in various regions. Area rugs in San Diego apartments will generally not be identical to those found in colder climates. In warmer regions, a lightweight cotton rug should be sufficient for providing comfort and making a dorm or apartment look a bit more homey.

Style Not much can be done to truly make a dorm room stylish, but with a little effort, it at least can go from drab to somewhat cute. An attractive rug can make a huge difference in this regard. Look for a brightly-colored option capable of offsetting the grim look of the undecorated room. Patterned rugs can also add interest, especially when combined with bland walls and furniture. A rug can completely transform an ugly dorm room or apartment. Look for a large, attractive, comfortable and affordable area rug -- it will be well worth the investment!

Corporate events are a great way to bring the workplace together, creating bonds, getting everyone out of the office for a day, and boosting morale. However, finding a location for these events can be a bit difficult. As the weather warms up, consider corporate events twin cities, Minnesota like a recreational park. Offering scenic views of the water, horse and carriage rides, tennis courts, an archery range, bocce courts, softball fields, a full golf course, and a conference room, it's easy to spend an entire day here.

Before a rousing game of golf, the company can get down to business in the conference room on the park grounds. This space includes a whiteboard, a speaker phone, sticky note pads, a media system, and flip charts. The employees do not have to pay extra to use these amenities. Everyone will feel productive and creative in the enriching space that is parks like these in Minnesota. Such a recreational park may even offer golf lessons for beginners. With chipping greens and a driving range, more experienced players won't be bored for a minute. A boss or manager that wants to book a day at a recreational park like this can visit the park's website or call in order to schedule a tee time for the office. These parks may accept reservations up to a week before the visit so that there's plenty of time to prepare for the trip.

Of course, sometimes cancellations need to occur. Perhaps the office got bogged down with a new project or a deadline got pushed up. Inclement weather may also be an issue. In these cases, the boss or manager can get in touch with these recreational parks to postpone the golf reservations. As long as the park receives a call the day before the visit, canceling is a breeze. If all goes to plan and a company does bring its employees out for a few hours on the green, parks like these in the Twin Cities require that all golf participants are ready to go about 30 minutes before playing. The employees should also plan whether they will drive in a golf kart or walk to the green.

Everyone should bring their golf gear for a day at this recreational park. This includes a comfortable shirt, shorts or pants, golf gloves, sunglasses, and shoes. If players have their own golf club, balls, or golf bag, they can of course feel free to bring these. However, those that don't have these supplies will have them offered to them so that everyone can play.

The Dos and Don'ts of Shampooing an Area Rug

Many homeowners choose to rent carpet shampooers as a means of getting the matted and soiled carpeting in their homes restored to a more appealing condition. Some homeowners even own carpet shampooers designed for residential use. What many people don't realize, however, is that these shampooers generally aren't just designed for use on permanent carpets; in many cases, they can also be used to clean area rugs. There are just a few things homeowners should know before using a carpet shampooer to clean an area rug.

DO Test Before Starting

No matter what kind of carpet shampoo is being used on the area rug, it's important to test a small amount on an inconspicuous area of the rug before getting started. After all, certain carpet fibers can have bad reactions with different chemicals found in carpet shampoo. By testing a small area first, it's possible to identify a potential issue before ruining the entire rug.

DO Spot-Treat Heavy Stains 

Furthermore, homeowners should be aware that carpet shampooers are great at restoring carpeting and rugs, but they aren't miracle workers. Homeowners will still need to spot-treat heavy stains, such as those from red wine, blood, or grease, before using the carpet shampooer. This will help to loosen up stains as much as possible before the final cleaning is done, which will leave homeowners with better results.

DON'T Set Rugs on Wet Carpet 

Finally, homeowners who are planning on shampooing their carpeting and area rugs San Diego homes at the same time should be careful not to set a wet area rug on top of wet carpet. This will prevent both the carpet and the rug from being able to dry in a timely manner. Instead, the rug should be hung or set on a flat, dry surface where there is plenty of ventilation. This will help to speed up the drying process until the rug can be placed back on the carpeting. Just be sure to lay the rug out flat so it doesn't dry with any creases, which can be difficult to get out. Shampooing an area rug can be a great way to remove stains and get the rug looking like new again. By keeping these important dos and don'ts in mind, homeowners can ensure that they complete the process correctly and yield the best results as well.

Using Area Rugs Effectively in Home Staging

Home staging companies often find themselves in the position of having to use very little to get a very dramatic effect. Home staging can be more challenging than home design, as it's often limited to a very specific budget. Area rugs San Diego are one of the best tools within the home staging company's arsenal, and they can be used for staging in a variety of ways.

Colors: Using Rugs to Influence First Impressions

Bright colors make rooms look larger, while dark colors make rooms look cozier. But that's not all. A color palette is very important: bright colors look modern and cheery while more subdued colors may look elegant and sophisticated. Some colors such as yellow or orange can seem alarming or off-putting, depending on the audience. Rugs can be used to tie together a variety of color themes, making the room more cohesive.

Patterns: Using Rugs to Complete a Theme

A single rug with an intricate pattern can quickly make a room feel complete. By using a heavily patterned rug as a design tool, a home staging company can quickly and easily imbue a room with a specific style. Simpler patterns (or none at all) area ideal for rooms that already have other focal points, such as throw pillows. Simpler rugs can also help in making a room look larger,.

Size: Using Rugs to Affect Perception

When an area rug has become the focal point of a room, it can affect how large that room is perceived to be. A larger area rug may make the room look smaller -- to a point. But once an area rug becomes wall-to-wall, it can actually make a room appear larger. This is especially true if the rug is a similar color to the walls. Meanwhile, smaller rugs can make cozier rooms feel a little larger, especially when paired with just one or two items of deftly selected furnishings.

Placement: Using Rugs to Define Space

Rugs can easily be placed to define areas of a room. Home staging companies use this technique to show prospective buyers the value and potential of a room -- value and potential that often could not be seen in an empty space. An area rug can be used to separate family rooms from dining rooms or dining rooms from kitchens.  Apart from area rugs, other items that a home staging company may find useful are throw pillows, draperies and lighting. 

With the right accent pieces and a solid lighting system, virtually any room can be made to look fit for royalty.