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Hardwood Floors Offer Versatile Interior Design Choices (WMS) - If you're planning a renovation or remodeling project, decorating and remodeling magazines are a great place to start. In each issue, you can browse through pages and pages of beautiful homes to collect inspiration and ideas on the furnishings and colors that best reflect your own personal lifestyle. Interestingly, there's one design element many of these homes share -- hardwood floors. "Wood is quickly gaining popularity as the flooring of choice for any room in the home," says Bill Clossin, vice president of marketing at Harris Tarkett, a major manufacturer of hardwood floors. "The wide variety of species and colors available today allow wood to crossover design and styling boundaries. And the good news for homeowners is that most of the floors shown in their magazines can be found or duplicated at their local floor covering retailer." Although the most popular wood flooring choice is oak in a natural color, there are a variety of other options that allow consumers to make a more personal design statement in their homes. One recurring look in magazines is the use of wide plank floors in deep, rich, dark tones. The floors are often found in a number of homes within a single issue. "The advantage of floors in dark colors is that they are an excellent complement to traditional and contemporary interiors," Clossin says. "They provide a sophisticated background for neutral color palettes as well as bold, bright colors." Consumers who want to duplicate these floors should consider Harris Tarkett's Grand Vistas Collection in Yuma Oak Sable in a 71/2-inch width or Coach House Hickory in Leather, available in a 5-inch width. Decorating magazines devoted to country living appeal to many homeowners whether they live in the country or the city. "Many of these homes date back decades if not centuries, with floors as old as the original structures," Clossin says. "But duplicating the beauty and patina of timeworn floors is easier than ever." His company recently introduced Crossroads, a collection of floors that recreate the distressed look of aged lumber, adding instant heritage to any interior. A number of periodicals focus on specific rooms in the home, like kitchens. One magazine recently showed several kitchens, each with its own distinct look and a hardwood floor. The first one featured a small, contemporary space with a unique mix of materials that included limestone tiles, concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances, rich cherry cabinets and a light wood floor. To duplicate this look, homeowners might select maple, a wood that is naturally light and one of the most popular species after oak. Two options from the American Collection are Prescott Valley Maple Natural or Acadia Maple Natural. Another kitchen featured a large, open plan that encompassed the kitchen, the breakfast area and the family room. The floor was oak in a honey tone. While oak is a good choice for a kitchen, homeowners who want a more distinctive look might consider exotic species or floors with more grain character. Options include Glen Allen Ash Wheat from the Vintage Collection or Spotted Gum or Australian Cypress from the company's Passport: Australia collection. "Thanks to today's tough factory finishes, hardwood has become the easy-care flooring choice for kitchens," says Clossin. "There's a wood floor to complement every cabinet style, whether it's a popular cherry or a fresh, painted finish." After collecting a portfolio of ideas, spend some time on the Web researching the various flooring options. Next, visit your local retailer to see actual samples and to review pricing and installation options. "The retailer's expert advice will help you determine which hardwood floor is right for your particular needs and budget," Clossin adds. For more information on Harris Tarkett's full product line and to find a retailer in your area, visit the company online at www.harristarkett.com. |
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