Quiz de style de vie

Take a couple of minutes to conduct your « Lifestyle Questionnaire. » Your answers to these questions will play a vital factor in your decision-making process regarding the color, design, and products that you will select for your project. When you have answered the questions, click on the « Submit » button to receive product recommendations. The recommendations will vary based how you answer each question.

How many people will be living in your home?

Do you have children? If so, how many children do you have?

Do you have a pet? If so, what kind of pet do you have?

Will you have an extended family member living you?

Will you need a room or space for a home office, home gym, home theater or hobbies?

Do you like to entertain in your home?

What kind of atmosphere would you like to create in your home?

Are you interested in products that are easy to maintain?

Is the resale value of your home a consideration at this time?

Households with Children

Households with children see a lot of action! If you have children take into consideration where they spend their time and the kinds of activities they like to do. Look for quality products that are durable and easy to maintain.

Suggestions for Your Children’s Activity Rooms

Carpets:

Select a carpet that Is nylon, has stain and soil resistance, made from tightly twisted yarns with a minimum density of 35 – 40 oz Consider these styles:

Low profile / cut and uncut, Frieze, Textured, Looped berbers, Cut pile berbers

Hardwood:

Add warmth and beauty to any room. Add an area rug for a soft place for kids to lay and play

Consider a hardwood floor that has a beveled edge to catch dirt and dust, one with more naturally occurring grain such as Oak, Pecan, Cherry, Hickory etc. that will minimize the appearance of dirt and scratches. A satin or semi-gloss finish to help reduce the appearance of scratches or dents.

Ceramic Tile:

Tile is great for flooring in the family room, especially in warmer climates. Consider larger sized tiles, 16 x 16, 18 x18 etc. to minimize grout joints. Throw in an area rug for kids play, added warmth and sound insulation.

Laminate:

Laminate floors are a cost effective way to bring durability and fashion to your floor. Laminates come in slate and stone patterns to solid colors to natural looking wood grain patterns and are kid friendly and easy to maintain

Sheet Vinyl:

Vinyl can be a great selection for the kitchen floor if a well – constructed product is selected. The vinyl you select for your kitchen requires a different level of durability than the vinyl you would select for your bathroom. Kitchens are typically an area of high traffic and heavy use.

When selecting sheet vinyl for the kitchen, thicker is not always better. Select a sheet vinyl with a dense inner core that will resist rips, tears, gouges and indentations. The wearlayer also plays an important role. A quality wearlayer such as urethane will provide protection against staining, scuffing and scratching. Be sure to check the warranties and specific performance characteristics

Wonderful colors, patterns and designs available to enhance any décor. Some of the most popular designs are those that emulate nature – Natural stone looks – Unique textures and embossing. Softer underfoot and warmer than ceramic tile and a less expensive option to hardwood or ceramic.

Making Your Dog Feel at Home

If your dog spends some time indoors then select a hard surface flooring product such as ceramic tile, laminate or a top quality sheet vinyl.

Hardwood floors are also an option but be aware long nails will scratch your floor. It is also a good idea to have a hard surface flooring area in front of exterior doors in case of wet or muddy paws.

Main level laundry rooms are great rooms for your dog’s water and food. You may want to have special bins or storage space for food, toys, shampoo, brushes etc. The laundry room, if large enough, can also serve as a grooming area equipped with a utility sink for bathing smaller dogs.

Also, consider the color of your dog’s hair. If your dog has light hair i.e. yellow lab, choose lighter colored carpet, fabrics and upholstery too minimize the hair’s appearance. For carpet, select a product that is nylon and has stain and soil protection in case of doggie accidents.

Making Your Cat Feel at Home

Select a carpet that does not have loops. Although looped or berber carpets wear well, they can snag easily if your cat has claws. Be sure that the carpet you select is nylon and has stain and soil protection.

Textured, Frieze, cut pile berbers are some of the carpet styles that will help minimize footprints or in this case paw prints.

Consider the color and length of your cat’s hair when selecting colors for your flooring, upholstery, and fabrics. For example, a deep navy blue carpet in the living room would not be a wise choice for the household with a white longhaired cat.

Mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements or a spare bathroom are all good options for the kitty litter box. Be sure that whatever room you choose has hard surface flooring for easy cleanups. Flooring to consider, ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, or laminate.

Making Your Pets Feel at Home

Pets can be a wonderful addition to any home. Having a designated space for you pet is important. Remember, that hard surface products like ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, laminate are best for areas where your pet may enter the house, sleep or eat. These surfaces allow for quick and easy cleanups.

Planning for Your Extended Family Member

If you have an extended family member living you, you will have to consider what room this person will occupy and what bathroom will he or she use.

Will this room/space need a separate exterior entrance?

Will this room need additional electrical or wiring, a separate phone line, TV, Cable?

If this family member is older, are there certain products that would make their life a little easier and more comfortable?

For example:

Consider carpeting as a safe and warm flooring option.

If you prefer a hard surface, consider a durable, matte, textured ceramic tile. Add a throw rug for warmth but make sure that the rug is rubber backed so it won’t move underfoot.

Vinyl can also be a good flooring option because it is warmer and softer than ceramic tile. However, be aware that vinyl can be slippery when wet and rubber-backed mats are not recommended because they can discolor the floor.

Install a shower seat, grab bar or hand-held shower heads for safe and easy bathing.

Install a heat light to keep the bathroom cozy when getting out of the shower or tub.

Planning for Your Home Office

Configurations:

  • Add custom built-in cabinetry to increase storage for office or computer equipment, files, binders etc.
  • Coffee / wet bar with sink and under-counter refrigerator
  • Consider adding French doors to access more light and enhance the look of the space assuming they will not offer additional distractions
  • Convert an existing closet by adding shelves and outlets to store office supplies and business equipment such as a fax machine.

Lighting:

  • Task lighting: on the work surface (desk, table etc.) use a desk lamp that is adjustable so that the light can be directed, table lamps also work.
  • Background lighting: most commonly provided by table lamps or free standing lamps
  • Natural light: take advantage of any natural light from windows but be sure to position your desk so that there will not be a glare on your computer screen.
  • Storage areas or bookshelves: should be functionally lit

Flooring:

  • Hardwood: Consider the rich and warm look of a hardwood floor for your office. Enhance the feel by adding a beautiful area rug
  • Carpet: Select a carpet that is different in style and color, but that complements the carpet that runs throughout the rest of your home. Choose a carpet that is low profile or commercial to withstand traffic and chair castors.
  • Plastic mats can be added under chairs to protect floors
  • Inset an area of hardwood, tile or stone in your carpet for your desk and chair

Planning for Your Home Gym or Arts & Craft Studio

  1. Home gyms are a great addition to any household. Keeping in shape is important and that much easier when the equipment is just down the hall. For a home gym consider:
    • Mirrored wall / walls
    • Low profile or commercial carpeting
    • Built in cabinetry to house a sound system or TV
    • A small snack bar
  2. Under counter refrigerator with bottled water and juice
  3. Craft / art studio consider:
    • Adding special task lighting and natural light
    • Ventilation
    • Hard surface flooring (Laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl) for easy maintenance
    • Plenty of work space – solid products work best like a laminate or Corian, Avonite etc.
    • Extra storage in closets for supplies
    • Add a small bathroom or sink area for easy clean-up

Options for Entertaining in Your Home

  1. If you like to entertain frequently consider hard surfaces for high traffic areas. For example, select a large ceramic tile or natural stone for a foyer and extend the tile down the hall and into the kitchen and nook. The tile will visually expand the spaces and stand up to heavy foot traffic.
  2. Carpet – select a different carpet for the living room and dining room that is more formal. For example, to compliment the taupe frieze carpet in the family room, choose a low profile, cut and uncut (patterned) carpet in a complimentary color
  3. Consider having two wall ovens or a warming drawer
  4. Islands are great for serving buffets, appetizers and drinks.
  5. Add an additional sink on an island for food prep
  6. Stainless steel appliances
  7. Install a wine cooler or wine rack
  8. Consider having a small butlers pantry with a dish washer for storing table linens and serving pieces
  9. Use granite 12 x12s or slab on the counters
  10. Put dimmers on lights to create ambiance
  11. Coat room or large coat closet
  12. Powder bathrooms- if you entertain then your powder room is one area to do something special.
    • Dramatic lighting
    • Stylish and unique plumbing fixtures
    • Above-the-counter sink
    • Glass vessel sink
    • Toilets and sinks in custom colors

Creating a Formal Atmosphere

Natural stone: always makes a statement. Mix marble, granite and limestone in a design in the foyer; use granite on kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds. Marble is always at home in a master bathroom on floors, counters and surrounds.

Hardwood: Hardwood floors work well in formal and casual environments depending on the stain, finish and sometimes species of wood. Some popular choices for formal homes include: Brazilian cherry, Birdseye maple, Bamboo, Pecan. Some hardwood products have the ability to be installed in patterns such as herringbone, chevron or diagonal. Hardwood floors with a darker stain are typically a good choice for the formal interior.

Ceramic tile: Larger sized tiles for floors, walls and surrounds with a high gloss finish create a formal atmosphere. For a more customized look add liners or decos on backsplashes and surrounds. Use ceramic tiles that emulate the look of natural stone. Install floor tile on the diagonal with a border around the perimeter of the room or special feature such as a kitchen island or a beautiful table in the foyer.

Carpet: Saxony or Plush: great for formal living rooms, master bedrooms or throughout the house for an overall formal appearance. These carpets are also available in higher ounce weights called Velvets. Although they show footprints these styles are very luxurious and are perfect for any formal environment.

  • Patterned or cut and uncut carpets. (Geometric, botanicals, etc.)
  • Thick cable carpets
  • Wool carpets

Creating a Casual Atmosphere

Natural stone: can compliment the casual environment very easily. Stone such as slate, limestone, soapstone, honed marble or granite (for a matte look) are beautiful choices. Use stone on flooring, countertops and surrounds.

Hardwood: if you’re looking for a relaxed, warm and inviting feel then Oak, maple, pine, and hickory are perfect. Opt for satin or matte finishes rather than a high gloss. For the environmentally conscience, « Green » products like recycled wood planks from old barns, homes and buildings are rich with character and make a statement that you can feel good about.

Carpet: The following carpet styles will compliment the casual environment:
Frieze (« Free-zay »), Cut pile berber, Looped berber, Textured, Patterned or cut and uncut

Natural products like sea grass, sisal and coir are also good choices as area rugs or wall to wall. Although these particular products can be rough under bare feet, they have a unique and natural look.

Ceramic Tile: Textured and matte tiles are casual in appearance. Combine semi gloss or glossy tile with matte tile for a more interesting look. For example: Use a 12 x12 textured and matte tile for the bathroom floor and a 6×6 glossy tile on the shower/tub surround. All sizes and shapes will work well in the casual home. From 2×2 up to 18 x18, ceramic tile is very versatile.

Laminate: Laminate floors and countertops have come a long way. Laminate floors offer a variety of design options from wood grain patterns to natural stone look to solid colors.

Easy to maintain – Great for kids – Use in the family room, living room, dining room, kitchen, playroom, etc.

Creating a Combination of Formal & Casual Atmospheres

More often than not, homes today boast a combination of formal and casual environments to meet the diverse lifestyles of the occupants.
To achieve this look consider:

A different carpet that is formal in style such as a Saxony or velvet for the living room and dining room.

A different carpet that is casual in style such as a berber for the family room.

A mixture of products for the kitchen countertops. For instance, a solid surface product such as Corian on the main countertops and granite tiles or slab on the island.

Create a formal master bath with a double sided fireplace, upgraded cabinetry such as Cherry or maple, jetted tub, double head shower and marble surrounds and/or flooring.

Kids bathrooms can be more casual with ceramic tile or vinyl floors. Use a solid surface product on the counters for easy clean-ups.

Option Products that are Easy to Maintain

As you know, different products have different maintenance requirements. Now is a good time to think about how often you or someone else will clean your home. By determining now how much time you want to devote to the maintenance of your home, you will be able to select products that will compliment your lifestyle and needs.

The following products are typically easier to maintain:

Solid surface materials: for countertops are great because there is no grout.

  1. Laminates
  2. Quartz products

Carpet:

  1. Select a quality constructed Nylon carpet with stain and soil protection
  2. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning is all that is needed. However, most warranties require that you have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12-24 months. By doing so, your carpet in turn will be easier to maintain.
  3. Consider these styles:
    • Textured
    • Frieze
    • Berbers (looped and cut pile)
    • Cut and uncut / patterned

Laminate flooring: are known for their easy upkeep. A good vacuuming or sweeping and light damp mopping will do the job.

Ceramic tile:

  1. Larger sizes to minimize the number of grout joints.
  2. With a pattern or different colors to help minimize the appearance of dirt.

Sheet Vinyl:

  1. Select a quality constructed sheet vinyl with a protective coating or wear layer.
  2. With a pattern or different colors to help minimize the appearance of dirt

Maximizing the Resale Value of Your New Home

Remember one word: NEUTRAL.

If you think that it is likely that you will sell your home in less than 5 years, select your interior finishes wisely.

Remember, when your house is on the market and potential buyers are touring your home, they must be able to visualize themselves and their belongings in your home.

A neutral environment provides that opportunity.

Stay Neutral

  1. Neutral does not have to be boring. Colors such as taupe, beige, sand, cream, white, gray and even black are all considered neutral.
  2. Use these colors in a combination or choose one color and decorate in a monochromatic scheme. Different textures, patterns and accessories can provide interest without locking you into a particular color or scheme.
  3. Select a neutral color scheme and offer color through accessories such as pillows, artwork, area rugs, etc.

Select products that are durable and timeless:

  1. Hardwood floors
  2. Quality constructed carpet and carpet cushion.
  3. Natural stone marble, granite, limestone, slate etc.

Kitchens and bathrooms, particularly master bathrooms, are great areas to upgrade and hold their value.

Ideas for upgrading the kitchen:

Cabinetry

  1. Maple, cherry

Countertops

  1. Granite 12x12s or slab
  2. Larger size ceramic tile

Flooring

  1. Hardwood, ceramic tile or stone

Ideas for upgrading the master bath:

  1. Natural stone countertops.
  2. Cabinetry special finishes or glazes, different wood species and style than the rest of the house.
  3. Flooring textured and matte or semi gloss ceramic tile or natural stone.
  4. Accent liners, decos or listellos in the shower and tub surrounds and countertop backsplash
  5. Stylized plumbing fixtures.