Working Out At Home

by | Jun 12, 2020 | Cork, Flooring

Covid-19 has us staying home and staying safe. Getting enough exercise without regular “gym time” has been a real challenge for my clients who require a routine and regimen to stay on top of their fitness and mental well being.

If you’re fortunate to be able to designate a space for a home gym, you need to start with a good foundation. Two flooring types I recommend are rubber and cork.

Rubber and Cork are:

Water resistant: A water based coating allows you to bring on the sweat! Simply wipe clean

Shock absorbing: Easy on joints (perfect for sensitive knees)

Durable: 2-3 times more resilient than wood flooring and vinyl plank

Fashionable: Available in several styles and colors (vivid colors and unique pattern)

Cork takes the edge over rubber in that cork is also:

Healthy: Naturally antimicrobial, it repels mold and mildew and has zero harmful chemicals

Sustainable: The bark of the cork oak tree is harvested every 9 years without harming the tree

Warm: A thermal insulator, it reflects your body heat back to you Rubber and cork floors are available in tiles, planks, and rolls of various sizes. Most can be glued down or floated to create simple or intricate patterns. As a designer, I am a huge fan of the unique and different. So many options in this category!

Floors With Pattern

by | Jun 12, 2020 | Cork, Flooring, Hardwood

One of the favorite parts of my job is touring trade shows. Back in January of 2017, I was amazed at how many patterned floors were on display. Trends tend to begin on the east and west coast in the U.S., and eventually make their way over to those of us tough enough to live in the
midwest. If you pick up a current issue of a home design or home decor magazine you will see examples of floors that are quite dramatic.

Floors with pattern create interest and make a statement. They can be a “WOW” element of interior design. In the right space it can add just the right amount of pizzazz, and can be exactly what the homeowner is envisioning. Interior styling that is fresh, clean, and minimal with regards to walls and furnishings tend to offer the best opportunity for active floors that can anchor the entire space. Here are a few versions of how this trend can translate to a room:

This trend is definitely more bold and not for everyone. Homeowners who prefer a more timeless design with balanced interior design elements may want to participate in this trend in those spaces that are separate and small, such as powder rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Afterall, it’s just one room!

Yoga Studio at Home

by | Jul 27, 2018 | Cork

More than a physical workout, yoga fosters a deeper understanding of your body, mind, and soul. If you’ve committed to a yoga practice, you may want to create a space in your home where you can listen to your inner self and take a break from running on autopilot.   Ideally, this space should be tranquil, calm, and separate from the rest of your home.

When I practice my yoga, I  need a good foundation. As an Interior Designer I can’t say enough about how awesome and underestimated cork flooring is!  Here is why I’m convinced it is the best flooring choice for your yoga studio:

Cork is…

Healthy; naturally antimicrobial, it repels mold and mildew and has zero harmful chemicals

Water resistant; a water based coating allows you to bring on the sweat! Simply wipe clean

Shock absorbing; easy on joints (perfect for sensitive knees), and for flowing in and out of poses

Sustainable; the bark of the cork oak tree is harvested every 9 years without harming the tree

Warm; a thermal insulator, it reflects your body heat back to you

Durable; 3 times more resilient than wood flooring and can last 50 years or more

Fashionable; available in several colors with an unassuming yet unique style

A yoga room should also have natural light and a soothing color scheme. You may want to light candles or incense to evoke a meditative mood. Remember, this is a place for slowing down, reflecting, and discovering the best possible version of yourself.   

Namaste.