2. Floors are often the most
expensive or most permanent
backgrounds of the room, so plan
your interior decoration around
these first.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Textured Saxony
The 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.
10. Berbers / Sisals
The 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.
11. 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”.
12. 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.
13. 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
repair
Available 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.
14. 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 refinishing
Floors may expand or contract or
finishes crack with variations in
temperature and humidity.
15. The type of wood and the stain
offer a variety of wood grains
and colors.
16. 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
17. Pros:
Ceramic tile gives you
unlimited pattern
possibilities.
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
18. 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.
19. 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
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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?
23. 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
Stomp
Orange Peel
24. 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.
25. 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).
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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
36. 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.
37. 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
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
43. 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:
_______________
44. 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.
45. 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.
