ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603130013
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: antiques & designs
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
When building, remodeling or moving into a new home, there are so many decisions to make. If building, choosing a plan, site and builder is just the start of a long process.
Unless you have built a home before, you are going to be surprised at all the decisions you're going to have to make. For starters, what type of flooring? Hardwood, title, vinyl or carpeting?
Once you've made that decision, then you need to choose a color. The same goes for where to use wallpaper and where to paint. And, again, what colors?
Then there are the light fixtures, facets, moldings, cabinets and what colors to stain the wood. All these decisions are vital in building your visual foundation.
Just as your house is built from a plan, it's important to decorate by a plan, as well. Think about which room is going to be used the most, and plan for it.
For example, consider the den or great room. If you decided on hardwood floors, you will need some type of rug. You many want to consider a loop pile (berber) or a twist (semitrackless carpet).
Sisal rugs are popular these days, and they come up to 13 feet, 6 inches wide. They are not soft to the touch, and because of that, some people shy away from them.
The carpet industry understands that and has come up with carpet made of wool and nylon that has the texture and look of sisal. It's much softer to the touch. This carpet is also great with a smaller rug on top of it (maybe in front of a sofa to make the area cozier). Because the pile is low and tight, the accent rug will not move or bunch up.
In the living room, if it's a more formal area, try plush carpeting with a pile that's high and looks like velvet. Remember that wall-to-wall carpeting makes an area look larger.
In the kitchen, upkeep is important; so plan for it. Usually, your builder can give you suggestions, but it's a little unfair to expect him to know all the pros and cons. You may want to talk with an interior designer.
Remember, that just as it is important to build a strong foundation of blocks and concrete outside, so is it to build a strong foundation in the interior with color, texture and light.
Kathy Sue Grigg is an associate at Surfaces Inc. If you have ideas, questions or comments about her column, write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
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