HOME DECOR: KITCHENS - let's start with the floor.....

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple;"></span></strong></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">CREATING A FABULOUS KITCHEN</span><br /><br /><br /><br />If kitchens are the heart of the home, then special care should be given to the planning of them.  <br /><br />I'm currently working on a few kitchens, so they have been on my mind a lot.  <br /><br />I've been thinking of all the elements that make a kitchen functional, <br /><br />and all of the materials that make a kitchen beautiful, elegant or charming.<br /><br /><br /><br />The 'heart' of the home needs to be both warm and beautiful, and extremely functional.  <br /><br />If that definition doesn't include your current kitchen, what are the things you would change?<br /><br /><br /><br />Kitchens can be formal or casual - just like any other room in your home. <br /><br />It's simply a choice of materials. <br /><br /><br /><br />Kitchens can have warm woods, beautiful stone and gleaming appliances. <br /><br />A kitchen should have heart, warmth and invite you to linger a while - as well as be efficient. <br /><br /><br /><br />I had planned to do a post on kitchens...  <br /><br />But when I got down to organizing the elements that go into making a kitchen.... <br /><br />I had way too much information for one blog.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, let's start from the ground up... flooring first - <br /><br /><br /><br />WOOD<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0abVzXSzqVvNIkoM_aIsy81k6VXgBJXnyl4PJ9GfDEBFvnt1wgGMsjeV7wyQEVjT8Va_1xDqdiNrr9-bRxZB9Uak0pWFBZEuVv4fMTHvJXDRnaytaiEncptTGjjrwFdMUXoQpvnOmehVv/s1600-h/kitchen+view1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0abVzXSzqVvNIkoM_aIsy81k6VXgBJXnyl4PJ9GfDEBFvnt1wgGMsjeV7wyQEVjT8Va_1xDqdiNrr9-bRxZB9Uak0pWFBZEuVv4fMTHvJXDRnaytaiEncptTGjjrwFdMUXoQpvnOmehVv/s400/kitchen+view1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is nothing like the richness of wood to bring warmth into a kitchen.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a time, wood was considered a bad choice for an area that was prone to spills and moisture.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the quality of engineered woods, moisture is less of an issue.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Engineered hardwood floors are manufactured in layers glued to a plywood base and are more durable and less likely to warp if they come in contact with water.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Engineered and hardwood flooring come in a wide range of plank widths, wood types and colors.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The actual top hardwood layer of engineered flooring is thin but can still be refinished once or twice in the life of the floor.  Solid hardwood usually has a durable protective finish and can be refinished many times,  if that becomes necessary.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">  </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv8zBqGH75BUEQrxNCsdz7trwsOHOz6YgPME61TbjOBMh0og_O4ob4B42FmoUADQyFW6zV-5LjfiRNXC5y65gWoT1AfliLmKeambS9U2CaSC1bdESxwABT5EGTRcMF39VXUZ26x6-S5aC/s1600-h/Engineered-strip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv8zBqGH75BUEQrxNCsdz7trwsOHOz6YgPME61TbjOBMh0og_O4ob4B42FmoUADQyFW6zV-5LjfiRNXC5y65gWoT1AfliLmKeambS9U2CaSC1bdESxwABT5EGTRcMF39VXUZ26x6-S5aC/s320/Engineered-strip2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Wood flooring comes with many color and application choices </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXv1m9JkQl5W06R0KMfuQwSEmmyLa5TA-QEAsWbzs_pIZkOSnTvcneXDOw9aXQJv8W6LTx1cnpuxRjXepVTbyVW3dUQsTcGiURh8f9NTkKvlpITAl-arw33e3s6Uctm3ZN4pVLGAzPydY/s1600-h/lightwood+floor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXv1m9JkQl5W06R0KMfuQwSEmmyLa5TA-QEAsWbzs_pIZkOSnTvcneXDOw9aXQJv8W6LTx1cnpuxRjXepVTbyVW3dUQsTcGiURh8f9NTkKvlpITAl-arw33e3s6Uctm3ZN4pVLGAzPydY/s400/lightwood+floor.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO3V2an7IdOHDPGWLnah_CpuYfm5tkP64wGbaH6xySHVf_ldPAmTFdcHgVuAZ3Jihst0X4BjzvdrFidbGiu0CEOANbR-ffH5gJl_qMWYYY2ssYmcxQbHSjeId7KvSNfCy_7y2FJmJCE-H/s1600-h/PN_TRADITIONAL_VICTORIAN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO3V2an7IdOHDPGWLnah_CpuYfm5tkP64wGbaH6xySHVf_ldPAmTFdcHgVuAZ3Jihst0X4BjzvdrFidbGiu0CEOANbR-ffH5gJl_qMWYYY2ssYmcxQbHSjeId7KvSNfCy_7y2FJmJCE-H/s400/PN_TRADITIONAL_VICTORIAN1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRQzFcleIDf2qiAtgR_F_W-Q2XCgHD0wMon8wxinqovio8HIEWMm5w5OVh35yAH3bWMX1tlsXApvx1xD0ip5ET8BQnkKPRSO30U4NWqdrxoZLeaQ3TO5Ppv4Ue19jQEn9FrhYv_VlZi9D/s1600-h/10362713-c497-4f97-8f5c-abe495bdab88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRQzFcleIDf2qiAtgR_F_W-Q2XCgHD0wMon8wxinqovio8HIEWMm5w5OVh35yAH3bWMX1tlsXApvx1xD0ip5ET8BQnkKPRSO30U4NWqdrxoZLeaQ3TO5Ppv4Ue19jQEn9FrhYv_VlZi9D/s400/10362713-c497-4f97-8f5c-abe495bdab88.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colors range from very light to ebony and can have prominent grains or be more consistent in color.  Some have a polished clean lined look, others look handhewn, rustic or antiqued.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5ZVqv5dfh2tOhUFFqEZ6wRCnI5igA8sehTkC33U4VMJWkxNJm46TlB24akxGup8efz0RovhNzhDlq4v7LwxrGhIA26rzXv590KPIzOXYN187Avt2k7wnrEatSQfxY1Z-wx0vwMqx3RNa/s1600-h/distressed+wood+flooring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5ZVqv5dfh2tOhUFFqEZ6wRCnI5igA8sehTkC33U4VMJWkxNJm46TlB24akxGup8efz0RovhNzhDlq4v7LwxrGhIA26rzXv590KPIzOXYN187Avt2k7wnrEatSQfxY1Z-wx0vwMqx3RNa/s400/distressed+wood+flooring1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are many creative applications</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe8Iy2XIBUteaJLDTOE2YQ8lXQMvHQvhgpBwCZ8yRbs4nZ-Su0b-raiaAD-LjpV41yux2cBk3LpVAWF0eafkzGknGlEh9Eqb54QNRNAE4fA-OXH4PDiGXZSU7zSbxCbjlQZ6QCo5zT1s7/s1600-h/2729413886_eb2718a549_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe8Iy2XIBUteaJLDTOE2YQ8lXQMvHQvhgpBwCZ8yRbs4nZ-Su0b-raiaAD-LjpV41yux2cBk3LpVAWF0eafkzGknGlEh9Eqb54QNRNAE4fA-OXH4PDiGXZSU7zSbxCbjlQZ6QCo5zT1s7/s400/2729413886_eb2718a549_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stained into a classic checkerboard pattern</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_OBLBr9vi1MAQ6Nbodz4v1H3pCxvpD7wqIxAHyBaqXe9lv_WueyEvutPdDjYs8hwIaHDGP8-_CiC2F4TYUVkcIwoNW_0OGTTYT-85eXbWkMybdOlAgifITXA85PgIo5JGVV2k7Nb_Z9g/s1600-h/b922f3ab-ef66-4ef5-a999-d7cd3192d7c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_OBLBr9vi1MAQ6Nbodz4v1H3pCxvpD7wqIxAHyBaqXe9lv_WueyEvutPdDjYs8hwIaHDGP8-_CiC2F4TYUVkcIwoNW_0OGTTYT-85eXbWkMybdOlAgifITXA85PgIo5JGVV2k7Nb_Z9g/s400/b922f3ab-ef66-4ef5-a999-d7cd3192d7c7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">creative inlays</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe549lZAQJztDyGA7OTmyyTzu3HQMy3y8WwvLXz9UZ6JGdHQRy5jAHlQP4YPBLIZZiGeRZVYa3I3fWRtsgpjlSUaE-s0FsO3vxlmf7J7z96m51wzd7xM0jmB86O9YO_fAif7hUGxElJfh/s1600-h/22_212_Checkerboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe549lZAQJztDyGA7OTmyyTzu3HQMy3y8WwvLXz9UZ6JGdHQRy5jAHlQP4YPBLIZZiGeRZVYa3I3fWRtsgpjlSUaE-s0FsO3vxlmf7J7z96m51wzd7xM0jmB86O9YO_fAif7hUGxElJfh/s400/22_212_Checkerboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">painted finishes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i5YwPZOOKdL_WPql5fqEVqTxypaJeviyVYfUwDCPQ_ZOccvDXLlfUhEo8rCO1WdxFdS26Es4_Xgse6Y5u0T3yw0YoslOnI7RiwitiqO1l3O2kTHfeavGnuoMHJ6JeBIs_9ysGrpKGx9G/s1600-h/DR-furnished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i5YwPZOOKdL_WPql5fqEVqTxypaJeviyVYfUwDCPQ_ZOccvDXLlfUhEo8rCO1WdxFdS26Es4_Xgse6Y5u0T3yw0YoslOnI7RiwitiqO1l3O2kTHfeavGnuoMHJ6JeBIs_9ysGrpKGx9G/s400/DR-furnished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stone inlays</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb4p1TaxcUpuFdW7Xx_0mZUuNM72HuUNaPS_s7iCfNSIhKzqdYt5O1aPJIKKxCIb4prIkIeEYf6wyOpMKCOMcltpyv94fu9G7y3yoeyrVYZiDKtgWUXkxBp7PzTjzx3wKWdbEoSDIZNkG/s1600-h/p206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb4p1TaxcUpuFdW7Xx_0mZUuNM72HuUNaPS_s7iCfNSIhKzqdYt5O1aPJIKKxCIb4prIkIeEYf6wyOpMKCOMcltpyv94fu9G7y3yoeyrVYZiDKtgWUXkxBp7PzTjzx3wKWdbEoSDIZNkG/s400/p206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> tile or stone insets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqEyYLb5gzs3FRe9RU18L4VDa3053ShctL-T-HJ7Ci8y-O6UF1PNxZP5ThdrL28YDN4GNMjtw8wc4aluTG3Ec6hsITXbpimuFdMeSPZX0eibCpGk4-xA1g-rtG_pQYYLvaT58uGfeaktM/s1600-h/parquet.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqEyYLb5gzs3FRe9RU18L4VDa3053ShctL-T-HJ7Ci8y-O6UF1PNxZP5ThdrL28YDN4GNMjtw8wc4aluTG3Ec6hsITXbpimuFdMeSPZX0eibCpGk4-xA1g-rtG_pQYYLvaT58uGfeaktM/s320/parquet.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> parquet (making a comeback)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(this is actually Tori Spelling's kitchen floor)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LAMINATE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A budget friendly flooring with the look of wood is laminate (pergo) flooring.  It is actually a photograph of wood on a laminate material.  It is moisture, pet and kid friendly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRz3g8NnuGXZihyaYNUn_N0eWGcGsq5HEZw6dQPN6OTTjHNZH4RKTTNN7k7NFDLHsdjk9A8J0oqsbM77_RlqDuhKgFvNvJvpV0Tfl01U-U88XQqwHJ0y4fPK23Uw3ZnpCJc7ctnDCXqvr/s1600-h/woodflooring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRz3g8NnuGXZihyaYNUn_N0eWGcGsq5HEZw6dQPN6OTTjHNZH4RKTTNN7k7NFDLHsdjk9A8J0oqsbM77_RlqDuhKgFvNvJvpV0Tfl01U-U88XQqwHJ0y4fPK23Uw3ZnpCJc7ctnDCXqvr/s400/woodflooring.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUXeZ01HmJyWojNt9Rlszr4BRTP8cMn5MrKgURsAvXmxhiZfUhJnKatv71a6k3VBGkdmnGDTeFxwkX44FrihgXzzmQuBwEj7kyYkE-vm-l-BmRt7wbW8SvZbmEk10bor5bfILa28M9dZW/s1600-h/pergo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUXeZ01HmJyWojNt9Rlszr4BRTP8cMn5MrKgURsAvXmxhiZfUhJnKatv71a6k3VBGkdmnGDTeFxwkX44FrihgXzzmQuBwEj7kyYkE-vm-l-BmRt7wbW8SvZbmEk10bor5bfILa28M9dZW/s400/pergo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GREEN ALTERNATIVES - CORK AND BAMBOO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CORK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Environmentally friendly and from a renewable resource, cork is a durable, thermally insulating and water resistant choice.  It's rich colors add warmth and it is easier on the feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.interiordesignonadime.com/things-to-consider-when-choosing-kitchen-flooring/"><img alt="kitchen-flooring-cork-flooring-mahogany-floors" border="0" src="http://interiordesignonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/kitchen-flooring-cork-flooring-mahogany-floors.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and can be applied as a solid surface plain floor or in patterns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qFWO1YblAAaPdEceNY2lzQxKdEFoAU6uPzObx2IPvTyAYvlBNrMt5mx_rC-N5ConQjefS4pOjnUy_queq_v6JmbXIcbEY6JKO_wPohSbZg55LeOOH-Y4j51FmLbgJ48wcCYSxF5e0puB/s1600-h/corkpattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qFWO1YblAAaPdEceNY2lzQxKdEFoAU6uPzObx2IPvTyAYvlBNrMt5mx_rC-N5ConQjefS4pOjnUy_queq_v6JmbXIcbEY6JKO_wPohSbZg55LeOOH-Y4j51FmLbgJ48wcCYSxF5e0puB/s400/corkpattern.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLit3GBmRod3sKEg4nW0RjgeCfM8JLatZDm1U7iRnnyMMs5zkA1hL0uCaSlU9GNYSP5-rhsdrHY2UnJR8zpiTGqU_crjacY6RIY4KFEajL6tneXkX7GQe6nyy_v6NtzHP44LImFYQ4bta6/s1600-h/corkflooring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLit3GBmRod3sKEg4nW0RjgeCfM8JLatZDm1U7iRnnyMMs5zkA1hL0uCaSlU9GNYSP5-rhsdrHY2UnJR8zpiTGqU_crjacY6RIY4KFEajL6tneXkX7GQe6nyy_v6NtzHP44LImFYQ4bta6/s400/corkflooring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BAMBOO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bamboo flooring is a popular choice.  Water resistant, sustainable and renewable, it also comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIILaSkJRbAvNFAJ88metHCjvD9aI9DM3o9XBSTu32KaUP8Wez2cVGfH5qmPeg4jrBNwqB4pTYY9ZmPdZXKleYoRcmCopZjgzoM9U_ZEGPoyB3EBOOnCkNqnFbMKWkdH_wws5TLo7OBdgk/s1600-h/bamboofloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIILaSkJRbAvNFAJ88metHCjvD9aI9DM3o9XBSTu32KaUP8Wez2cVGfH5qmPeg4jrBNwqB4pTYY9ZmPdZXKleYoRcmCopZjgzoM9U_ZEGPoyB3EBOOnCkNqnFbMKWkdH_wws5TLo7OBdgk/s400/bamboofloor.jpg" width="392" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDAs2KsgP4eG3bxDmkfUjb9Z64aN3dDrbEbHB6RMYhwSa072CQ49MAxLjrltaPmofJUoC1hfX2zl4sbOJtC9oTEOkbWUv-aJDYaF3-twZvur_k81qG0ZOYVuuQJn16O2QgUXcObE_1vPb/s1600-h/bamboodark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDAs2KsgP4eG3bxDmkfUjb9Z64aN3dDrbEbHB6RMYhwSa072CQ49MAxLjrltaPmofJUoC1hfX2zl4sbOJtC9oTEOkbWUv-aJDYaF3-twZvur_k81qG0ZOYVuuQJn16O2QgUXcObE_1vPb/s400/bamboodark.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L54Qw0wi7SAB6SB-deuZt6Ag5J2v3WW3J-WhC0lYqfhajpHHItBUK_qUe0MEgkwUgRamMDCKSQQr5DrUOH-5i0fI_PvBI1H7HBKsfDhlASuR3B_SILUI2r06_pYc2e4yypdCmPcUyDnE/s1600-h/bamboo-flooring-Antique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L54Qw0wi7SAB6SB-deuZt6Ag5J2v3WW3J-WhC0lYqfhajpHHItBUK_qUe0MEgkwUgRamMDCKSQQr5DrUOH-5i0fI_PvBI1H7HBKsfDhlASuR3B_SILUI2r06_pYc2e4yypdCmPcUyDnE/s400/bamboo-flooring-Antique.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NATURAL STONE - NATURE'S GIFT</div>A flooring material with endless variety and application, stone is a beautiful choice straight from mother nature.  I can't possibly show you here all of the different material that is available, but I will give examples of the most popular.  With all the choices available, it's no wonder we sometimes get 'stuck' when trying to select materials for the kitchen!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0djEeLizT-Yf6gLlNBteXwAQpZS08dsvEu2dVVA31nf2XHoH20hfRRtxWjQUF1I1QqGcSfQze5X3RxqcWm9ur-ZH7EI7ptishkXqy8JZFSZhXEieI7u6F4MLcgLXZUG_inrsJ7SdWqHu4/s1600-h/EH-Efeso-Noce-porcelain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0djEeLizT-Yf6gLlNBteXwAQpZS08dsvEu2dVVA31nf2XHoH20hfRRtxWjQUF1I1QqGcSfQze5X3RxqcWm9ur-ZH7EI7ptishkXqy8JZFSZhXEieI7u6F4MLcgLXZUG_inrsJ7SdWqHu4/s320/EH-Efeso-Noce-porcelain.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Limestone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNssZCK26hv4xwe7oWZ6-ONzc0avRwVVHIC-BqGzijKzBc-4CKMAn2hQY2DlM6S83OHyG2Arrjki-xrv_p0IM6r1fYf0VoQvi-gOleS0DMMC6ooJH1LvFhcxgG8oTiphwEX_eBjpsht_4o/s1600-h/kitchenSLATE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNssZCK26hv4xwe7oWZ6-ONzc0avRwVVHIC-BqGzijKzBc-4CKMAn2hQY2DlM6S83OHyG2Arrjki-xrv_p0IM6r1fYf0VoQvi-gOleS0DMMC6ooJH1LvFhcxgG8oTiphwEX_eBjpsht_4o/s400/kitchenSLATE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7URC1LR0HxFNHIhzM-AYcrmpVXU3ZAQLENUaHKDScxOzPbQnjVqrjx6Sva44tKiVjNtLPi4QK-K_10oF-zS926gh0CtbqpLpFJHgYnH9cUFjq24Felh6XSgWzeNKWTyplTvkxHZI7jXC/s1600-h/Stone-Veneer-Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7URC1LR0HxFNHIhzM-AYcrmpVXU3ZAQLENUaHKDScxOzPbQnjVqrjx6Sva44tKiVjNtLPi4QK-K_10oF-zS926gh0CtbqpLpFJHgYnH9cUFjq24Felh6XSgWzeNKWTyplTvkxHZI7jXC/s400/Stone-Veneer-Kitchen.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Travertine </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh917zPqS0_9AwQxTryYtMRBxnf4_ac4rJHluYNBe_uX4Bjn9uKqISp4krJP_cftvVCXvL8r-gqRXLF1xwrgdKp6ZRyWIcA1kCspGWThbdxCKEFmoHRyS-Wokij3Rn1mgzAMyZuxW0IvJYw/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_03Apr.0415.27.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh917zPqS0_9AwQxTryYtMRBxnf4_ac4rJHluYNBe_uX4Bjn9uKqISp4krJP_cftvVCXvL8r-gqRXLF1xwrgdKp6ZRyWIcA1kCspGWThbdxCKEFmoHRyS-Wokij3Rn1mgzAMyZuxW0IvJYw/s400/ScreenHunter_03Apr.0415.27.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiYeQN_y-gxBSfaVXD1CIrHEdFyyMEbSwTGlaQO6ZN6Ld_l3EJUbP-I9RDHtAxH3o6ApJs-moSCgpzplpNkMKZp-Dbr4Fs-U7XYqLxp7ApktuaHegoOu_dKXxl2R6QeSQL5UL1QaDQzIL/s400/luvly.bmp" width="265" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVz4YNZApcjiuAvxu-x-wkJCFty0v4WQKAtoS5Oe-OAR5jVumukDcjWMzcoP9DEnbUPz7ijj1vKiPipUK8LmSiEXK4nn0sjZlVyXB7646ZTevLft6RTZKAc1bNIY1Rl0lJ0eG1iGryXw5/s1600-h/TILE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVz4YNZApcjiuAvxu-x-wkJCFty0v4WQKAtoS5Oe-OAR5jVumukDcjWMzcoP9DEnbUPz7ijj1vKiPipUK8LmSiEXK4nn0sjZlVyXB7646ZTevLft6RTZKAc1bNIY1Rl0lJ0eG1iGryXw5/s400/TILE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Travertine with inlays</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIjI2bFrIOyZ3LyME8fLOyBuRx0bfycnHDYnjpKIrwsBd8qoRxyq9goKImmssGrT95GUGpkHbL1LBbJ_Ip93qeQj4yWscyU1H2_apjuXPp__t9ULkMalczoU0Hh5rttj99R6CFN09dIQn/s1600-h/woodandstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIjI2bFrIOyZ3LyME8fLOyBuRx0bfycnHDYnjpKIrwsBd8qoRxyq9goKImmssGrT95GUGpkHbL1LBbJ_Ip93qeQj4yWscyU1H2_apjuXPp__t9ULkMalczoU0Hh5rttj99R6CFN09dIQn/s400/woodandstone.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Travertine bordered in wood (basketweave)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stone is beautiful, rich and durable.  It withstood mother nature for hundreds of years.  It will last for decades in your home.  With any stone, a good penetrating sealer is a must as stone is porous and therefore not naturally stain resistant.  No cleaners should be used other than water and when necessary a very mild soap.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other than the reapplication of sealer each year (a mop-on process) a daily dusting or dry mopping is the only care required to remove the dirt and grit that can cause scratches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TILE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another choice with endless possibilities.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the antique style saltillo terracotta tiles with their warm glaze to the new, strong as iron porcelain tiles that mimic stone, tile is a beautiful and durable choice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nk74S5BobQrxmDdGb-1d-TxuvxHrOilQQQLkGVd1I6whCVzsTHvhZPDXU3C_cTFdL4vEVSFT8eQjZ6TnBjrij8H62ySKe6p3VA4g9RZ8-Hnas5ppbLluVBgIIVTNXJeGvGPcnx8dTTvL/s1600-h/saltillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nk74S5BobQrxmDdGb-1d-TxuvxHrOilQQQLkGVd1I6whCVzsTHvhZPDXU3C_cTFdL4vEVSFT8eQjZ6TnBjrij8H62ySKe6p3VA4g9RZ8-Hnas5ppbLluVBgIIVTNXJeGvGPcnx8dTTvL/s320/saltillo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyC6cRaamuCDH0oR_TjJCv13sIUVjAhp-XVqyHz2TIAdRS3szsB1FoZEwKuQxl6oBXJZ8zFalSwhyZuzsCPFwJj9zp30EAUcKsJghyphenhyphenDfFjmav9U5kmPwUmSjpm2sv8XlypIZHEYqKmuVT/s1600-h/a1f0274a-98f6-4fcb-862c-e28005335f04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyC6cRaamuCDH0oR_TjJCv13sIUVjAhp-XVqyHz2TIAdRS3szsB1FoZEwKuQxl6oBXJZ8zFalSwhyZuzsCPFwJj9zp30EAUcKsJghyphenhyphenDfFjmav9U5kmPwUmSjpm2sv8XlypIZHEYqKmuVT/s320/a1f0274a-98f6-4fcb-862c-e28005335f04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6zfnEbx4xucDSamlH1SOrmeGfKJBoUJTtH9mk9hlcJjiaQt1sPXKCFAGX3OVa_rvfubjpAXoeVdAiI2TaA_hErZBJk-6kz90s9GoGefEBEjSK4cMktg56h9NBvM2N570D0hpAk3iUQ6n/s1600-h/lanterns.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6zfnEbx4xucDSamlH1SOrmeGfKJBoUJTtH9mk9hlcJjiaQt1sPXKCFAGX3OVa_rvfubjpAXoeVdAiI2TaA_hErZBJk-6kz90s9GoGefEBEjSK4cMktg56h9NBvM2N570D0hpAk3iUQ6n/s320/lanterns.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOwGjVsOQfNJznKNnU_J3x77Ij0ZD6gFW-ppNqGz_lF-GVhNVM-0TCXgXp2f0jOsR3GzpLoZFR_-0jdLEYSee_p-V06hmweD-59Rz5RhAItl5XPHT1KtwUJUSMWuDCk9qwwPywRbxO_KQ/s1600-h/Tile3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOwGjVsOQfNJznKNnU_J3x77Ij0ZD6gFW-ppNqGz_lF-GVhNVM-0TCXgXp2f0jOsR3GzpLoZFR_-0jdLEYSee_p-V06hmweD-59Rz5RhAItl5XPHT1KtwUJUSMWuDCk9qwwPywRbxO_KQ/s320/Tile3.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3Kq0HQZTGznLwkLhHh9sJgx-778gYyJovtDWFE9CbGxoy8oyUnGijc-6Ou8XzbWnJYTRSsdiSrSJ9MdLEfzsIQdH1nQStmhoFiXkldpPXsxikadb9pAFRp97ud2R88YJyvFzrrJGx5yl/s1600-h/TILE12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3Kq0HQZTGznLwkLhHh9sJgx-778gYyJovtDWFE9CbGxoy8oyUnGijc-6Ou8XzbWnJYTRSsdiSrSJ9MdLEfzsIQdH1nQStmhoFiXkldpPXsxikadb9pAFRp97ud2R88YJyvFzrrJGx5yl/s320/TILE12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIIrYX01HfIxusC1y1gUsSCwb1jdvLm2IRAy35mhf6VfwXph0hYg8IizetWjbQ2D6Tkd4pVcemkPb-tha9Q4mT5GvjRfZ8mi5xR7cWHXjimq7d8D72o7xAJabcBlGGUL57AsdOXfYQ0Hp/s1600-h/chinois.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIIrYX01HfIxusC1y1gUsSCwb1jdvLm2IRAy35mhf6VfwXph0hYg8IizetWjbQ2D6Tkd4pVcemkPb-tha9Q4mT5GvjRfZ8mi5xR7cWHXjimq7d8D72o7xAJabcBlGGUL57AsdOXfYQ0Hp/s320/chinois.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stone and tile have similar care requirements.  Tile doesn't have to be sealed, but its grout should be sealed to keep it clean - and that sealant should be reapplied from time to time.  With both products, a dropped pot can cause a chip or break - so it's good to keep some replacement tiles on hand for repairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CONCRETE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, concrete...  and you won't believe that is the material used here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ58cT-yf2Xta2O91GY-h42SYsAVSYPi7tCQ-HYWoHJOc2eLA-82Q_Yo-UmqdjRlNQNyGsfcgQ3C4OCe4MJrG8H1dAphQOH8Q2ZJZcyDpVyml7FQHLbu8Kf2nKmg655cVbz4Kekx5nfmR/s1600-h/mt-concrete-tile-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ58cT-yf2Xta2O91GY-h42SYsAVSYPi7tCQ-HYWoHJOc2eLA-82Q_Yo-UmqdjRlNQNyGsfcgQ3C4OCe4MJrG8H1dAphQOH8Q2ZJZcyDpVyml7FQHLbu8Kf2nKmg655cVbz4Kekx5nfmR/s320/mt-concrete-tile-kitchen.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionWCTXca66aC2CIVyBkRVty7LdGTAnXx7u593VbjI3uxs-VbNUGiVNvIRtCgGsfPxmZY_shNa-ErnUVdvz0wtmWMN1tvGRFmUQOGqLYYgAj6isDGcz52mw_w1qLwI13dhI1PvOj1Ljcm7/s1600-h/mt-concrete-tile-den.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionWCTXca66aC2CIVyBkRVty7LdGTAnXx7u593VbjI3uxs-VbNUGiVNvIRtCgGsfPxmZY_shNa-ErnUVdvz0wtmWMN1tvGRFmUQOGqLYYgAj6isDGcz52mw_w1qLwI13dhI1PvOj1Ljcm7/s320/mt-concrete-tile-den.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1atbT7LHOGo3K1IxeA4pOtqpXqlHRbAcqZcmow2VN2rlxLp-CusX9q2Qz6OMovMZ-CaKcm1hOTrInjkYDeiF3rFrv_YCLDduKKHtAQ-EnHsEg3QB93pycv-aJskppeZWjwpS40nID4Lh/s1600-h/mt-concrete-tile-lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1atbT7LHOGo3K1IxeA4pOtqpXqlHRbAcqZcmow2VN2rlxLp-CusX9q2Qz6OMovMZ-CaKcm1hOTrInjkYDeiF3rFrv_YCLDduKKHtAQ-EnHsEg3QB93pycv-aJskppeZWjwpS40nID4Lh/s320/mt-concrete-tile-lobby.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good choice for large expanses.  Again, endless possibilities - are your creative juices flowing yet? Very easy care.  Susceptible to other concrete issues, such as cracks.  The floor is sealed and polished and needs minimal care.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE OTHERS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">VINYL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The old standby is still as realiable, and more durable than ever, and if you are looking to save money you can still make a beautiful floor with vinyl tiles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3fQzfYegYpGTzaAGZiot3UKfBY_dsq51a2h1cTlB5OJKD-EnQUszPOtOmIf4Qbw7RvJg_-46Pk2NmXhLCmY4LghgqT02bGQGb64qcRm65GFvgJ2MNAD9nuQoJ1xI78qm__LUBK7bJQw2/s1600-h/How_to_Paint_a_Vinyl_Floor-Vinyl_Kitchen_Flooring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3fQzfYegYpGTzaAGZiot3UKfBY_dsq51a2h1cTlB5OJKD-EnQUszPOtOmIf4Qbw7RvJg_-46Pk2NmXhLCmY4LghgqT02bGQGb64qcRm65GFvgJ2MNAD9nuQoJ1xI78qm__LUBK7bJQw2/s200/How_to_Paint_a_Vinyl_Floor-Vinyl_Kitchen_Flooring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnocbZ-jJz648T9zrA0aUHDLu4QqljrSsCW5MQQVqaZ5E9ztbuf4BDPgtUfXkS9ss2aneATp2nofHuILv3trocFd6ZaBNWxYKXvmgIiUYH5PTtoDmcgl2laCQNxC9h-vcG0e25aIw_924-/s1600-h/vinyl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnocbZ-jJz648T9zrA0aUHDLu4QqljrSsCW5MQQVqaZ5E9ztbuf4BDPgtUfXkS9ss2aneATp2nofHuILv3trocFd6ZaBNWxYKXvmgIiUYH5PTtoDmcgl2laCQNxC9h-vcG0e25aIw_924-/s320/vinyl3.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooz6AztXKsssXp_C1JUbVLDonjP4R-xZtpOAK_E2F6M0i6JjyJUaqZj3hYhH1sURZwRaYpGBU-inJpwW88Fo0-XwH_9eEpTZLk7qmb-zpmMeqvwDiHP5WycQnIqI3hpNlMQ6i2v8joV9V/s1600-h/viniyl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooz6AztXKsssXp_C1JUbVLDonjP4R-xZtpOAK_E2F6M0i6JjyJUaqZj3hYhH1sURZwRaYpGBU-inJpwW88Fo0-XwH_9eEpTZLk7qmb-zpmMeqvwDiHP5WycQnIqI3hpNlMQ6i2v8joV9V/s320/viniyl1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">CARPET TILES</div>What?  Carpet in the kitchen?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ordinarily I would strongly advise against carpet in the kitchen.  But, carpet tiles allow a good deal of design for a low price - and if you do spill or soil an area, that tile can be pulled up and replaced very quickly.    They are an excellent choice to create a 'rug' , and an excellent choice if you are updating a kitchen and cannot afford to replace the outdated flooring you are currently living with - not to mention the comfort under foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPAvhh5dxeZUPbwUvIZCa8iFTvANx38Sry4JsPa765x4sB2tf7o_TObMTCAZmcHzruixQKPeRUvzK5z-U0G6kV3L6h8JW55n6M5hW9IZT74EPkkTzb0imCXMs-jUGL3jZgEem28eEHfLe/s1600-h/CARPETTILE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPAvhh5dxeZUPbwUvIZCa8iFTvANx38Sry4JsPa765x4sB2tf7o_TObMTCAZmcHzruixQKPeRUvzK5z-U0G6kV3L6h8JW55n6M5hW9IZT74EPkkTzb0imCXMs-jUGL3jZgEem28eEHfLe/s320/CARPETTILE3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBPnMHQadFUUEivUdFCqnRRf8at1rTBleNFA5bNw4xRkgQdaPNDc79Mob02JumKO15CqU3JbwrJgCnKV3wvEYsRRfys1LfEvyxOHENOy7I1mylFoplWCh7Zc1MDGMRNRJVxwvOa1PFbI4/s1600-h/CARPETTILE1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBPnMHQadFUUEivUdFCqnRRf8at1rTBleNFA5bNw4xRkgQdaPNDc79Mob02JumKO15CqU3JbwrJgCnKV3wvEYsRRfys1LfEvyxOHENOy7I1mylFoplWCh7Zc1MDGMRNRJVxwvOa1PFbI4/s320/CARPETTILE1.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscjHnxlIeVDaYo-NNiOUHa4kFId69ia6aJz_KQnTTYhtZPpatfKLsQd6r2fD5h8Mlje1tHTn6VcQE_-uDPl05_F5-FizlfxLBZTXrk22Fge4iPjSe9Pwsdo95xvISbGK_EXvrpGIxV8-G/s1600-h/CARPETTILE2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscjHnxlIeVDaYo-NNiOUHa4kFId69ia6aJz_KQnTTYhtZPpatfKLsQd6r2fD5h8Mlje1tHTn6VcQE_-uDPl05_F5-FizlfxLBZTXrk22Fge4iPjSe9Pwsdo95xvISbGK_EXvrpGIxV8-G/s320/CARPETTILE2.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_SjBiMIUXtjt9kjSJT3sv4p4cUfBziNmY0QljNLRXlH7NGQt6N4s5y3KyoX3MjINfz-PpkFe3V0w0L8rRz1lc8SdjBLwIssDBq5kcS4C3VRvrooe2nfgW7B_PLf1fIytrvWw9E0DPaRz/s1600-h/CARPETTILE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_SjBiMIUXtjt9kjSJT3sv4p4cUfBziNmY0QljNLRXlH7NGQt6N4s5y3KyoX3MjINfz-PpkFe3V0w0L8rRz1lc8SdjBLwIssDBq5kcS4C3VRvrooe2nfgW7B_PLf1fIytrvWw9E0DPaRz/s320/CARPETTILE.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0dMz3VG_gZyetbjCWYMhg3B8DElFQEvLKQerg2TVsiq-vT5Ze4mTh2hEGDkoAtCvneXQiIQDcnxG6d1IPA22GEmd9SZgTS40zujEW6Gl2e1nPJ5JYZIY6iU0ferLY0e6DxSgLuITFPQu/s1600-h/CARPETTILE4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0dMz3VG_gZyetbjCWYMhg3B8DElFQEvLKQerg2TVsiq-vT5Ze4mTh2hEGDkoAtCvneXQiIQDcnxG6d1IPA22GEmd9SZgTS40zujEW6Gl2e1nPJ5JYZIY6iU0ferLY0e6DxSgLuITFPQu/s320/CARPETTILE4.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have tried to show you a wide range of options available in a kitchen, with a range of styles from contemporary to traditional.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but I hope you have been inspired.  I would love to hear your comments and I am happy to answer any questions you may have!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next post:  Cabinets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You will be amazed at the possibilities!</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

HOME DECOR: KITCHENS - let's start with the floor.....

CREATING A FABULOUS KITCHEN If kitchens are the heart of the home, then special care should be given to the planning of them.  I'm curre...

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