Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A CLOSER LOOK AT PREMIER PERFORMANCE

Life may be full of compromises, but flooring doesn't have to be one of them. No one should have to sacrifice the elegance and lasting value of authentic hardwood just because they need a floor that can stand up to kids, pets, and an all-around active lifestyle. Armstrong was the first to take on the challenge of developing a harder hardwood floor. They began with genuine engineered hardwood in a wide selection of colors and species and infused it with liquid acrylic. This exclusive process creates a dramatically tougher floor. Even cherry - one of the softest hardwood species - becomes harder than oak. Add on their proprietary Permion wear layer; and a Premier Performance floor resists scratches, scrapes, dings and dents better than any traditional hardwood floor. So, whatever your style or your lifestyle, you can enjoy the beauty and value that only a genuine hardwood floor can bring to your home. No compromises necessary.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REINTERPRETED ALL THE TIME

Maintaining their timeless appeal with a twist that makes them perfect for today. Such is the inspiration behind Highgrove manor, a collection of hardwood floors by Armstrong that will inspire as much admiration decades from now as the day they're installed. The premium collection of 3/4" solid hardwood uses the highest grade American maple, oak, hickory and cherry. The 4" and 5" wide planks are sanded to smooth perfection, then completed with the finest stains and premium finishes in shades ranging from clear natural and rich chocolate, to new neutrals including whitewash and soft gray. The clean lines and immaculately smooth finish of highgrove Manor form the perfect backdrop for contemporary minimalist decor, but are just as beautiful in coastal designs and traditional homes.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

ONCE UPON A TIME, PRACTICALLY EVERY FLOOR WAS A HARDWOOD FLOOR

Some of the most beautiful examples of craftsmanship remain in the country manor homes of Europe and the mansions of the Old South. It is these antique plank floors, sculpted by hand and worn to elegant smoothness by the footsteps of generations, that inspired the Armstrong Century Estate collection. Each Century Estate floor is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Armstrong has chosen the finest hickory, maple, oak and walnut - all classic species know for their timeless beauty and durability. Each 6" wide plank is hand-sculpted to create the details of centuries-old floors. Authentic details include soft, undulating carving and subtle pillowed edges. The planks are then hand-stained the old-fashioned way, providing a depth of color and luminous patina unmatched by any modern machine. The final result is a selection of 12 stunningly refined floors with timeless beauty and remarkable versatility. Century Estate provides the perfect foundation for traditional or old world design, as well as an ideal unifying element for bridging styles in a modern decor.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

NATURE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

The desire to preserve and protect our natural resources has inspired a whole new world of innovative design. Exotic Fusion is one such innovation, fulfilling the desire to create new and exciting hardwood designs without depleting the world's rarest and most beautiful tropical forests. Exotic hardwood species are prized for their unique character, striking grain patterns and depth of natural color. To capture this look, Armstrong began with four abundant domestic species known for their exceptional graining: maple, mountain elm, ash and birch. Individual boards are selected with special attention to the character of the grain. A special thermal treatment process caramelizes the wood, producing rich colors and distinctive grain effects remarkably similar to exotic woods. The time and temperature are precisely controlled for each species, as a range of extraordinary shades and effects can be achieved simply by adjusting these variables. No stains are necessary. The thermal process colors the entire plank. The smooth surface and dramatic details of Exotic Fusion are at home in a wide range of settings, from transitional to contemporary to global designs. It's the perfect choice for anyone who demands the new and exciting, but wants to do so responsibly.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A CLOSER LOOK AT BARREL CREEK

It began in the rolling hills of Napa Valley. At the intersection of wine country and ecological ingenuity, interior designers found a new way to reuse wine barrels. The reclaimed oak became furniture, home accessories, and truly unique hardwood floors. The look is a strikingly original interpretation of vintage style. Armstrong was inspired by this extraordinary style and have made it more widely available. They begin with solid 2-1/4" strips of premium rift and quartered oak - the same material coopers use to make fine wine barrels. Armstrong has painstakingly reconstructed every detail of the original barrel floors, complete with Vintner's marks burned into random strips and authentic cooperage stamps. They apply a deep color wash to enhance the grain and give the wood an aged appearance. This interplay between color and texture make Barrel Creek a three-dimensional sensory experience. Finally, the floor receives their highest quality urethane finish to protect its unique look. Whether you are a wine aficionado, a vintage design enthusiast, or just love truly original home decor, Barrel Creek is a unique way to bring a touch of wine country ambiance into your home.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

ECLECTIC

Variety is the spice of life, so why must a home be perfectly matched? Express your creativity with eclectic design, which mixes two or more decorating styles in one space. The myriad of looks is made cohesive through color, texture, shape and finish. Combining styles, such as contemporary and Shabby Chic, can look disjointed. The key to success is to take a purposeful approach. Select items not only because you love them, but also because they share something in common, whether it's a similar hue or complementary scale. Pick a dominant color to be the grounding force for the room and add to it several accent colors (neutral shades with a few pops of color are typically less overwhelming). Stick to the palette as you select items for the room to tie the diverse elements together. Skip matching suites in favor of an unexpected combination of furnishings. A chair from the 1970s can look amazing next to a table from the 1930s if the proportions are balanced. Using one common element, such as glass or iron, helps unite the pieces. Have fun with the room's accents. Show your personality with a medley of patterns, textures and shapes. Mix and match fabrics, trims and finishes - anything can work as long as it's something you love.