Patterned floors are a big trend these days. Lots of us have ceramic tile, but if you want to make yours stand out, check out the “hopscotch look.” No, it’s not exactly like what your kids drew on the sidewalk this morning, but it’s close. This look combines large tiles with smaller tiles to give your floor a very unique style. You can also use different color shades to add even more character to your floor. You can do whatever you like, be creative. Another great thing about the “hopscotch look” is that much like installing tile on the diagonal, it fools the eye and can make a smaller room look larger. So there you are, hopscotch, not just a kid’s game anymore!

The most common type of foam carpet pad is rebond pad, used by about 80% of the industry. Rebond is made from scraps of foam used in furniture and bonded together.

Fiber pads are made from either natural or synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene are now widely used because they're cheaper to make. Fiber pads can even be made from recycled carpet. Loop-style carpets typically use a fiber pad.

Rubber carpet pads are made in either flat or a waffle pattern. Rubber pads are thin, firm pads, so they are frequently used under Berbers or in commercial applications.

Carpet manufacturers have minimum pad recommendations for each carpet, so ask your Molyneaux salesperson what the manufacturer recommends. Note that medium and higher density pads generally improve the performance and durability of carpet.

The right carpet pad not only supports and extends the life of a carpet, but also allows for proper air flow and improved cleanability. Molyneaux has found that in most cases an 8# carpet pad performs best over time. So whether our customer is purchasing a more moderate or higher end carpet, they can count on two things: first, that the most appropriate pad will be chosen for their needs, and second, that the installation will be done according to exacting standards. There's a pretty simple reason for this, since we stand behind the work we do, it just makes sense to do it right in the first place...how better to avoid problems in the future?? For a bit more information on carpet and pad, go to www.Shawfloors.com.

I've noticed more and more people are looking for a "back to the fifties" look--especially for kitchens. One cost-effective way to achieve this look is with Armstrong Black & White checkerboard sheet vinyl. Along the same vein, there's also a Cushionstep in a classic overall pebble pattern if someone wants a less bold look that still gives that retro look. As the name implies this is also a sheet vinyl, but with a more "cushy" feel under foot. Then all that you need is some colorful paint and a few accessories, and you're good to go. - Retro Man