Need a Window Treatment for Your Home?

Hunter Douglas Duette® shades come in multiple cell sizes, a horizontal or Vertiglide™ vertical orientation (perfect for sliding doors), can open from the top or bottom and have a range of light-control options from sheer to opaque.

Where Are You Celebrating July 4th?

Many of us associate the Fourth of July with picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks. But it also commemorates the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free and independent states.

There are no shortage of Independence Day celebrations around metro Atlanta. Here are a few.

Enjoy the massive fireworks display at Centennial Olympic Park at 7 p.m. Now in its 22nd year, the celebration will include food trucks and a set by DJ Yvonne Monet.

Salute to the Red, White and Blue is back with live music, a carnival, food vendors and fireworks.The event runs from 3-11 p.m. at the East Point Commons.

The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade includes marching bands, floats, clowns, animal units and local celebrities. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday Dunwoody.”

The 20th Annual Roswell Fireworks Extravaganza will be held on the front lawn of Roswell High School. The family-friendly event will include live stage performances, a ninja climbing wall and food trucks. The activities run from 5:30-10:30 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Fireworks in Fourth Ward will include live music from local band Sucker Punch before DJ Q-Tip spins a soundtrack coordinated with the fireworks show.

Whether you’re planning to go to the beach, searching for cooler weather in the mountains or relaxing in your backyard, stay safe and enjoy the holiday!

Hardwood Flooring Options

Let your creativity fly with the amazing choices available in hardwood flooring!

Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors

When you consider the overall life of a hardwood floor, the benefits of wood flooring outweigh the initial cost. Here are some maintenance tips to help you keep your floors looking great.

• Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened cloth.
• Use breathable throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching the floor.
• Sweep with a soft bristle broom or dry microfiber mop. A wet mop and steam mop are not recommended because water and steam can damage the finish and the wood.
• Follow a regular cleaning schedule to ensure a better performance of the floor. Sweep or dust mop as needed, vacuum weekly using the bare floor setting and clean with the appropriate wood floor cleaner monthly.
• Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to minimize gaps between the floor boards.
• Ask a wood flooring professional for a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules vary depending on use, finish wear and tear and lifestyle.
• Ask a professional if your wood floor could use a new coat of finish. Most scratches in wood flooring will occur in the finish, not the wood itself. A professional may be able to lightly abrade the finish and apply a new coat to restore the floor.
• Consider new finish options to give an updated look and style. There are wood floors in excess of 300 years old that are still in service today, but have gone through numerous style changes.

Source: National Wood Flooring Association

Which Type of Hardwood Flooring Should You Choose?

Photo: Shaw Floors

Installing hardwood flooring is an easy way to improve the look, durability and value of your home. Consider these factors before deciding on whether you prefer solid or engineered hardwood flooring.

The location of your hardwood flooring basically falls into three categories:

1. On Grade – at ground level.
2. Above Grade – any second level or higher.
3. Below Grade – any floor below ground level, including basements or sunken living rooms.

Traditional solid hardwood flooring is not well suited for below-grade installations due to the possibility of moisture issues. The construction of an engineered hardwood gives it enhanced structural stability that allows it to be installed at any grade level when a moisture barrier such as Selitac Thermally Insulating Underlayment or Silent Step Ultra 3 in 1 is used during installation.

What type of subfloor do you have?

If you plan to install over concrete, you must use an engineered product to ensure structural integrity. Solid wood flooring or engineered flooring may be used over plywood, existing wood floors or OSB subfloors. Be sure to refer to Shaw’s installation guidelines for specifics on subfloor requirements.

Will there be moisture in the room?

If you’re considering flooring for a bathroom where continuous moisture is expected, you will want to select a product other than hardwood. While the moisture resistance of an engineered hardwood makes it suitable for rooms below grade or ground level when installed with a moisture barrier, it’s not advisable to install any hardwood flooring in a bathroom.

Source: Shaw Floors

Druid Hills: Modern Living in a Century-Old Neighborhood

Don’t you love spring? Trees are blooming, perennials are pushing their heads up from winter sleep, and home tours are bursting out all over Atlanta. One of our favorites is the Druid Hills Tour of Homes and Gardens, which is scheduled April 12-14, 2019. The six homes and one garden showcase the work of master architects, interior designers, general contractors, and landscape designers.

The homes include a 1918 traditional home with a small goat farm in the back, a 1923 bungalow whose owners are avid folk art collectors, a 1919 house with its own ghosts, a 1924 replica of an Italian villa, and a contemporary home with moldings, fireplaces, and herringbone floors that give a nod to the historic neighborhood.

Sponsored by the Druid Hills Civic Association, the tour will benefit historic preservation and green space restoration. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 on tour weekend. Go here to learn more.

What design ideas have you picked up from previous home tours?

Get Revved Up For Your New Kitchen

We all know that the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. It’s the spot for cooking, socializing and keeping an eye on the kids while they’re completing their homework. But it also can be one of the most difficult remodeling projects to undertake due to the number of decisions that must be made. From choosing the best countertop material to selecting your preferred flooring to picking out a fabulous backsplash, it can be a time-consuming (but enjoyable) part of the remodeling process.

The next Junior League of Atlanta Tour of Kitchens can offer you design inspiration for your new kitchen. Scheduled Saturday, March 23 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sunday, March 25 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), the self-guided tour features 14 of Atlanta’s finest residential kitchens as well as culinary demonstrations in some of the homes.

Tickets are available for $35 online until March 22. Tour tickets can be purchased for $40 at the homes on tour days. To download the program, go to https://www.jlatlanta.org/tour-of-kitchens/.