It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Callanwolde

Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. No, you’re not hearing things! Decorations are up at the malls and Christmas music is wafting through the air. If you’re looking for unique gifts for family and friends or need some design inspiration for decking your halls, we’re here to help. Check out these places to go in metro Atlanta.

On Fridays and weekends from Dec. 1-15, Rhodes Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy holiday entertainment, yummy refreshments from area caterers, and music and art activities. You also can schedule an appointment for a photo with Santa for $45.

Rhodes Hall, aka “The Castle on Peachtree,” was built in 1904 for furniture magnate Amos G. Rhodes. Proceeds will benefit the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/santa/.

The Christmas at Callanwolde Designer Show House and Holiday Market has been an Atlanta holiday tradition for more than 40 years. The 27,000-square-foot historic mansion is elaborately decorated by some of Atlanta’s top interior and floral designers from Nov. 29-Dec. 7. It also includes an expansive artist and holiday market, and themed events for all ages.

Tickets are available for $10 online/at the door, and parking is free. Don’t forget to take a donation for Toys for Tots.

Learn more at https://callanwolde.org/events-calendar/christmas-at-callanwolde/.

Are there other holiday-themed events you enjoy attending each year?

What is the Janka Scale?

Did you know that each species of hardwood has a different level of hardness? Some common domestic species like walnut, cherry and birch are less hard in comparison to other common domestic species like maple, hickory and oak. The hardness of solid wood is measured according to a system called the Janka Scale.

The Janka Scale gives a good indication of how well a wood species can be expected to withstand dents and dings. The scale is determined by the amount of pound-force required to push a .444-inch diameter steel ball halfway into the wood.

Ratings for both domestic and imported species are included in the scale; however, none of these values apply to engineered wood flooring. While Janka values give a general sense of how hard solid wood is, other factors also contribute to the durability of wood as well. This can include things like how the wood is cut and the finish that is applied to the wood.

Durability

Paws and claws? No problem! Wood floors are designed to withstand the traffic of busy families, including man’s best friend. Wood floors are extremely durable. They can withstand the rambunctiousness of a puppy and still look beautiful for decades. Just be sure to pick a species that can endure Fido’s playful spirit, sharp nails and occasional accidents.

Source: National Wood Flooring Association

2020 Colors of the Year: Which is Your Favorite?

Wow! This year has flown by quickly. Have you noticed all the new car colors on the road recently? We have always wondered why people gravitate toward certain colors when they choose a new vehicle. That’s also true when paint companies announce their picks for colors of the year.

The 2020 Colors of the Year serve as a predictor of the paint color and decorating trends to come. Which one of these colors is your favorite? Do you plan to use any of them in your design or home improvement projects next year?

Sherwin-Williams selected Naval SW 6244, a rich navy that creates a calm and grounding environment infused with quiet confidence.

Sherwin-Williams

PPG Paints recently announced Chinese Porcelain as its 2020 Color of the Year. The energetic hue is a clever blend of cobalt and moody ink blue.

PPG Paints

Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year, First Light 2102-70, is the backdrop for a bright new decade. The 10 harmonious hues of the Color Trends 2020 palette, including First Light, deliver modern paint color pairings that combine optimism with understatement.

Benjamin Moore

Behr’s Back to Nature is a restorative and revitalizing green hue that engages the senses and pairs well with other colors both inside and outside the home.

Behr

Learn About the Sand-and-Finish Process

Are you looking to update your hardwood floors before the onset of holiday gathering traffic? Prepared by Bona, these tips will help you understand what to expect before, during and after the sand-and-finish process.

https://us.bona.com/articles/what-to-expect-when-sanding-and-finishing-hardwood-floors.html

Why Choose Hardwood Floors?

Durability and cost are two factors to consider when choosing a hardwood floor for your home. Hardwood floors, when properly maintained, can last many years and look beautiful. They also add value to your home. Learn more in this brief video from Bona.

Want to Install Wood Flooring in Your Home?

Here is a step-by-step guide to getting there.

1. Determine where in your house you would like to have wood flooring. Wood floors can stand up to all the big and small moments that happen at home.
2. Establish a general budget range and desired timing for the project.
3. Find a professional to help with selecting/ordering product and installation. Wood floors can last for the lifetime of your home, so you want to choose a professional who has the knowledge and skills to do the job right.
4. Choose the type of flooring, design requirements, and colors that are necessary for your project.
5. Plan a time to have the work completed.
6. Discuss maintenance requirements with your flooring professional. Schedules can vary depending on use, finish wear and tear, and lifestyle.
7. Enjoy your beautiful new wood floors for many years to come. One of the advantages of wood floors is that they can be refinished, which makes them a great long-term value.

Source: National Wood Flooring Association

Wood Flooring Options for Your Home

Wood flooring is timeless, elegant and unique, making it a good option for today’s homeowners. It also can be customized to reflect your design tastes. This brief video from Bona provides more information on widths, styles and grades of wood flooring.