Choosing Backgrounds

1. Choosing Backgrounds Chapter 14

2. Importance of Backgrounds 1. Set the mood: a. formal or informal b. calm or exciting 2. Affect sound: a. textured materials absorb, mute sound b. compare carpet to hard wood floors, draped windows to exposed ones 3. Can serve as a focal point, or serve (unnoticed) as a background for other room furnishings Backgrounds include: floors walls counters ceilings windows

3. Floor Coverings • Structural floorings: brick, ceramic, concrete, porcelain, wood Advantages: extremely durable, long-lasting Disadvantages: not appropriate for every room

4. Wood • PROS: • Beauty, warmth • Durable and resilience (springs back ) • Can last a lifetime if finished • CONS: • Easily scratched/dents • Does not absorb sound • COSTS: moderate to high…hard woods are more $$$$ than soft woods • Special cleaning • Which rooms would be good/bad for wood?

5. Tile • PROS: • Cool to the touch so nice for sunbelt • Large variety • CONS: • Expensive…lots of labor. • Does not absorb sound; cold to the touch • Porcelain - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ • Clean = soap and water • Stone is cleaned with white vinegar/water • Polished stone – formal, rough – rustic • Which rooms would be good/bad for tile?

6. Cement and Brick • Cement! • Cheap! • Uncomfortable for long periods • Patios, basements, garage • Brick • Beautiful, durable, costly! • Clean like a stone floor • Around fireplace, etc.

7. Floor Coverings Resilient floorings: nonabsorbent, durable, inexpensive, cleanable a. vinyl- many patterns, comfort, absorbs sound….abrasions b. laminate – sturdy, 4 layers, moisture guarded, stain and wear resistant, absorbs sound, comfortable c. Sheet vinyl = best overall value Soft Floorings: Sound control! a. Wall-to-wall carpet 1. unbroken area of color/texture give spacious feeling 2. using it through several rooms unifies the interior 3. clean with vacuum Disadvantages: a. wears unevenly due to traffic patterns b. expensive to replace, repair c. fading can be uneven

8. Floor Coverings b. rugs: 1. can unify areas 2. can be turned to distribute wear 3. can be moved

9. Carpet Quality Depends Upon: Carpet Texture: Created by the way the yarn is looped, twisted, or cut. Created moods that affects our choices: Cut plush carpet = luxurious feeling Nubby Berber carpet = rugged, casual feeling Carpet Color: 1. Patterned carpets can be a focal point, do not show as much dirt/damage easily 2. Pale, solid colors give feeling of spaciousness

10. Wall Coverings Most popular wall coverings: a) paint b) wallpaper c) paneling 1. Often, neutrals are chosen for walls so large space is not too overpowering. 2. Factors to consider in choosing a wall covering: cost, harmonize with floor/ceiling, add to mood of the room, reflect personalities

11. Wall Coverings Paint- least expensive wall coverings 1. Two types of paint: a) oil-based - durable, washable (cleans up with solvent) good for bathrooms, \kitchens, kid’s rooms b) latex- quick drying, easy to apply (cleans up with water) good for living/dining rooms, bedrooms 2. Achieving a textured appearance with paint: a) covers cracks, etc. b) special effects: rags, sponge, sprayers, etc. – p.319

12. Wallpaper – glued to wall! • Bold, bright = room appears smaller • Scenic patterns = illusion of distance • Vinyl wall coverings are durable and stain resistant.

13. Fabric and Tile • Fabric • Glue, tape, staple to wall • Stretched between rods • Hard to clean • Tile • Backsplash in kitchen; bathroom • Styles and designs • Easy to maintain/clean

14. Paneling Advantages: warm, attractive requires little maintenance Disadvantages: can be extremely expensive Two types of paneling: a. solid wood b. plastic laminate- less expensive

15. Types of Moldings • doors/room openings - provides a finish between the wall can be decorative • Baseboard moldings - provide a finish between floor and wall at floor level can be decorative • Chair railings - prevent wall damage from chairs • Ceiling railings

16. Ceilings Height: average is 8 ft. higher = dignified, formal lower = cozy, intimate, informal, conserves heat Purpose: control temp in house, hide pipes/wires/gas line/water line Acoustical means absorbs sound!

17. Creating Illusions: 1. To make a ceiling higher: a. paint ceiling a light color b. use vertical lines on walls, at windows 2. To make a ceiling seem lower: a. extend ceiling color down onto the wall b. use a dark color or pattern on the ceiling

18. Countertops • Granite • Laminate • Butcher block • Housing II

19. Window Coverings Functions: a. decorative b. regular sunlight c. muffle noise d. insulate e. provide privacy

20. Types of Window Treatment: 1. Curtains -informal rooms -light fabrics 2. Draperies -formal rooms -heavier, lined fabrics -usually extend to the floor

21. Types of Window Treatment: Practical advantages: a) privacy, sound absorption, prevent heat loss Decorative advantages: a) can extend windows, hide pipes, uneven walls, can suggest a window where there is none

22. Headings: Two types 1. valance-decorative material across top of a window can be fabric or wood 2. swag-draped material across top of a window 3. Shutters -louvers may be stationary or movable -may have fabric inserts -usually of wood, painted or stained -provide simple, uncluttered look

23. Headings: Two types 4. Shades: four main types- a. roller shades -inexpensive -fabric, wall- paper, laminated -room-darkening, light-filtering, heat-reflecting

24. Headings: Two types b. Roman shades -accordion folds, flat when down ---fabric, bamboo, wood, metal c. Balloon shades -similar to Roman shade, but fabric puffs out d. Pleated shades –Verisol --usually of fabric -appear pleated, even when down

25. Headings: Two types 5. Blinds -series of evenly-spaced slats -metal, wood, fabric-coated -two types: a) Venetian (horizontal) 6. Stained glass -expensive, used as an accent -light-filtering, provide privacy

26. Factors to consider when choosing a window treatment • Amount of light, air, noise that needs to be controlled • Amount of insulation needed • Amount of privacy needed • Decorative needs to consider: a. can carry the color scheme, theme of the room b. can make room appear taller, shorter c. can show off features (moldings), or hide them