Try these living room rugs ideas to improve your decor

Homeowners are always interested in discovering new ways to change the decor of living rooms. If you want to find just an item that can bring a big change in your space then a rug might be the best choice. Living room rugs bring a lot of models or colors together so they offer a pattern that looks nice and that can offer a new vibe to space.

Rugs are usually seen as accessories and can really be the foundation of a gorgeous space. Many times, rugs are some of the best pieces when it comes to pattern, a color that fits your budget. So, if you want to start and find the right rug design that will improve your living room there are a lot of choices.

Image source: CAPITAL BUILDING :: Apartment – Renovations

A living room is important because is the center of attention not only for your family but also for friends that are visiting you. It adds a lot of instant comforts and can be the missing part of a nice looking space.

Things to consider when choosing living room rugs

There are different ways on how you can use a rug and we are about to show you some of them.

Consider the function

Image source: LDa Architecture & Interiors

Before you even begin to search for living room rugs you need to think about the kind of lifestyle you have. What do you do in your living room, what do you want to show by bringing a specific rug? Start asking a question so you can clarify better all that is in your head.

Create a Focal Point

Image source: Alex Maguire Photography

Choose a rug as the focal point of your room because rugs can make a big impact. To do that you might go with contemporary rugs that look nice and by choosing the right complementary colors to it.

Choose Your Rug First

Image source: BWArchitects

If you are making the room from scratch and you are decorating it now always choose the rug first. This is because it is the biggest piece that goes into a room together and it will help you to make your other decor choices on top of it.

Make Sure to Get the Right Size

Image source: JayJeffers

When you choose the size of your living room rugs you need to be very careful with it. You don’t want to get one that is too small. If you choose one that goes beyond the edges of your furniture be aware that it makes the room look bigger.

Image source: Leslie Harris-Keane Interior Design

So, the main idea is that you want to find one that fits the space just right. A good size is always going to make a better impression of the space and you have to decide which one is going to be for you.

Control the Volume

Image source: Jennifer Hagler

Use a rug if you want to get more attention to the room or on the contrary to make it more subtle. Depending on what wall art you have and what other objects we will find there you can play around with bold colors or simple ones.

If you want to add color to your living room a patterned rug is the best choice you can make. A rug that has a neutral color will soothe a colorful room. So yes, they can help you for sure even with this aspect.

Keep the Floor Border

Image source: DHD Architecture and Interior Design

Choosing the living room rug that you are going to use means that you also need to pay attention to how much of the floor it is showing. Designers suggest that you subtract up to 12 inches from the baseboards when making your choice.

Mind the Color

Image source: Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

You can waste a lot of time when trying to make the colors match exactly. Don’t stress yourself too much because nobody will notice if you didn’t do this exactly. If you are afraid to go with bold colors start easy, tribal rugs, for example, work with everything.

Remember that living room rugs don’t have to always be in some kind of color symmetry sometimes they have more flair if you try something new and bold.

Rug Material

Image source: Buckingham Interiors + Design LTD

The most common material that is used in rugs is wool but there are also a lot of them made out of synthetics and viscose. If you don’t know for what material to goa head when you are making your choice always the best option is the wool.

Even office rugs use this type of material sometimes so note that down when you are going to check different rugs make sure to see the material first.

Best Living Room Rug Ideas

Finding living room rugs that fit perfectly will require some time from you because there are many options and it really depends on the preferences that you have. Once you get a lot of possible ideas it’s time to check them up and see which one is going to be the living room rug that you will go with.

Create a coastal vibe with a dreamy blue rug

Image source: Austin Patterson Disston Architects

It is quite easy when you want to get a beach-inspired vibe in your living room. Go for a rug that has some ocean blues in it and you should be just fine. Florals are also a good idea and can do a great job as well when you are planning your living room update.

Navy Patchwork

This is a classic rug that features a houndstooth ottoman in the center of it offering a rich texture with great colors. It is simple but still looks really nice and can be a good choice for somebody that was searching this particular type of design.

Layered Effect

Image source: GARRISON HULLINGER INTERIOR DESIGN

If you want to try something new, the layered rugs are really fun. They have many colors and textures working together to create the final piece.  You really need to give a lot of consideration for rugs like this, in the long term they can really give a new atmosphere to your living room so this is why you should consider them a reliable option.

Crazy Pompom Rug

Image source: Concept to Design Inc.

types of living room rugs are very playful and can work well when you are trying to bring some brightness into space.

Add Pretty Boho Color With A Pink Area Rug

Image source: Madeline Tolle

Going for a vibrant rug can be all you need in some cases. Bright colors always go well when you see them on the floor so this might be your chance to go for a fun hue. You will notice the change in your living room really fast with this item.

Leather and scrappy shag rugs

Image source: Cortney Bishop Design

Try this type of textures that bring a butter-soft and warm feeling when you walk on the rug. You are going to love its colors and the way it feels.

Unifying Pattern

Image source: JayJeffers

Another rug for living rooms that looks great is the one that can be sometimes moved even in the rooms. This type of rug goes well for sure in your living room but can also be used in other areas.

Add Fun With A Tropical-Inspired Area Rug 

Image source: W Design Interiors

If what you want to get is a tropical style for your living room then you should consider this type of rugs that have vibrant colors and different patterns.

Faux Fur Rugs

Image source: John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

It is quite known that DIY projects are more rustic than elegant and they are also a great way to display an elegant homemade rug. Faux fur is great because you can wash it easily and looks appealing.

Ending thoughts on living room rugs

In conclusion finding living room rugs that work well with the design that you have in mind can be done quite easily if you know what you want to get. There are many models and styles out there so make your choice according to the style that you want to get.

If you liked this detailed article on living room rugs, you should check out these as well:

• How to decorate a living room: The ultimate guide
• White brick fireplace ideas to use in your living room décor
• French country living room ideas to try in your lovely home

The post Try these living room rugs ideas to improve your decor appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.

source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/living-room-rugs/

The modern farmhouse décor and how you can create it

There are a lot of reasons why many people continue to go for a farmhouse style. This is because they focus on comfort and being so simple makes it look like a place that you can really feel like at home. To build a modern farmhouse decor you need to pay attention to a lot of details and don’t feel discouraged when you are not finding what you are searching for.

If you decided that you want to go for it then you need to check more details about the interior design practices. You need to take in consideration what you will find down below because you might find what you need in order to get a farmhouse design that you want.

What Does Modern Farmhouse Decor really mean?

Image source: Solitude Homes

This classic farmhouse look brings a lot of comfort and warmth in the soul of people. It is that traditional style that doesn’t go too old and that many people associate with home.

A classic farmhouse is about finding the right balance between comfortable furniture, vintage objects and antiques that are sometimes rare. But not all of them are a must and you don’t have to put a lot of pressure into finding them.

Image source: Solitude Homes

The modern farmhouse decor decorating is also connected to the country charm that brings a lot of minimalism and industrial elements more or less similar to the Scandinavian style. Finding the right balance takes time and you need to understand this before you start. A first step can for sure to pay a visit to homes that are built with this modern farmhouse style in mind.

Image source: Crisp Architects

Another cool aspect of the modern farmhouse decor is that there is also room for rough edges. Why not go for vintage furniture when decorating the space and maybe adding some old art that goes well with the rest. If you take care of these aspects for sure space is going to look really great.

How You Can Create the Modern Farmhouse Decor

Put practicality first

Image source: Solitude Homes
Probably the best way to go ahead with the idea of getting a modern farmhouse decor is by planning. Invest some time and check out some old spaces, sometimes even simple research in the online can help a lot. Focus on the details of a room, look at the lighting, the furniture and all of the rest elements. Consider what looks good and what doesn’t and start making a list with your priority.

Image source: Murphy & Co. Design

To not get carried away proceed with caution and ask yourself from time to time what will be the final purpose of your home, how do you want it to look, why are you choosing the farmhouse design.

Use Various Textures

Image source: ICON Stone + Tile

Make sure that you use a variety of textures so that you will give the look some depth. Wood and metal can be great with cotton, wool or chenille so whatever you choose to make sure that you mix them well.

Image source: Judith Balis Interiors

Another important aspect is the key piece that gets the attention in your modern farmhouse decor. It can be the dining table or and an old chair, double-check and select the objects that you want to get the attention when somebody enters your hose. Play around with different lines and bring a relaxing atmosphere by using well and modern farmhouse decor.

Usher in Clean-Lined Upholstery

Image source: Design By Kasiakarska

Sofas and big furniture are great to make a visual counterpoint when you are choosing your modern farmhouse style. The best way to go with it is to go towards warm tones that feel cozy and neutrals such as taupe, browns or even beiges.

Image source: Sheila Mayden Interiors

Offering this natural-tone will make the entire farmhouse architecture look beautiful and for sure it is something that you also going to appreciate a lot.

Choose a neutral palette

Image source: Jennifer Robin Interiors

The colors that you choose will be really crucial to making this look good. So, take advantage of different modern farmhouse decor options and see which one you think suits you the best. A neutral color pallet can be great if you want to have a more minimalist atmosphere and if you go for more vibrant colors be ready for the energy that they will drive in the room.

Image source: Judith Balis Interiors

We recommend that you start with a color palette of warm or cool neutrals like silver and grey that look great with some natural wood tones for example. Even old wood that has some wear or tear can look great with them so consider it a good option.

Use Organic Materials

Image source: Solitude Homes

A modern farmhouse will look great if you bring some natural wood or different fabrications in use. The things that you should avoid, though, are anything that feels unnatural because they will make people confused once they are spotted.

If you go for organic materials you make the space really connected with the idea of a modern farmhouse decor. Wood floors, for example, are a great way to do that and you can use wood, or stone or anything that is natural and makes sense for the design.

Look For Weathered Finishes

Image source: Vintage South LLC

Materials that are natural are quite good to use when you want to obtain a style that is rustic. Leathers might be a great finish to do a modern farmhouse design and basically anything that shows off its age and has a vintage vibe.

Raw wood is not bad as well because you can use it in different parts of a room. You can play around with wood finishes around the space and find the spot where they complement other elements. Take your time and you will find a solution.

Embrace Imperfections

Image source: CJC Interiors

The modern farmhouse decor is quite a challenge and you can’t get it perfect. Imperfections also have their role and might work quite good in some situations. You just need to be open-minded and leave room for some small decor choices that might look strange but will do the job in the end.

Get Industrial

Image source: Stephanie Gamble Interiors

This type of design can be obtained when you go for hard finishes and raw textures. However, if you use let’s say vintage wall signage for sure you are close to a farmhouse effect. Bright colors work really well with industrial accents so note this down.

The kitchen might be the best place to play around with industrial elements because you can bring different items that go well together.

What you should avoid

Barn Doors

Stay away from barn doors because this element has been used so many times that people started to consider it looking bad.

Too Much White

White is nice but when you make the entire home using this color it might be a bad idea. Add some other colors, don’t be afraid

Vintage Signage

Unless there is a personal choice behind the signage then you should consider another alternative for your modern farmhouse decor. Go for unexpected art objects that people would not expect to see there and you will be really impressed by their reaction

Cliche Artwork

Don’t use pieces of artwork that are cliche, you know the types, the ones that say “just relax” or have some kind of motivational words into them. The classic things with roosters, cows, and any other animal is also not a good idea if you are trying to make something original.

If you enjoyed reading this article about the modern farmhouse decor, you should read these as well:

• Farmhouse Front Door Ideas That Are Simple And Inspiring
• Farmhouse Bathroom: Decor, Ideas, Lighting And Style
• Farmhouse Kitchen – Design, Style And Ideas

The post The modern farmhouse décor and how you can create it appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.

source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/modern-farmhouse-decor/

Best Kitchen Flooring Ideas

There are so many kitchen flooring options available that it can feel difficult to find the right one. When making your decision, you’ll want to consider two factors: function and durability. Whatever it’s made of, your kitchen floor should be easy-to-maintain and long-lasting. There is a beautiful option for you, no matter your style or budget. Follow this guide to understand the expected costs and the pros and cons of some of the most popular kitchen flooring options.

The kitchen is often one of the most popular rooms in the entire house. For this reason, you’ll want a material built to withstand lots of foot traffic over time. And due to the high number of spills — whether it be wine, sauce, oil or any other liquid and food that tends to stain — you’ll want kitchen flooring that’s easy to clean and maintain.

The top durable flooring options include:

-Concrete
-Rubber flooring
-Stone
-Tile
-Vinyl
-Wood laminate

Besides durability, cooking usually requires long periods of standing and walking back and forth. Flooring that has some cushioning is helpful, especially if you suffer from back issues.

The most ergonomic flooring options include:

-Bamboo
-Carpet tile
-Cork
-Rubber flooring
-Vinyl
-Wood
-Hardwood laminate

Let’s look at the materials available for your kitchen flooring ideas (in alphabetical order) and weigh their pros and cons.

Bamboo Kitchen Flooring

If you like eco-friendly products, bamboo is great for kitchen flooring. Bamboo grows extremely quickly, making it a sustainable source for flooring. In addition to being eco-friendly, bamboo is one of the strongest natural materials on the market, so it will withstand lots of use. Be sure to go with a reputable brand with a long warranty, should you choose bamboo flooring. The quality of the bamboo flooring is reflected by the length of the warranty.

Pros: Durable, beautifully grained, eco-friendly, long warranty available.

Cons: Some bamboo flooring can dent easily.

Cost: $2.09 – $5.91 per square foot, installation averages at $8 per square foot.

Carpet Kitchen Flooring

Since carpet is often difficult to maintain and clean, as it can absorb stains and spills, it has not always been one of the more popular kitchen flooring options. But the latest carpet tiles are a modern kitchen floor solution. Designed and tested to be industrial grade for high traffic areas, made of durable, easy to clean materials and easy to install, they now make a unique kitchen flooring idea. The best part is that a carpet tile can be removed for cleaning or replacement. Choose a carpet tile from a company like Flor, designed for the modern, DIY consumer. Be sure to buy an extra box of tiles and keep for future replacements. For a modern look, use carpet tiles selectively in certain areas of your kitchen like the image above, instead of wall to wall.

Pros: Durable, modern colors and textures, soft and padded, recyclable.

Cons: Needs frequent cleaning and vacuuming.

Cost: $1 to $3.60 per square foot

Concrete Kitchen Flooring

Concrete has a contemporary look and tone that is hard to match. It not only looks great; because of its durability, it can stand up to the busiest kitchens. There are various finishes you can give concrete to customize its look. Freshly poured concrete can be stamped, while all concrete can be stained, polished, stenciled and waxed. If you like concrete flooring and live in a colder climate, consider adding radiant floor heating beneath the concrete to warm up the material’s cold surface.

Pros: Durable, versatile, moisture resistant, contemporary looking.

Cons: Hard if standing is required for prolonged periods, cold, needs resealing, can stain.

Cost: Depending on the level of preparation required to install and finish concrete, cost averages range widely between $2 – $30 per square foot installed.

Cork Kitchen Flooring

Cork is a good kitchen flooring idea that offers a unique texture and a padded feel underfoot. Cork is a natural insulator, and can help with both temperature changes and noise. It’s also naturally antimicrobial, as the waxy substance in the cork repels insects and pests. On a budget? Cork tiles are a great DIY solution that’s easy to install. Choose a quality cork that like wood, can be sanded and refinished periodically. Confirm that the cork has a durable finish that will repel water and moisture. If choosing to install cork tiles, buy a few spares that can serve as future replacements should the tile flooring become damaged.

Pros: Earth friendly, anti-microbial, soft, padded feel, attractive texture options.

Cons: Can dent or scratch easily, creating imperfections on the surface that may bother some cork flooring owners.

Cost: $5.24 – $7.24 per square foot.

Laminate Wood Kitchen Flooring

Laminate wood flooring is an affordable and durable kitchen flooring idea. The top layer can withstand most abuse. If you add padding beneath, it’s a soft, ergonomic flooring solution. Easy-to-install and available in a wide variety of styles, laminate wood flooring is a simple, modern solution for kitchen floors. Choose laminate flooring with the longest warranty possible. Many come with a 25-year guarantee. For extra cushioning when standing, install a manufacturer-recommended thin foam sheet layer underneath.

Pros: Durable, cost effective, wide variety of options, easy to install and uninstall.

Cons: Is not as valued as real wood flooring, may be slippery, noisy, not refinishable.

Cost: $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot.

Rubber Kitchen Flooring

Rubber has similar properties to cork, but comes in a larger variety of colors and textures. It’s both easy-to-install and doesn’t require an adhesive, thanks to its high-grip properties. This makes it a good temporary flooring upgrade if you’re in a rental apartment. It’s cushy underfoot, durable and has a non-slip surface, so it’s perfect for busy kitchens. And it’s available in sheeting or tiles so it’s easy to customize. Choose richer, darker colors which hide oil stains better. As an added bonus, rubber tiles are easier to install than sheeting. For an earth-friendly kitchen floor, choose recycled rubber flooring, which is also less expensive.

Pros: Recyclable, naturally water and fire-resistant, durable, easy to clean, soft, padded feel.

Cons: Some people are sensitive to the initial smell, oils may stain the rubber’s surface.

Cost: Approximately $3.50, including installation.

Stone Kitchen Flooring

There’s a great variety of stone flooring available including the most popular marble, travertine and slate. Because of the natural pattern and color variations found in the material, stone is a great kitchen flooring idea that gives each kitchen a unique, earthy look. Stone flooring is also naturally cool, which is perfect in hotter climates. If installing stone flooring in a cold climate, consider adding subfloor radiant heat to warm the floors in the winter. Purchase at least 25% more than you need and save your receipt to return the rejected stone. Look through all your stone tiles before having them professionally installed. It’s likely that the grain and coloring of the stone will vary dramatically and you’ll want to hand select the pieces you want installed for a similar texture and tonal match.

Pros: Hard, durable surface, easy to clean.

Cons: Certain stones may stain, requires routine sealing, some fragile stones like slate may chip easily.

Cost: Depending on the material, $17.91 – $27.53 per square foot.

Tile Kitchen Flooring

Tile flooring is a great, low-maintenance solution for a kitchen. It’s easy-to-clean, durable and has a reflective quality that expands the appearance of space in a kitchen. The latest tile designs mimic wood and other textures and patterns. Know that tile no longer comes exclusively as a 12” square, so you can customize your design more easily. Some of the latest modern designs are large, rectangular shapes. Hire a professional to install the tile flooring, especially if the subflooring is not perfectly level. For ease of maintenance, install tiles with grout lines that are as small as possible.

Pros: Durable, moisture resistant, easy to maintain, available in a large assortment of styles, shapes and colors.

Cons: Grout lines may be difficult to keep clean, dropped items like glassware and dishes will likely shatter.

Cost: $11.34 – $17.38 per square foot.

Vinyl Kitchen Flooring

Vinyl is affordable, comes in a variety of textures and styles and is one of the most water-resistant kitchen flooring options. While tiles are easy to install, sheet vinyl requires professional installation. Consider the latest wood-look vinyl flooring planks. Easy to install, water resistant enough to be used in a shower, kitchen or wet area and textured to mimic wood grain, it takes a careful look to see if the wood plank vinyl flooring is actually wood or not.

Pros: Easy to install, water resistant, certain styles look just like wood.

Cons: Offgasses potentially harmful chemicals in your home, requires a flawless subfloor to install on, can gouge easily.

Cost: $2.83 – $3.82 per square foot.

Hardwood Kitchen Flooring

Hardwood has traditionally been on the top of buyer’s lists for flooring choices. Hardwood has a high-end, warm look that’s unique, according to grain and age. But hardwood in the kitchen requires special protection from excess moisture. Add an extra coat of finish in the kitchen to keep the wood sealed. If living in a high humidity or coastal region, avoid wider planks, which will cup and warp over time.

Pros: Adds resale value, attractive, durable, can be refinished.

Cons: Can be noisy, needs periodic refinishing, may dent or scratch easily.

Cost: $6 – $18 per square foot, including installation.

The post Best Kitchen Flooring Ideas appeared first on Freshome.com.

source https://freshome.com/kitchen-flooring-ideas/

Hardwood vs. Laminate Wood Flooring

The flooring of a home is one of its defining features. Wood flooring remains one of the most popular options, as it is a naturally inviting, beautiful and timeless material. While older, more traditional homes often have the original hardwood floors still in place, many newer homes are using laminate. It offers a natural look similar to wood but at a lower price.

When deciding between hardwood vs. laminate flooring, there are several pros and cons to consider. Sure, when comparing laminate vs hardwood cost, laminate is usually the more affordable option. But you also must look at durability, resale value, cleaning, installation and more. This article will compare some of the factors between hardwood vs laminate flooring and help you decide which is best for your home.

Image: Elnur/Shutterstock

Laminate vs. hardwood cost

The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart. Take into consideration the cost of laminate and hardwood flooring to determine what is best for you.

• Hardwood: CONS – Hardwood flooring is made of harvested trees; pricing depends on the type of wood you choose. In general, hardwood is considerably higher to buy and to install.
• Laminate: PROS – Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood, covering it to form the laminate. Not only are the materials themselves cheaper, but laminate wood installation cost is, on average, 50 percent less than hardwood installation.

Laminate flooring can cost $3-$7 per square foot, including installation. Solid wood flooring can cost $5-$10 per square foot, including installation. Again, the exact prices will vary depending on the types of materials used and the size of your home.

Laminate vs. hardwood durability

Assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home. A more durable surface is easier to maintain and will look great for years to come.

• Hardwood: CONS – Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavily trafficked areas. PROS – Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and, depending on the type of wood, can add considerable value to your home.
• Laminate: PROS – Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean. CONS – Even though laminate is more durable, it is not as visually appealing. Lower qualities of laminate may have artificial-looking wood grain textures.

Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Laminate vs. hardwood repair

Your home’s flooring will typically need repairs at some point. From minor accidents to excessive wear and tear, laminate and hardwood have advantages and disadvantages.

• Hardwood: PROS – Hardwood can be repaired by sanding imperfections and refinishing. This gives it the edge over laminate, in that it will last for years.
• Laminate: CONS – Laminate flooring doesn’t repair easily. If you buy flooring that comes in individual pieces and snaps together, you may be able to replace individual boards — although, depending on sunlight and age, the new piece may not match properly.

Best places for hardwood vs. laminate flooring
In addition to price, durability and repair, you should also consider the best (and worst) places in the home for both types of flooring.

• Hardwood: Hardwood flooring is both beautiful and fairly durable, especially in lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and dining rooms. But, if you have pets or a lot of foot traffic, your hardwood floors might show the scratches and wear overtime. Basements and bathrooms with a lot of moisture are also not good places for hardwood flooring. On the other hand, continuous sunlight can fade your hardwood flooring overtime as well.
• Laminate: Because laminate flooring is so durable, it’s less susceptible to wear and tear from pets and foot traffic. While it withstands moisture better than hardwood, it should not be in a regularly wet area of the home. Because of its top coat, laminate flooring typically does not fade from sunlight as quickly and noticeably as hardwood flooring and can be used safely in rooms with large windows.

Your home will benefit from the look of wood flooring; deciding between hardwood vs. laminate flooring is up to you. Review the pros and cons, and be realistic about your lifestyle; if you have pets, young kids or high traffic, that may influence your decision.

If you have a lot of sunlight in your home, hardwood can fade because it is a natural product, while laminate wood flooring has UV protection integrated into the surface. Consider all the factors — and enjoy how the warmth of wood will improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and value.

The post Hardwood vs. Laminate Wood Flooring appeared first on Freshome.com.

source https://freshome.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-hardwood-vs-laminate-wood-flooring/

Front step ideas to make your house look stunning

The design of your home is always important. A lot of the times this is the first impression that people get from the exterior of it. We all know that is quite good to have a nice first impression and improving your curb appeal might just do that trick for you.

This is why these front step ideas might just be the thing that you need to do. Reaching a place is not a problem that you will face when you do the exterior design because compared with interiors you rarely need to worry about permanent structural elements.

Image source: Rachel Greathouse

Still, you need to give consideration to the exterior when you have an incline. This is because you will have to also include an inclined pathway to the outdoor stairs.

Image source: Well Balanced Design

Entrance steps are not used only for decorative reasons they have also functional importance. They give unique architectural details to the facades and style house exteriors. Usually, stairs do make a building look larger and more expensive and can be the perfect match if you want to get some beautiful displays.

They are also great if you want to blend your house with the surroundings and merge them with hills.  Let’s discover more front step ideas that we can take advantage of.

Front step ideas to check out

Paint The Steps

Image source: Cardea Building Co.

If your house has steps no matter where you should make sure that you give them some color. Wooden ones can be painted or stained in order to give them a new vibe. By doing so you will improve both the exterior of your home and the inside with a small investment.

Image source: Barrow Building Group

The front stairs for sure can have a different style of architecture. You can also go with different colors that bring a new atmosphere. Exterior stairs that are painted in black should be paired up with a second color as well so you get a complementary effect. Red is a good choice and who knows maybe you bring also some natural vibes by putting some plants on the balusters.

Add Light

Image source: In2 Pty Ltd

If you put a light in your external stairs you really make them pop us. On top of that integral lighting means that you also provide more safety to your stairs especially in the evening when it might be difficult to use them. So lights are great for your front step ideas not only because they give a more interesting design but also from protection reasons.

Image source: 186 Lighting Design Group – Gregg Mackell

The strips of LED are quite great for this and they can be used easily. If you add Zen-like features you need to use both subtle lighting and small light poles that go in the greenery itself. The addition of lights makes a more strong visual impact in the night.

The ideal amount of light is sufficient one that helps you to walk safely on the stairs. If you go for too much your home might look like a commercial banner and you don’t probably want to get that. Just add some simple light and you will also add interest and a sense of design to your overall space so it looks better.

Wooden Steps

Don’t ignore the natural beauty that wooden stairs have on their own. They can be for sure great front steps ideas if done right. They don’t resist very long in time but if you take care of them you shouldn’t have problems for a lifetime. What is cool about them is that they also work well with stell, rope and glass panels.

If you want to know which ones are the best it really depends on the environment that you have your house located at. Each wood has its one benefits and drawbacks for this type of project so focus on your needs and you will get what you want.

Treated Lumber

Image source: Chapman Construction, LLC

Treated lumber is great for projects like deck stairs, basement steps and steps that lead to back porches and outbuilding. If you want it to resist more in time go for a treated one.

Cedar

Image source: sagemodern

Cedar is great if you want a more refined look. It also lasts as longs as treated wood so you should expect some resistance from it. It has more complex looks but it is also a bit more expensive.

Hardwoods

Image source: Fluidesign Studio

This type of woods are often the teak or mahogany and they are perfect if you want to get luxurious front step ideas.

Pine

Image source: Rick & Cindy Black Architects

Pine is easy to work around with. Not only it is inexpensive but you can also cut it and work with it pretty fast.

Cover Stairs With Pavers

Image source: WDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors

No matter if you already have concrete steps installed you can add them pavers, they a great way of covering them and improving the way they look. Pavers are also very easy to work with and are quite inexpensive but offer you a beautiful look that will increase the curb appeal. You can also cover steps with brick or other material as fast.

These front step ideas with using concrete ones can make your home look more modern and give a feeling of power. The steps can even be covered with bricks or similar material so that it matches the steps.

Image source: Greymark Construction Company

Paving stones are also a great support for a strong and durable outdoor installation that includes decks, walkways and retaining walls. The pavers can also resit all the wear and tear that outdoor steps suffer. You can find a lot of designs and styles so in the end you can select the ones that you like and make them look great.

Play With Colors

Add Contrasting Step Colors

Image source: BuilderFish

If you want to add a bit of drama and interest to otherwise dull steps or simple designs use colors. Let’s say your front step ideas want to go with white color. If they are white you could paint the tops in red or use a darker color that shows the powerful contras.

By doing so you get elegance and beauty to these steps and for sure they will be admired by anybody that spots them.

Black and White Tiles

Image source: Arrow Tiling

If you want to get an Italian-inspired look and make your exterior staircase have and black and white then you need to make sure that you use only outdoor tiles that can withstand rain and wind and another type of harsh elements.

Your home can look really great if you go for the best front steps ideas. Just make sure the installation and maintenance are done right.

Plant additions

Image source: Tim Barber Ltd Architecture

If you add plants try to use the same types of colors if you want to get an elegant look or mix it up for a more interesting approach. If you want a lush, elegant take for your front stairs then try the risers with ivy. The verdant green of the plant will look excellent against the dark brick and it will make the entire space be more cohesive.

Ending thoughts on these front step ideas

In conclusion, if you are searching for front step ideas that will work with your home design you can choose different styles. Maybe you want them to be subtle or to get attention, the decision is entirely yours. When you do make the final decisions though, make sure you go for the right materials, colors and safety details.

If you enjoyed reading this article about front step ideas, you should read these as well:

• Australian Architecture: Beautiful Houses To Inspire You
• How to decorate a mansion interior: Tips and images to inspire you
• Try These Exterior House Colors That Will Look Amazing

The post Front step ideas to make your house look stunning appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.

source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/front-step-ideas/