Bringing the Great Outdoors Into Your Home

by Lumber Liquidators

When life gets hectic, homeowners take pleasure in returning to a house infused with characteristics from the great outdoors.

Many people find that bringing design elements from nature to an indoor environment creates a calm and tranquil mood within their home. From flooring to paint colors, there are unlimited ways to merge the wilderness with everyday life.

The Sky’s the Limit

Nothing is more calming than watching clouds as they sail through blue skies.

According to the Color Marketing Group, blue is a hot color for 2008. “In all areas of decor, blues that remind us of sky and water – inspired by environmentalism – remain prominent,” said a news release from the group.

Blue is, in fact, so popular this year that Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected a shade of blue as their 2008 Color of the Year. When supporting their decision, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® explains, “it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products” and “emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic.”

A great way to incorporate blue into a home is with flooring. Ty Pennington Collection Eleuthera Ash Solid Hardwood flooring brings a relaxing blue hue to flooring, so homeowners can incorporate one of their favorite outdoor elements within the comfort of their own home.

Blue appliances, such as washers and dryers, are also another great way to infuse a home with splashes of the shade.

Release the Inner Animal

Animal prints are also a favorite of many consumers. From clothing to furniture, animal prints have appeared on nearly everything. Adding these wild prints to a home adds a uniqueness that will leave homeowners feeling adventurous.

According an Associated Content article on home decorating trends, “Animal prints are still a great way to spruce up an old look.” Wallpaper and bedding are both perfect ways to incorporate animal print into a home, there is also flooring that will be sure to pop.

Tom Sullivan, chairman and founder of Lumber Liquidators, the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in the United States, has noticed resurgence in exotic flooring. “Many customers come into our stores to get design inspiration for an entire room, not just flooring. They want the room to invoke a certain emotion and be an enjoyable place to entertain. One of our newest bamboo varieties, Morning Star Tiger Strand Bamboo, resembles tiger animal print and has been very popular.”

A Great Escape

Everyone loves a weekend getaway, whether it is camping or a trip to the cabin, a weekend of nature always refreshes the soul. Exposed ceiling beams and a wood panel refrigerator are both ways to add a homey feel to the kitchen. Move away from stainless steal appliances to trade for a more rugged look.

Flooring is one of the best ways to bring incorporate the great outdoors. Virginia Mill Works Tobacco Road Handscraped flooring brings the feel of forest to any home. This exquisite flooring accentuates every thick knot, making each plank unique.

Homeowners can also frame pictures of their favorite wilderness trips throughout their home, to serve as a constant reminder of their relationship with nature. Whether it’s a new hue or adding a jungle feel, the most important aspect of planning a home is making it comfortable and fitting for the owner’s personality.

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