Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Stay Warm and Cozy This Winter with Heated Floors

    Heated floors are such a fabulous addition to any home, especially now that winter is fast approaching. The two most popular methods of installation are electric radiant heat and hydronic heat. Here are some ways to distinguish between these two methods:

    Electric Radiant Heat

    This is a less expensive and easier to install version, in which thin electrical heating cables are interlaced on mesh mats and then pressed between sheets of thinset before the primary flooring material is installed. Porcelain or ceramic tile, stone or concrete are the best conduits; wood (unless engineered flooring) is discouraged. A separate thermostat controls the temperature settings and programmable units are available and often used in bathrooms and kitchens. This type of radiant heat is typically supplemental to another heating system.

    Heated Tile Flooring
    Source: Houzz

    Hydronic Heat

    Hydronic Heat uses a network of closed loop tubing running under the flooring and then back to a water source. Generally, a dedicated boiler or hot water heater, is the basis of a hydronic heating system which pushes water heated to a temperature of 100 to 120 degrees through the tubing. This heavy duty tubing is held in place by a thin layer of concrete and then covered with the flooring material of your choice. Hydronic floor heat is also controlled by a separate thermostat and is considered the most energy efficient of the two choices.  This type of radiant heat is often designed to be the sole source of heat in a home, although it can also be used as a supplement in a master bedroom suite, as an example.

    Warm Up your Dining Room with Heated Floors
    Source: Jean Longpré (via Houzz)

    For more information on the latest trends in flooring and radiant heat systems please contact the professionals at Country Club Homes, Inc. today.

  • Home Style of the Month: Colonial Revival

    A uniquely American style, Colonial Revival was initially inspired by a surge of patriotism and was most popular from 1895-1945. The Philadelphia Centennial of 1876 created a renewed interest in the historical architecture of the United States. Architects began studying early Colonial homes and translated the original ideas into larger homes with an emphasis on…

  • What Trends are Underfoot? Ideas for Wood Flooring

    Beautiful flooring is the underpinning of any stylish home. The ideal flooring is a smart combination of visual appeal and durability and wood floors have reliably accomplished that combination for centuries. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options in wood flooring today. Pale and neutral washes, especially gray, are having a moment…

  • Get Organized: Ideas for A Home Office

    The start of a new year often means a commitment to eliminating clutter and getting organized at home. Here are some ways your home office can do a better job of making your life easier and more efficient. Just like any successful work project, designing your home office requires deliberate planning. Think about how you…

  • A New Outlook: Window Styles

    Thoughtful window design and placement emphasizes a sense of style in your whole home remodel and dramatically affects the look and feel of your space. Windows can create a deeper connection to surrounding nature by framing views and bringing natural light and circulation into your home. Here’s a look at some of today’s most popular…