by Arimar | Jun 27, 2017 | Blogs, Floor Art Collection, Iberian Collection
Flooring Trend: Matte Finish Hardwood
Smoked Oak Rustic European White Oak
Hardwood floors are known for their gloss and shine. A question we often hear and our customers say they get from clients is about what makes flooring shiny and if there’s a difference between the shine factors.
Where exactly does that shine come from?
A hardwood floor’s gloss comes from the amount of light that is reflected off them. Typically, a hardwood floor’s shine is measured by its luster, on a scale of zero to 100. The floor’s luster is the amount of glow that is seen from reflected light. Here’s how the shine level compares across finishes:
High-gloss = 75% or higher
Semi-gloss = 55-70%
Satin = 30-50%
Matte = 1-20%
How do the finishes compare?
As you can see, matte floors have the least amount of shine. Everyone has their preferences. Some people like the glossy finishes for their aesthetic. Glossy floors can look rather impressive and make a statement in a home. But For consumers who are craving a truly “natural,” clean feel to their homes, matte finish is ideal because it accentuates the natural look of the wood.
Why matte finish?
A matte finish does not reflect as much light as a glossy floor does. As a result, a benefit of matte finished floors is that, in general, they hide dirt, scratches and imperfections better than high-gloss finishes. This is especially good for families with young kids, pet owners or for high-traffic areas because they don’t show as much dust, dirt or prints.
Valencia Rustic European White Oak
How are the floors Arimar carries finished?
Many of our flooring collections are finished with an extreme matte UV-top coat that features the look and feel of a natural oiled floor. If your client is interested in matte finish hardwood floors, they will like our wide plank, white oak floors. Smoked Oak Rustic European White Oak, which has a rich chocolate tone, is a top seller. In our Iberian Collection, Valencia Rustic European White Oak, which has a well-balanced tan and grey coloring, is a popular choice.
If you or your client have any questions about floor finishes in general or would like to learn more about the finishes of our hardwood floors, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
by Arimar | May 2, 2017 | Arimar International, Blogs, Exotic & Tropical Collection, Floor Art Collection, Iberian Collection
What To Know About Color Variation in Wood Flooring
Wood is a natural product. Maybe it goes without saying, but it is important to note that because wood is a natural product, that means each piece of wood is unique. This includes coloring and variations within that coloring. Natural hardwood boards vary in color from board-to-board. Every piece you get is different. This variation is part of the wood’s beauty and it is normal.
Floor Art Collection
Many factors affect the color of the board: the species of the tree, where the tree grew and the local climate, when the tree was felled, how it was sawn and dried, when or if it was milled, for how long it was stored, how the wood accepts the stain. With so many variables to consider, it is understandable then that you my notice differences in color and grain as well as imperfections that make each board unique. For this reason, when you open a box of hardwood flooring, you may see that there are variations in shading, tree markings and grain patterns. Remember to assure your homeowners and clients that these attributes are normal and should not be cause for concern to them.
Exotic & Tropical Collection
Also note that hardwood floors can change color naturally over time. Most species will darken with time into richer shade variations than from when you originally purchased and installed it. Some species will lighten over time. Again, this is normal.
Now, that we have covered what is considered natural color variations, it is also necessary to review what problems with color variations may arise, such as fade markings or spots. Fade markings can occur where furniture has been placed and or moved around or where flooring is hit with constant direct sunlight. Rotating furniture on a regular basis can help prevent fade markings. For rooms that are sunlit for the majority of the time, consider placing an area rug in those areas consistently within direct sunlight or hanging light opaque curtains or blinds over windows, which filter sunlight while maintaining room bright.
Iberian Collection
Contact Arimar and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about color variations and other hardwood flooring needs.
by Arimar | Jan 10, 2017 | Arimar International, Blogs, Iberian Collection
The Well Traveled Look Global Design Style
Colorful hues and big, bold patterns, with influences from South America, are behind the latest home and interior décor trends, including hardwood floors. More and more, consumers want to adopt some sense of personalized history and authenticity to their homes. Designers are taking their cue from this trip through design styles from around the continent, giving spaces a personal touch.
This trend is joyful, colorful and vibrant. The result is an unexpected style with re-purposed product design, spontaneous improvisation, and an eclectic mix of color and pattern. Some of the items you might see trending inspired by this big, bold trend are: scrap wood re-purposed as wallpaper, a fan reclaimed as a lamp, cork and felt transformed into a rug, recycled skateboards made into stools, bulbs recreated into a vase. Handcrafted wood flooring, such as the Valencia Rustic White Oak from our Iberian Collection pictured above, with authentic wire-brushed finishes lend themselves well to this new trend.
Pictured: scrap wood repurposed as wallpaper by Piet Hein Eek
This design style is characterized by ornate accessories and details. A reclaimed and repurposed design agenda is inspired and reinforced by the exuberant energy of a fusion of cultures. Important materials include reclaimed woods, handcrafted wood flooring, brightly colored woven and knitted yarn constructions, cork, scuffed leather and bamboo. The strength of inspiration which derives from global art, cultural motifs and specialized techniques can be applied to all manner of colors, textiles and decoration – from accents, decors, wall treatments, rugs, cushions, throws, towels and bed linens. What emerges is truly unique and show stopping.
by Arimar | Dec 27, 2016 | Blogs, Iberian Collection
How to Make Bold Colors Work in Your Space
Vibrant colors bring a welcome brightness into your space. Certainly, we see the use of bold colors in children’s rooms and playroom, but they also work in other living or work spaces. Bright colors work especially well to liven up small spaces. For areas, which may not get much light or are overly dark, vivid colors also help add a welcoming energy. Here are some design tips for incorporating bold or bright colors into your space.
Seville White Oak, Iberian Collection
When considering which bright colors to use in your space, choose those that are more timeless.
With so much design focus on minimalism and neutral interiors, consider blending in your vibrant colors with neutrals such as white, brown, gray or black. They can help create a sense of contrast.
Similarly, mix negative space into your room, such as leaving trims, baseboards and some wall areas white. The negative space will help make your color pop.
Think about using a vibrant color for an accent wall. You can also bring in the use of bright colors with accessories such as decorative items and in artwork. Colors such as orange, lemon and lime are especially good choices as these colors tend to be vibrant, happy and bright.
One note of caution, do stay away from using too many colors in a space as this can create a sense of chaos and lack of cohesiveness. Incorporating two to three is a good rule of thumb. Remember, less is more.
In this lovely sitting area, all these elements come into place. The use of two timeless colors, negative space with contrasting white wall and trim, melon accent wall and decorative turquoise pillows – all go seamlessly well with the more subdued hues use in the space. They also highlight the rich golden tones of the hardwood white oak floors. They make an otherwise stark space feel more warm and welcoming.
