Yogurt Mountain Rock Spring – Forest Hill MD… From start to delicious!

Main sightline of Yogurt Mountain, Rock Spring in Forest Hill Maryland.

The photo above shows the culmination of George’s Carpet One’s tile work on the flooring and walls at the new Yogurt Mountain Rock Spring in Forest Hill Maryland.  The glass mosaics on the wall and rectangular 12″x24″ floor tile installed ashlar set (with the joints staggered) show how bringing together several discrete tile-design elements (tile size, tile shape, tile color, direction…) into a complex create an enhanced overall feel and look, lend to a certain mood, and channel the use of space.  …And this is all most folks will see!  …But, what went into creating this stunning results?  Continue reading to follow us through the progression from unfinished shell to styling tile!

It’s difficult for many of us to envision all the time, effort, and energy that goes into finishing the beautiful interior spaces we enjoy outside our homes.  Considering that creating finished commercial spaces represents the culmination of a “process” (really several processes), much careful planning and hard work (that almost entirely occurs behind the scenes); we thought it would prove interesting, instructive, and enjoyable to peel back the curtain of finishes to reveal a glimpse into how this progression unfolds through the lens of this project.

We at George’s Carpet One along with the other tradespeople (including, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, drywall finishers, just to name a few), the general contractor, Emerald Custom Builders, and certainly the business owners themselves invested a great deal of effort, knowledge, skill, and talent into the synergies that so dramatically and brilliantly coalesced to transform this space from rough, empty shell into the delectable environment it became.  Here we will focus quite narrowly on our own involvement in this project, our tile work and the processes involved; but, since our work would not even have been possible without the cumulative efforts of all others instrumental in bringing this space to fruition, we will attend to other’s roles in survey.

Our flooring work began, as is not uncommon in commercial projects, with a set of blue prints furnished to us by the general contractor so we could, “take off” measurements, figure quantities, and quote costs for the tile and installation…  But, prior to even our preliminary involvement, the business owner would have identified the site, done feasibility and planning work, commissioned architecture and design…;  the general contractor would have obtained the necessary permissions, permits, and approvals from local municipalities, franchise, etc.; the other subcontractor’s involved would have undergone an exercise much like ours…  Once all subcontractor submit prices, the general contractor would assemble a bid for the business owner.  Following approval, all trades involved would meet on location for a site-visit, review the plan, timeline, schedule, verify job site conditions, perhaps physically measure and inspect our work areas…

The unfinished shell is a blank canvas!  Upon arrival on site, we found a pretty  familiar scene:

For those of us accustomed to this kind of work, this shell looks pretty typical.

Work would begin with demolition, clearing debris, and generally cleaning to ready the shell for its refit.  After a good deal elbow grease to clean and clear the area, the work of finishing could begin.  Electricians and plumbers undertake to rough in mechanicals.  Carpenters frame interior walls.  Crews hang and finish drywall.  Painters work their magic.  Ceiling crews hang the new grid for the acoustical drop ceiling, electricians continue installing light fixtures…

As interior walls are built and painted, new grid for the drop ceiling and lighting are installed, the space begins taking shape.

The transformation is now underway, and, as can be seen from the images, even these initial steps make an enormous difference.

Ideally, the order of operation for finishing work progresses from the top down.  This strategy minimizes mess and damage that could result of gravity…; we install floor tile, for example, after walls are finished and painted to diminish the likelihood of drywall dust and debris or paint from soiling the new floor…  (Interior designers generally suggest selecting finishes in the opposite direction, starting from the flooring and working upward.  The prevailing wisdom here being that paint, for instance, offers a grater range of options than does flooring, so, it is easier and more effective to coordinate paint colors with a floor that already has been selected than select a floor from paint…  but this would be another discussion.)  …so, in a best case scenario, flooring will typically be among the last finishes installed.

This project proceeded accordingly, so after all the other trades had, for the most part, buttoned up their contribution, the time for tile had come!

We install the glass mosaics on walls up to the paint line.

We commenced to install tile!  Proceeding according to architectural and design plans, which meticulously map where, in our case, each tile type starts and stops…, tile masons orient the layout to the space, mix thinset, and begin setting tile.   We must still share the space with other crafts-people and work to avoid getting in each other’s ways; so, for optimal efficiency and efficacy, we endeavor to coordinate our tasks, schedules, etc., with any other trades still present and juggle areas so everybody can progress.  In the case of this installation, because the wall-tile would set on top of a tile-base which would in turn be set into the floor, our tile masons set the tile-base first, worked up the lions-share of the walls, then graduated to flooring.

A green band of glass mosaics cap the wall tile field to provide a finished edge, frame and highlight.

We worked through each area, detail trims, grout, clean up then move on to the next, and so on until we have completed all our tile work.

Finally, finishing touches such as cabinetry, trim carpentry… will be applied!

The total tile installation which also included (but we have not shown here)kitchen, rear hall, and bathrooms took just under two weeks.  As one may expect, the project progressed smoothly, albeit not without incident.  (But isn’t this really one of the hallmarks of a quality contractor and especially a quality general contractor: their ability to adapt to less than ideal circumstances and resolve challenges often makes up the difference between finishing a project properly and on schedule and missing a deadline.)  This was especially true on this project because it was on a fast track and we had a very real deadline: any delay anywhere along the timeline from any contributor stood to potentially throw everyone else into a tail-spin, but the care, capabilities, flexibly and cooperation of everyone involved and the exceptional project management, problem solving of the general contractor and all subcontractors… kept us on track and Yogurt Mountain Rock Spring on schedule for their grand opening!

A closer view of glass mosaics on wall! A corner guards, clean up, then… Enjoy your Yogurt Mountain, Harford County!

…So, next time you’re savoring the deliciousness of your Yogurt Mountain treat…  hopefully, this glimpse into all we put into creating an equally delicious treat for your eyes will heighten your enjoyment all the more!

Have you been…?  We welcome your comments!  Want to know more about this or other projects feel free to contact us for more information.

Entire gallery available at: www.georgesc1.com Yogurt Mountain Rock Spring – Forest Hill MD

Houzouris

Completely Painless Flooring is Now a Reality (Part 5 of 5)

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand what flooring does but there are so many choices to make from the type of flooring to where to buy it that the quality of the consultation really becomes the distinguishing factor. It truly makes all the difference! So remember only choose a floor only after you have had the benefit of a qualified consultation and then only based on a solid understanding of how your floors will benefit you and your family so you all can enjoy these benefits more, longer! And this does not take an understanding of flooring. It takes and understanding of ourselves, our families, and our homes… and this we already know better than anyone!

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Looking for some design inspiration? Che

Looking for some design inspiration? Check out our Pinterest boards! http://pinterest.com/GeorgesC1/

Completely Painless Flooring is Now a Reality (Part 4 of 5)

Respectable and qualified is all that’s responsible.

This may seem a bit more complicated but it’s actually the easiest… Choose a respectable and responsible company that offers qualified flooring consultation. If getting a new floor does not seem so simple… here is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. And, actually we come full circle. Getting a new floor does not require a degree in “floor-ology” or a PhD in “Negotiation and Conflict Resolution”! When we get right down to brass tacks, what we need to do is simple. We must find a reputable, responsible and respectable company that offers a selection and range of service suitable to our flooring hopes and needs. Obviously, one of the first things we must verify is that the company displays its legal responsibility through written guarantees which it openly promotes. This is how we know it will graciously uphold any and all promises thereby allowing us to enjoy all the benefits of our new floor.

Having established this, there are only a couple more things to consider.We should always avoid companies that try to lure us into the flexible pricing “game.” Respectable companies will have a stated, “Non-negotiation Policy” that is to say their price will be fixed. When working with a company where the price they charge depends on a customer’s ability to negotiate a “deal,” one must always realize we are playing a dangerous game where the company is our opponent, not our partner, and that our opponent’s obvious aim is precisely to take advantage of us! Playing this game always puts us at risk of being ripped off and over charged. Think about it this way: whenever a sales person gives you a price then (perhaps after “talking” to her supervisor, manager, boss, or even the owner, or the owner’s dog!) offers you some discount (usually
justified by some exceptional –and sensational!- circumstance, such as a one-time only discount or “because he’s just in a good mood” or “it’s the last day of the month and I want to win a sales contest” or anything) to get you to buy, you must realize this company’s sole purpose is to make money by taking advantage of you, its potential customer! Just say, “No!” This definitely does not qualify as respectable or responsible, and it’s not even fun. Because, let’s face it, where does this slippery slope end? What other disreputable tricks will a company like this pull to make more money at your expense?

Responsible flooring companies offer capable, qualified flooring consultation not sale’s gimmicks designed to fool you into buying. Qualified flooring consultation invests time and energy to learn about your flooring dreams, hopes, aspiration and needs. A qualified flooring consultant effectively refers you to the most fitting solutions available to you, your family, and your home, and will patiently explain and be able to show you your prospective new floor’s benefits. A qualified flooring consultant allows you to choose the best floor for your home and family so you can make informed decisions you know will result in making your home nicer and your life better!

Completely Painless Flooring is Now a Reality (Part 3 of 5)

Don’t depend on a warranty: get the benefit of a guarantee!

…But, what if it doesn’t…? It’s got a warranty, right? Well, yea… but… While warranties do represent an important measure of what a manufacture believes a floor can do under ideal conditions, warranties do not cover exceptions and include coverage only for those things the manufacturer can predict a floor will do under ideal conditions assuming… it has been manufactured properly. Iron-clad guarantees are different. They are the only way to go!

Look for floors that come with an iron clad Replacement Warranty. Replacement warranties usually say that if you are not happy with a floor you select before a specified time period, you can choose to have it replaced. While this seems like a terrific assurance, these warranties often come with exclusions and limitations, such as you paying for labor! Having a replacement warranty with “no exceptions,” one that covers labor makes an enormous difference. Removing both the “small print” that would disqualify you from taking advantage of this warranty and the other huge deterrent, additional cost, allows you to actually take advantage of the benefit of this warranty! One example of such a warranty is Carpet One’s Beautiful Guarantee, a replacement warranty that actually covers materials and labor! So, if within a specified amount of time you wish for any reason you had chosen differently, Carpet One will replace your floor with one of equal or lesser value at no charge! This means there is nothing to stop you from being totally happy with your new floor.

Next, look for a “Low Price Guarantee” so you can be sure you’ll get the best value for your money. While flooring stores generally keep prices competitive and so charge close to the same amount for the same products and services, you may occasionally find a “sale.” But it is an insurmountable task to shop enough to know when you have found the best deal! (Then just when you think you have
found it, the sale ends or another company puts your floor on sale and round
and round you go…) A “Low Price Guarantee” states that you won’t find the same floor with the same service offering (i.e. installation, finishing details, take-up of existing flooring, disposal of existing flooring, etc.) for less money, but if you do… the difference will be refunded to you! This allows you to shop confidently, knowing that you are getting the best price. And, if another company runs your floor on sale, you don’t have to jump in your car, scurry over there, and hurriedly give the salesman a deposit before the sale ends… A “Low Price Guarantee” assures you that you will get the best price or at least have the difference refunded. This is what I call, “Taking the ‘ouch’ out of shopping.”

The last (but not the least) warranty to look for is an “Installation
warranty.” Let’s face it; a floor is not like most other things we buy because it is only finished after being installed. So knowing your new floor will be installed correctly proves just as important as choosing the right floor! We can choose the best, best looking floor out there; but, if it gets installed incorrectly, it will not perform properly or look right, and the result will prove extremely
disappointing! Having the assurance of an “Installation Warranty” insures that your finished floor will look and perform just like it should; so, you can enjoy all the great benefits of your new floor! And, that’s what’s important, isn’t it?

(Continued in 4 of 5)

Some of this seasons freshest rug fashions by Momeni

As they have proven true season after season, Momeni possesses the talent, vision, and, innovative concepts to keep them at the cutting edge of rug fashion.  Their designers have again brought to market some of the most fashion- and style-forward area rug styles of this season (or any other).  Let’s take a quick tour of some of their more outstanding patterns!

Arabesque Collection

AQ-03 Arabesque Teal

Momeni credits Polonaise, Art & Crafts and Deco motifs for inspiring their Arabesque Collection.  The transitional styling of the rugs in their Arabesque Collection provides for “a modern collection” that harkens back to “past eras.”  But these rugs do more than just “nod to the past,” they bow to it (or looking at it a different way, they snub their nose to it) by innovating radically on traditional elements in a host of interesting and engaging but still relevant ways that serve to update and make these more traditional elements contemporary.

AQ-02 Arabesque Teal

While these rugs radically  innovate on timeless looks they maintain a Momeni’s steadfast dedication to quality.  All rugs in the Arabesque Collection have been constructed out of hand-tufted 100% over-twisted wool.  They also feature a heavy wash which lends them an antique feel.  The resulting juxtaposition of the modern designs with an antique feel translates into an almost surreal quality that pleases your eyes and engages your imagination.

Elements

Thankfully, Momeni continues to invest in this outstanding collection.  Each rug in the Elements collection taps into what continues year after year to define the “contemporary” aesthetic.

EL-32 Elements Multi

“Capturing all that is modern, Elements utilizes a brilliant color palette to enhance its contemporary edge.”  Momeni constructs each rug in the Elements collection of power loomed 100% New Zealand wool and each rug features a hand-made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carving.

EL-34 Elements Gray

As with every Momeni rug, it is their  unwavering attention to detail that makes  this collection even more special.

Sensations

SEN-5 Sensations Charcoal

As striking as they are unique, the rugs in the Sensations collection provides an absolutely stunning array of transitional designs.  Each exceptional rug in this collection results in part of a technique Momeni refers to as “over-tufting.”

SEN-3 Sensations Gold

“Over-tufting” refers to a process whereby Momeni tufts over each tufted wool design with supple art-silk.

SEN-04 Sensations IT Taup

Momeni thereby lends these designs an additional dimension of textural depth, style, and tailoring that further enhances these spectacular rugs.

Tetra

Tetra brings together a unique collection of transitional and contemporary designs characteristic of those for which Momeni has become so famous.

TT-06 Tetra Ivory

They tuft each design in this collection out of the softest polyester to provide a luxurious, silky feel that rivals even the lush softness of wool but has the additional benefits of saving some of the cost and enhancing fade resistance so these rugs feel cozy and can be used in spaces where the sun might otherwise fade natural fibers.

TT-02 Tetra Brown Multi

Then Momeni enhances each handmade design further by utilizing a cut-loop construction that achieves a “high/low” effect.  Finally, they finish each creation by adding an, “over-twisted yarn” to create an “abrash effect” to each piece thereby giving each rug in this spectacular collection an even more powerful  look.

Visit George’s Carpet One Floor & Home to get your hands on any of these and many other gorgeous Momeni rugs and rugs made by other top rug designers.

About Color – Colorful Floors

Hi all, I’m Susi and I write for Design Shuffle, a terrific online community for all who love design—architects, interior designers and enthusiasts. Today, I’ll be writing about color in home décor and sharing some decorating ideas. Color is making a comeback in flooring trends. Brightly colored patterned area rugs, colorful tile, and even painted wood floors are showing up on design blogs and shelter magazines. Here are eight of these colorful trends in flooring. From wood to tile to carpet, color is in right now.

Colorful flooring is a hot trend right now. Perhaps multi-color stripes painted on wood floors might be too much color for some people but a striped area rug can achieve the same effect without the permanence of paint.

White or light floors whether they are tile or wood, or even carpet, make a boldly colored area rug stand out. The same is true for dark floors and lighter colored area rugs. Bright rugs make big statements.

Colorful and patterned cement tiles from Morocco are a big trend on blogs and in shelter magazines. These durable tiles work well for entries, kitchens and bathrooms.

In a colorful room, why have the color stop on the floor? Carpet tiles are a quick and easy way to add pattern and color to a floor. These are great for areas of high traffic, kids or pets. In this case they make for a stunning interior space that offers lots of living room design ideas.

For those who have wood floors that aren’t in the best condition, painting them is a good option. Stenciling the floors in a graphic pattern can give them the look of Moroccan tile.

A navy floor in a white bathroom is crisp and unexpected. The dark color on the floor expands the small footprint and makes the room feel larger.

A classic hexagonal tile is used in a new way to create a flower pattern of yellow, grey and white that captures the colorful pattern trend. Grey is a great neutral for any room.

Colorful area rugs in chevron patterns, Kilims, Ikats and florals add a pop of color to a hall, living room or bedroom design. Pair with neutral furnishings to create a focal point or mix in with colorful furniture for a lively décor. Image credit: (1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8)

Susi is a fabulous writer for Design Shuffle which is an inspiration site fill with tens of thousands of interior designs from San Francisco interior designers to New York interior designers and more!

FULL-SCALE CARPET DRAWN BY HAND

Check out FULL-SCALE CARPET DRAWN BY HAND.  Jess Smart Smiley‘s  terrific post about artist Jonathan Bréchignac‘s painstaking, 15-months of work replicating a Muslim prayer carpet in pen.

Bréchignac’s drawing represents a wonderful example of flooring inspired art.

Now someone should make this drawing inspired by a rug into a rug inspired by a drawing of a rug…

Completely Painless Flooring is Now a Reality (Part 2 of 5)

Floors with Benefit’s

Think about how a floor will benefit you and your family.  Start by asking this fundamental question:  How will this floor improve my life?  (You read correctly!)  Your new floor should actually improve your life!  If not, what’s the point?  Will it save you time and energy because you won’t have to invest as much in cleaning it as a result of its easier maintenance?  Will it save you money because you won’t have to pay to replace it as often due to its durability?  Will you and your family enjoy spending more time in your family room because your new carpet is more comfortable as a result of its softer fiber?  Forget about what high-tech material it’s made out of, how many coats of finish, what species of tree a wood floor comes from, whether a tile is clay based or porcelain, who manufactured the carpet fiber, the density, twist, stitch rate, and all the other technical features less ethical salespeople may use to make us feel like we are not qualified to choose well without their help… and focus on what really matters!  “What will my new floor do to improve my life?”  Will your new floor make you feel proud when you admire it or comfortable when sink your toes into it?  Will it save you money?  Will it last?  Will it be easy to clean?  Will it resist stains?  Will it complement your window treatments, your sofa, comforter, paint color, counter-top, or all the above?  Will it give you the confidence to allow your kids to eat and drink on it so they too can enjoy your new floor?  You get the picture.  Approaching your choice from this prospective
and leaving the jargon to salespeople simplifies the process; so, you won’t
feel like you need to go back to school for a flooring education to choose well!  This actually ensures you will enjoy more about your floor for longer, so your choice will make you and your family happier and more comfortable in your home…  And thus actually improve your life!  This  is what we really want.  True?

(Continued in 3 of 5)

What Your Blinds Say About You

by Erica A.

Window blinds can be windows to the soul. If you don’t believe it, look into the choices that your friends and neighbors have made in terms of blinds, and you may begin to see a pattern. Of course, the pattern is bound to be either vertical or horizontal, but when you read between those lines you may detect particularly revealing clues about each homeowner’s personality.

While the concept may seem opaque at first glance, once you have read through the following mini tutorial on window blind profiling, it will become clear as daylight. So roll up your eyelids, pull back the shutters of disbelief and prepare to indulge in some blind insight.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are the grandparents of modern-day mini blinds. With wider metal slats than minis, Venetian blinds tend to bend out of shape if you pull the wrong strings, and often refuse to raise or lower on the level, calling for a bit of finessing. While their name may sound exotic, conjuring up images of muscular gondoliers in striped jerseys, they are in reality as American as Arnold Schwarzenegger. With an actor’s quirks, a politician’s tendency to hedge, old-fashioned brawn and a hint of a foreign accent, Venetian blinds and the former governor of California share a lot in common.

Mini Blinds —

Once hailed by the decorating industry as a fresh new concept in window dressing, mini blinds have become the poster child of overkill. Mini blinds are
ubiquitous, sold in every variety store and squatting in every apartment window. Tired, worn-out mini blinds may fall from a decorator’s good graces, only to be replaced by new, identical blinds in an updated color, accented perhaps with a valance to disguise a dated appearance. If you had to put a face on mini blinds, Brittney Spears would be looking back at you.

Roll-up Shades

Roll-up shades have been around for just as long as Venetian blinds. These old-style, pull-down accessories feature a spring-loaded roller that seems to resist precise adjustment. Usually operating behind-the-scenes to add a room-darkening aspect in concert with draperies that, while eminently more presentable than the roller blinds, are essentially mere window-dressing, roll-up window shades operate in the background. They have their own hidden agenda. They can snap at the slightest touch and spin angrily when you least expect it. A roll-up shade is the Dick Cheney of the window-dressing world.

Honeycomb Shades

A softer silhouette with airy pockets that diffuse light, honeycomb shades are the choice of homeowners who wish to whisper good taste and suggest a sophisticated aesthetic preference. Honeycomb shades mute harsh dark and light with layers that soften and refine. Sensitive to the slightest touch, honeycomb shades add nuances that the homeowner can easily adjust to taste. New age musician Enya embodies the aesthetic behind honeycomb shades.

Wood Shutters

Wood shutters make a non-ambiguous statement whether open or closed. When flung wide, shutters invite a world of sound, color, and light to flood the room with a flurry of activity. When closed and latched, shutters proclaim a need for
privacy and quiet. People who shutter their windows tend to be all-or-nothing
types who vacillate between feast and famine, like artist Vincent Van Gogh or
Dickens’ Pip in Great Expectations.

While window blind selections seldom present a definitive character profile of
the purchaser, they do bring certain personality traits out of the shadows. Remember, however, when putting your new-found detective talents to the test,
that sometimes a person selects a blind style simply because it costs less, comes in just the right color, or fits a window with unusual dimensions.