If you are building a new house or just renovating your kitchen, one of the big decisions to be made is what type of flooring to put in your kitchen.   Tile, wood, vinyl, and stone are all appropriate choices for different people.  How do you know which is the right one for your home?

While it will not last for generations, vinyl is  a good option for those looking for an option that will be inexpensive and easy to install yourself.  Vinyl can be tricky around the edges and at seams of a pattern.  You will have to take great care to cut very carefully and match the repeat of the pattern perfectly.  Vinyl is best for those looking for an interim flooring that will last them until they are ready to make a bigger investment.

Tile comes in a wide variety of looks.  You can get tile to look like almost any type of stone and in any color imaginable.  Make sure to have a professional installer measure so that you buy the exact amount that you need.  Dye lots can vary in color from day to day and if you come up short, it could be difficult to match your tile on a future trip to the supplier.  Tile is extremely durable and if a tile does become chipped or break, it is possible to replace it.  Installation can be expensive but is worth it because of the precise nature of laying tile patterns.  Glazed tile will stand up to stains much better than unglazed, so it is a better option in the kitchen.

Stone is one of your most durable options for the kitchen, and though it can be expensive and installation must be done by a professional, it will last for generations.  It is a beautiful, timeless look, but is not the best option for children or the elderly because when it becomes wet, it becomes extremely slippery.

Wood is a wonderful option because it can often be carried over from the other rooms in the house and contribute to an open flow throughout your home.  Wood is an extremely strong, durable material that will last the life of your home as long as it is kept in good shape and refinished when necessary.  One of the drawbacks is that it will show wear and tear in the finish in high traffic areas.

Each type of flooring has pros and cons, so it is important to make a decision based on your ability to invest at this time and just how durable of a floor you will need in your kitchen.

With kids back in school and fall activities starting up, this is a great time to take a look at your mudroom.  Is it working for you?  Is it efficient and organized?  Does it help you get out the door in the morning or is it holding you back?

Photo: RemodelingCenter.com

When organized properly and used effectively, a mudroom can be a great place to organize all those things that would otherwise end up on the kitchen table or the living room floor.  However, you have to be careful that it does not turn in to a messy catch all room.

Do not overcrowd your mudroom with furniture.  A bench, a simple armoire, and a small table are all you need to outfit an extremely functional mudroom.  Built in cabinets, drawers, lockers, hooks, and shelves are lifesavers.  Each  member of the family can have an assigned area where their stuff is kept.  This prevents mix ups over binders, baseball gloves, and lunch bags.  Labeled shelves can also hold important paperwork that cannot be forgotten on the way out the door.  Hooks will keep coats, bags, umbrellas, and other accessories off the floor.  Make sure some hooks are low enough for children to reach.

Photo: PointClickHome.com

Flooring should be hard and durable.  Slate or ceramic tile can withstand the daily wear and tear that a mudroom sees.  Lighting should be accessible the minute you walk in the door so that you are not fumbling to put things away while reaching for a light.  A sink is a wonderful addition and can be used for clean up after gardening or sports so that you avoid tracking dirt into the house.  Also, if it is possible to add windows, go for it.  The more natural light the better.  A mudroom should be a place where you feel happy entering and leaving.

The most important thing to remember when setting up your mudroom is make it work for you.  If your household is centered around sports, then big bins will be more functional than wooden shelves.  If you have curious children and pets, then open storage may not be the way to go. If your needs are less utilitarian, then don’t be afraid to create a mudroom that is decorated for style like the room below.  Consider your household and make your mudroom work for your family and home.

Photo: Southern Living