1. Set the mood:
a. formal or informal
b. calm or exciting
2. Affect sound:
a. textured materials absorb, mute sound
b. compare carpet to hard wood floors, draped
windows to exposed ones
3. Can serve as a focal point, or serve (unnoticed)
as a background for other room furnishings
Backgrounds include:
floors
ceilings
walls
windows
counters
A.
Structural floorings: brick, ceramic,
concrete, porcelain, wood
Advantages: extremely durable, longlasting
Disadvantages: not appropriate for every
room

PROS:
› Beauty, warmth
› Durable and resilience (springs back )
› Can last a lifetime if finished

CONS:
› Easily scratched/dents
› Does not absorb sound
COSTS: moderate to high…hard woods are
more $$$$ than soft woods
 Special cleaning
 Which rooms would be good/bad for wood?


PROS:
› Cool to the touch so nice for sunbelt
› Large variety

CONS:
› Expensive…lots of labor.
› Does not absorb sound; cold to the touch





Porcelain - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Clean = soap and water
Stone is cleaned with white vinegar/water
Polished stone – formal, rough – rustic
Which rooms would be good/bad for tile?

Cement!
› Cheap!
› Uncomfortable for long periods
› Patios, basements, garage

Brick
› Beautiful, durable, costly!
› Clean like a stone floor
› Around fireplace, etc.
Resilient floorings: nonabsorbent, durable, inexpensive, cleanable
a. vinyl- many patterns, comfort, absorbs sound….abrasions
b. laminate – sturdy, 4 layers, moisture guarded, stain and
wear resistant, absorbs sound, comfortable
c. Sheet vinyl = best overall value
Soft Floorings: Sound control!
a. Wall-to-wall carpet
1. unbroken area of color/texture give spacious feeling
2. using it through several rooms unifies the interior
3. clean with vacuum
Disadvantages:
a. wears unevenly due to traffic patterns
b. expensive to replace, repair
c. fading can be uneven
b. rugs:
1. can unify areas
2. can be turned to distribute wear
3. can be moved
Carpet Texture: Created by the way the yarn is
looped, twisted, or cut.
Created moods that affects our choices:
Cut plush carpet = luxurious feeling
Nubby Berber carpet = rugged, casual feeling
Carpet Color:
1. Patterned carpets can be a focal point, do not
show as much dirt/damage easily
2. Pale, solid colors give feeling of spaciousness
Most popular wall coverings:
a) paint
b) wallpaper
c) paneling
1. Often, neutrals are chosen for walls so large
space is not too overpowering.
2. Factors to consider in choosing a wall
covering: cost, harmonize with floor/ceiling,
add to mood of the room, reflect personalities
Paint- least expensive wall coverings
1. Two types of paint:
a) oil-based - durable, washable (cleans up
with solvent) good for bathrooms,
\kitchens, kid’s rooms
b) latex- quick drying, easy to apply (cleans
up with water) good for living/dining
rooms, bedrooms
2. Achieving a textured appearance with paint:
a) covers cracks, etc.
b) special effects: rags, sponge, sprayers,
etc. – p.319
1.
2.
3.
Bold, bright = room appears smaller
Scenic patterns = illusion of distance
Vinyl wall coverings are durable and stain
resistant.

Fabric
› Glue, tape, staple to wall
› Stretched between rods
› Hard to clean

Tile
› Backsplash in kitchen; bathroom
› Styles and designs
› Easy to maintain/clean
Advantages: warm, attractive
requires little maintenance
Disadvantages: can be extremely expensive
Two types of paneling:
a. solid wood
b. plastic laminateless expensive
doors/room openings - provides a finish
between the wall can be decorative
2. Baseboard moldings - provide a finish
between floor and wall at floor level can
be decorative
3. Chair railings - prevent wall damage from
chairs
4. Ceiling railings
1.
Height: average is 8 ft.
higher = dignified, formal
lower = cozy, intimate, informal,
conserves heat
Purpose: control temp in house, hide
pipes/wires/gas line/water line
Acoustical means absorbs sound!
1. To make a ceiling higher:
a. paint ceiling a light color
b. use vertical lines on walls, at windows
2. To make a ceiling seem lower:
a. extend ceiling color down onto the wall
b. use a dark color
or pattern on the
ceiling
Granite
 Laminate
 Butcher block
 Housing II

Functions:
a. decorative
b. regular sunlight
c. muffle noise
d. insulate
e. provide privacy
1. Curtains
-informal rooms
-light fabrics
2. Draperies -formal rooms
-heavier, lined fabrics
-usually extend to the floor
Practical advantages:
a) privacy, sound absorption, prevent
heat loss
Decorative advantages:
a) can extend windows, hide pipes,
uneven walls, can suggest a window where
there is none
1. valance-decorative material across
top of a window can be fabric or wood
2. swag-draped material across top of a
window
3. Shutters -louvers may be stationary
or movable
-may have fabric inserts
-usually of wood, painted or stained
-provide simple, uncluttered look
4. Shades: four main typesa. roller shades
-inexpensive
-fabric, wall- paper, laminated
-room-darkening, light-filtering,
heat-reflecting
b. Roman shades -accordion folds, flat when
down ---fabric, bamboo, wood, metal
c. Balloon shades -similar to Roman shade,
but fabric puffs out
d. Pleated shades –Verisol --usually of fabric
-appear pleated, even when down
5. Blinds -series of evenly-spaced slats
-metal, wood, fabric-coated
-two types: a) Venetian (horizontal)
6. Stained glass -expensive, used as an accent
-light-filtering, provide
privacy
Amount of light, air, noise that needs to be
controlled
2. Amount of insulation needed
3. Amount of privacy needed
4. Decorative needs to consider:
a. can carry the color scheme, theme of
the room
b. can make room appear taller, shorter
c. can show off features (moldings), or hide
them
1.