How to Create Award-Winning Design Projects

Boardwalk Hardwood Floors has established a reputation for collaborating with top-notch designers and interior design firms, and our partnership with Youtopia Designs highlights our commitment to working with exceptionally talented professionals in the industry.

Say “Hello!” to Candice Wideman and Youtopia Designs! Youtopia Designs is a human-centered interior design firm driven by passion and creativity. With a team of intelligent, talented thinkers, they pride themselves on their meticulous attention to detail and unique process. Candice Wideman, the lead senior interior designer and owner of Youtopia, is a vibrant and curious individual with a desire to create happiness in her clients. Her strengths lie in her ability to understand clients’ needs and translate them into precise and innovative concepts. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maryville University, Candice's passion for interior design has blossomed into a successful venture. As an active member of industry associations like ASID and HBA, Candice strives to cultivate strong client relationships, ensuring that every project benefits from multiple professional design opinions. If you seek a designer who can push boundaries, handle unexpected challenges, and inspire creativity, Candice and Youtopia Designs need to be considered. 

We asked Candice to share a few tips for creating award-winning design projects as she has pioneered several. Here is what she had to say: 

In order to create award-winning projects, designers must possess a range of skills and qualities that include:

• Originality: Award-winning designs are often characterized by their uniqueness and innovation. Designers must be able to think creatively and develop imaginative solutions to design challenges.

• Meticulousness: Every detail of the design must be carefully considered, from the color palette to the placement of furniture. Award-winning designers pay close attention to every aspect of the project, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

• Practicality: A design that is aesthetically pleasing but impractical is not truly successful. Award-winning designers create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, meeting the needs of their clients while also being visually appealing.

• Collaboration: Interior design is a collaborative process that involves working closely with clients, architects, contractors, and other professionals, such as Boardwalk Hardwood Floors. Award-winning designers are skilled at collaborating with others to create cohesive and successful projects.

• Sustainability:  As environmental concerns become increasingly important, award-winning designers are at the forefront of the sustainable design movement. They create designs that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly, using sustainable materials and practices whenever possible.

• Lifelong learning: The interior design industry is constantly evolving. And award-winning designers are always seeking to improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. They attend conferences, read industry publications, and network with other professionals to stay ahead of the curve.

By incorporating these essential ingredients into your design approach, you can truly distinguish yourself from the competition. Like every special recipe, success lies in understanding your audience and actively listening to your clients. When you're prepared to impress your clients and create an award-winning project, remember to visit our Design Center for all your hard-surface flooring needs from Boardwalk, along with a wide range of tile, marble, natural stone, and more from Tiles of Distinction. Together, we can elevate your designs to new heights.

View more from Candice and Youtopia Designs at www.youtopiadesigns.com and on social media @youtopiadesigns.

Serving St. Louis (and beyond) for more than 25 years — Boardwalk is your local, family-owned, quality-flooring provider.

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Hardwood Wins Again! Wood Floors Score a Perfect 10!

Discover the Timeless Elegance and Value of Hardwood Floors

When it comes to remodeling projects, homeowners often seek a balance between enhancing their living space and maximizing their return on investment (ROI). According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Remodeling Report, one home improvement project consistently stands out for its exceptional ROI and immediate homeowner satisfaction: hardwood flooring. Let's delve into the NAR findings and explore why hardwood floors continue to captivate homeowners and real estate professionals alike.

ROI that Exceeds Expectations: In the words of Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist & VP of Research, "You get a lot of return on your value. Just refinishing your hardwood floors, you get 147% back, and for new wood flooring, 118% back." These figures are truly remarkable, showcasing the financial benefits of investing in hardwood floors. Homeowners can confidently embark on a hardwood flooring project knowing they are likely to recoup more than their initial investment upon resale.

Immediate Satisfaction Guaranteed: The NAR Remodeling Report also takes into account the immediate satisfaction, or "Joy Score," experienced by homeowners after completing a remodeling project. In this regard, both hardwood floor refinishing and new installations received a perfect 10 out of 10! This indicates that not only are hardwood floors a sound financial investment, but they also bring immense joy and contentment to homeowners from day one.

Embracing the Beauty of Hardwood Floors: Bob Clarkson, the esteemed #1 Century 21 Realtor in the state of Georgia for 2022, can attest to the allure of hardwood floors. "The NAR report clearly shows hardwood floors are a great investment. Plus, the custom finished ... floors are our favorite feature of our home - and it's not even close!" When a prominent real estate professional and homeowner recognizes the value of hardwood floors, it reinforces the notion that they truly enhance the overall appeal and desirability of a property.

Unleash the Beauty of Your Home: Hardwood floors possess a timeless elegance that seamlessly blends with various architectural styles and interior designs. From rustic to modern, hardwood floors effortlessly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any home. The warmth and natural beauty they exude create a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on guests and potential buyers alike.

Durability and Longevity: One of the most significant advantages of hardwood floors is their exceptional durability. Unlike other flooring options, hardwood floors can withstand the test of time, enduring heavy foot traffic, spills, and daily wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can retain their beauty for decades (even centuries), becoming an integral part of your home's legacy.

Versatile Options to Match Your Style: Hardwood floors offer an extensive range of options, allowing homeowners to select the perfect style, color, and finish to complement their unique preferences and existing decor. Whether you prefer the rich, warm tones of walnut, the classic charm of maple, or the contemporary allure of white oak, there's a hardwood flooring option to suit every taste.

In conclusion, the NAR Remodeling Report once again confirms what homeowners and real estate professionals have long known: hardwood floors are an exceptional investment, delivering both a remarkable ROI and immediate homeowner satisfaction. Their timeless beauty, durability, and versatility make hardwood floors an undeniable asset for any home. So, if you're considering a remodeling project or aiming to enhance the value and allure of your property, embrace the elegance of hardwood floors and elevate your home to new heights of beauty and functionality.

Serving St. Louis (and beyond) for more than 25 years — Boardwalk is your local, family-owned, quality-flooring provider.

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Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood in general is repurposed material from an existing form or structure. Our primary reclaimed mill uses wood that comes from old barns, buildings, and factories…typically those that were erected pre-1940 when older milling techniques were being used.  They produce flooring (that can also be used on walls and ceilings), barn siding, hand-hewn mantels, beams, and beam skins.

Reclaimed wood is typically desired by customers that want something that is authentically old, and not new trying to look old. Another time for it to be a desired medium is when a recycled or environmental element is wanted or required (although I do consider regionally local new wood products to be environmentally sound as well).

One of the biggest factors I bring up during a discussion of reclaimed wood is going to be stressing the importance of kiln drying. Kiln drying brings the moisture content down to 6-8% (like a new wood floor), but more importantly, it kills any eggs, bugs, or larvae that could have been living in the structure before it was dismantled. All of our reclaimed products are kiln-dried, but be aware there are many reclaimed products on the market that are not. I have heard multiple horror stories from people that purchased reclaimed wood and a few weeks/months after installation had a massive beetle problem (not material from me, of course!).

Reclaimed wood products are not for the faint of heart. Although truly timeworn and uniquely beautiful, attributes like knot holes, nail holes, bolt holes, and texture may frighten some away from using it. It is an old wood coming from an old structure, so there needs to be a bit of a “you get what you get” quality to be considered. Also because the wood is coming from different structures, in different states, that were built in different decades no two projects are exactly the same, even if you order the “same” product.  Therefore, your reclaimed wood floor can be classified as custom and distinctive to your project.

If you’d like to see a large area of our reclaimed flooring, check out the Three Kings Pub Des Peres location on Manchester Road. They have Historic Plank, 5/8” engineered glued to concrete, and job-site finished with an oil-based poly. I would recommend a visit during their happy hour, but that is just me.  Cheers!

Amanda Rieffer, Commercial Wood and Tile Rep, arieffer@boardwalkhardwood.com

Serving St. Louis (and beyond) for more than 25 years — Boardwalk is your local, family-owned, quality-flooring provider.

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