Los Angeles, California is home to some of the most extravagant and opulent homes in the country and today we are shining the spotlight on one of its finest. Step inside this 20,000+ square foot mega-mansion where modern flair meets timeless style.
Constructed in 2019, this sprawling home features 7 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a vast landscaped lot including a lavish pool off the terrace in the beautifully landscaped back gardens.
If the front view of the home was not enough to take your breath away, the first thing you see upon entering the massive double doors is a stunning bifurcated staircase. Large checkerboard marble adorns most of the first floor and leads to the European oak Trentino on the palatial stairs.
Splashes of vibrant color accent the stark black and vibrant white color palette of the spacious chef’s kitchen.
The incredible onyx planks of the European oak Trentinoare featured all the way up the luxurious staircase leading to the second level.
Each 9.5″ wide plank is constructed using genuine character grade European oak. This results in hardwoods that are not only highly durable, but that stand unrivaled as magnificent works of art.
This incredible home does not shy away from the use of bold color. Appropriately dubbed the “Pink Room”, this beautiful and bold bedroom is fit for a princess.
Just next door lies the playroom of children’s daydreams. A grand pink sofa, daring wallpaper, and a grand chandelier come together to create the perfect space for imaginative play.
Rest in style in the large guest sleeping quarters down the hall, more comfortable and beautiful than the most luxurious hotel.
Of course, we have reserved the best for last. The premium European oak Zanzibaradorns the expansive primary suite. The light blond color of the Zanzibar is reminiscent of fine white sand beaches and brings to mind the luxury of a quiet retreat.
Through the doorway of the lush primary bedroom is a bathroom that is, in a word, absolutely extravagant.
We hope you enjoyed your virtual tour of this incredible space! Love what you see here? View more details on the Trentinoand Zanzibaron our website or click here to be connected with an Urbanfloor retailer nearest you.
We are back with another installment in our current blog series – 10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor! In case you missed it our last post, click here to read more about the first two items on our list – Aesthetic & Price.
To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:
10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
It’s no secret that wide plank hardwood is leading in current design trends, but is it right for your space? Classified as 5” wide and greater, wide plank flooring is gorgeous, timeless, and it is clear that this stunning style is here to stay!
For those who love a rustic or traditional design style, wide plank flooring is a fantastic option. With the wider planks, there is more room to showcase the natural beauty of real wood. These charming and distinctive elements (such as knots, splits, and sapwood) add a sense of heritage, warmth, and unique character. For those who prefer a more refined aesthetic and a contemporary or more modern design style, Select Grade wide plank floors have very few knots and feature a cleaner grain. Lighter toned wide plank floors are especially popular in these design styles.
In large spaces and smaller spaces alike, wide plank flooring can make the space airier and feel more open. This is especially true with lighter toned flooring. The wider the plank, the fewer seams between boards. This means fewer interruptions in the pattern of your flooring and in the natural lines of the room.
It is important to note that the wider the plank, the more susceptible the plank is to seasonal expanding and shrinking. While this is normal and to be expected of hardwood floors, engineered floors help to minimize these seasonal changes with an extraordinarily stable multi-ply, cross-grain core. With each layer of wood reinforcing the next, the beautiful aesthetic of wide plank flooring can also be dimensionally stable.
For more information on how to maintain the right environment for your floors, click here.
Genuine hardwood comes in a wide variety of textures. Something as simple as the texture can completely alter the look and overall feel of hardwood flooring. The three main textures you’ll come across in your flooring search are likely to be 1) smooth, 2) wire-brushed, and 3) hand-scraped.
A smooth texture is sleek and elegant. Many traditional hardwoods feature smooth texture, though this style also pairs well with lustrous modern designs. A smooth hardwood floor captures the beauty of each species’ natural grain without added textures by hand or machine.
A wire-brushed texture is created when actual wires are brushed across the surface of the wood by hand. This careful process removes the softwood from the top layer of the floor and creates a beautiful and hardwearing texture and enhances the natural beauty of the woodgrain.
Hand-scraped hardwoods offer a sculpted and time-worn appearance. Utilizing historic methods, each plank’s surface is shaped by hand to create an entirely unique floor that is full of charm and character. Heavy-scraped floors take the hand-scraping process a step further, creating deeper grooves and a more heavily sculpted surface.
Come back to the blog and join us again for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Finish and Wear Layer!
You have made the decision! You have decided to go with hardwood floor over tile, SPC, or carpet. However, the tough decisions don’t end there. New questions pop into your mind: What kind of engineered flooring is right for you? What color tone, texture, wear layer, finish, etc. is right for your home?
Let’s dive into 10 important aspects of engineered hardwood flooring selection you need to know so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for your family and your unique space.
10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
As we have so much information to share, we’re going to tackle this important list over the coming weeks. Today, let’s dive into the first two items – Aesthetic and Price!
1. Aesthetic
While there are a multitude of differing aesthetic options available in the realm of hardwood flooring – from cool and warm undertones – it all boils down to one essential question: light or dark? When it comes to flooring selection, there is no one-size-fits-all. What is best for your space will largely depend on the size, style, amount of natural light, furnishings, etc. Your flooring choice will cover one of the largest surface areas in your home so it is important to select a floor you know will both compliment your design aesthetic and stand the test of time.
Light hardwood floors have a very distinct advantage when it comes to cleaning and care over darker floors. With their lighter color, they are especially easy to keep clean as they mask dents, scratches, and scuff marks. They also tend to show less dirt and less pet hair (for those with furry family members) than darker stained hardwood. Natural expansion, however, may be more prominent with a lighter hardwood as it shows the shadows of the expansion gaps more. This natural expansion and contraction, however, can be minimized with proper environmental controls by keeping your home between 60ºF to 80ºF, and humidity levels between 30%-50%.
For more information on proper environmental conditions, click here.
Selecting a light hardwood floor will brighten your interior as the light, fresh color opens up the space, making smaller rooms appear larger. Lighter floors tend to accentuate the amount of natural light that comes into the room and give your home an airy, bright feel. If you are a fan of contrast but don’t want a smaller room in your home to perhaps appear smaller with a dark hardwood, go with a lighter floor and bring in contrast with paint, furniture, and other décor.
Dark Flooring
Whereas light flooring may have the advantage when it comes to cleaning, darker floors bring an unrivaled rich, dramatic aesthetic. Dark stained floors embrace the natural beauty of wood and tend to lean toward a more traditional or rustic design. Dark hardwoods also tend to absorb more light, whereas light hardwood reflects it. This means that dark hardwoods are less prone to fading and sun damage than their lighter counterparts. The result is a floor that retains its deep, rich color longer.
Given their deep tone, dark hardwoods tend to show scratches easier. Light colored debris (fuzz, dust, or pet hair) will also show more prominently against the dark surface. However, with regular cleaning and proper flooring care, these are not a concern for those who love the added depth and warmth of a dark toned floor. After all, isn’t your dream design worth a bit of extra vacuuming?
Engineered hardwood comes in a range of prices. The plank width, thickness of the wear layer, finish type, species, and more all contribute to how much a given flooring will cost. A general rule of thumb is that the wider the plank and the thicker the wear layer, the more expensive a flooring will be. We utilize a four-point scale to give you an idea of our flooring will cost in relation to other collections on our site.
For more detailed pricing information, click here to be connected to your local Urbanfloor retailer.
Stay tuned for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Width and Texture!
Extraordinary, exclusive, and in a class of its own.
We have added four new beautiful selections to the premium Timbertop collection! Gorgeous 9 1/2″ wide European oak is on display, featuring stunning new color tones we know you will love!
The European oak Absolute boasts elegant warm, honey-toned neutral colors on each 9 1/2″ wide plank. Beautiful grain patterns are complemented with a smooth, modern matte finish and filled knots and splits add elements of character and charm.
Steeped in rich history and abounding in old-world charm, Lucca is one of the most beloved cities in the region of Tuscany. Inspired by the charming culture of its namesake, the European oak Lucca brims with character and style.
Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.
The port city of Savona, Italy boasts both views of mountain and sea. This beautiful city combines old-town charm and the modern buzz of urban life. In the same way, time-honored style meets modern techniques in the European oak Savona.
Its multidimensional, rich brown stain brings depth and warmth wherever it is installed. Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.
The hidden gem of Italy’s Veneto region, Treviso is a quiet town brimming with culture and charm. Inspired by its rolling vineyards and elegant stone porticoes, the European oak Savona brings the beauty and heritage of its namesake to your home.
Rich, deep color tones are complemented with a smooth texture and a modern matte finish, all displayed on each stunning 9 1/2″ wide plank.
The European oak Ravenna has the perfect light and airy color tones. Each 9 1/2″ wide plank features a beautiful wirebrushed finish that accents the natural grain of genuine European oak. Minimal color variation and a modern matte finish create the perfect canvas for a multitude of design styles. With elegant neutral tones, a luxurious texture, and a scratch-resistant surface, the resulting combination is a floor as beautiful as it is durable.
The airy color of the Ravenna works with nearly any design style, wall color, or furnishing. Incredibly versatile, the pale tones of this wide-plank floor will brighten any space and make it appear larger.
STRENGTH & DURABILITY
The European oak Ravenna’s 9 1/2″ wide planks are constructed with a durable 4mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a multi-ply, cross-grain engineered core. This engineered construction enables the floor to be structurally stable and minimizes the expected seasonal expansion and gapping in hardwood floors. The Villa Caprisi collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Ravenna with confidence that its timeless aesthetic will endure for years to come.
SAFETY STANDARDS
We ensure cleaner air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. FloorScore tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.
The largest city in southern Italy, Naples is known for its art and culture – often being referred to as an open-air museum on account of its many monuments and historic sites. Inspired by the beauty of this great city, the European oak Naples in our Timbertop Lifestyle series is sure to leave you in awe.
With its classic light color and beautiful smooth matte finish, the Naples can withstand medium foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for small families.
Strength & Durability
The European oak Naples’ strong 9 1/2″ wide planks are constructed with a durable 3.2mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a strong cross-finger engineered core. The Timbertop collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Naples with confidence that its elegant style will be around for years to come.
Safety Standards
We ensure cleaner air for your family. In accordance with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. It tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.
There isn’t anything quite like a fireplace to help warm up your home and add some holiday spirit. Don’t have a built-in feature fireplace in your home? No problem – build one! Something as simple as an old desk hutch or bookshelf can easily be rehabbed into a chic fireplace surround with the help of some paint and a new wood backboard. Such is the case with this thrifted desk hutch turned faux fireplace featuring the stunning chevron Zanzibar.
We’ve rounded up three ways to style a faux fireplace using items you likely already have around your home! But before we get to style inspiration, here’s a look at the “before”!
The Before
It may not look like much, but a little paint goes a long way!
The After
1. “Electric Stove” Space Heater
Perhaps our favorite option for a faux fireplace insert would be a “stove” space heater! Completely electric, this space heater has realistic flames that lend both a warm aesthetic and practical heat on chilly nights!
2. Rustic Tray & Electric Candles
Simple and understated, a rustic tray and battery-operated candles allow you to see more of the gorgeous wood backboard and yet still adds a warm glow!
3. Cozy Blankets & Pillows
A few festive blankets and a fluffy pillow provide a simple, casual aesthetic. Bonus points if your pillow has a snowman or other Christmas character!
When it comes to decorating a faux fireplace, the options are truly endless. From stacks of books to candles and birch logs, there is no wrong way to style it!
One of our favorite things about hardwood floors is that they are incredibly versatile. From ceilings to feature walls, here are a few of our favorite creative projects featuring our floors:
The crazy year that has been 2020 is now coming to a close. We are celebrating the coming of the new year with the launch of four new, stunning wide plank European oak colors in our premium L’artiste collection. Read below and you’ll see exactly why we couldn’t wait until 2021 to share these floors!
ANTIGNA
The depth of color and feeling of Alexandre Antigna’s compassionate works of art is mirrored in the multidimensional color of the European oak Antigna. The smooth texture of natural grain is like brush strokes on each beautiful 8 5/8″ wide plank. Its neutral tone, created using state of-the-art reactive staining techniques, creates color and character from naturally occurring components of the wood and is unmatched by traditionally stained floors. With a durable 6mm wear layer and strong cross-finger core, the Antigna matches its beauty with an enduring construction.
BELLINI
The wide planks of the European oak Bellini are the perfect canvas to showcase its unique, warm, multidimensional color tones created using state-of-the-art reactive staining techniques. Each smooth plank brings a richness and a warmth wherever it is installed. Completed with a hard-wearing UV lacquer finish, the Bellini is an investment in both quality and beauty.
LORRAIN
The paintings of French artist, Claude Lorrain, seem to emanate light from within. For decades, his sweeping landscapes with glowing, multidimensional light have transfixed the masses. This incredible use of contrast and the talented capture of elusive light inspired the European oak Lorrain. A rich, depth of color is displayed on each wide plank. Delicate grain and a smooth texture provide the ideal surface to showcase a stunning reactive stain that creates an aged aesthetic right out of the box. With a cross-finger core and strong wear layer, the Lorrain is an excellent choice for those who are seeking durability as well as finesse.
MATISSE
Henri Matisse had a fondness for bright and expressive color. His works are bursting with a vibrance seldom replicated in other works. This love for rich, bold color is embodied in each plank of the European oak Matisse. This unique floor is neutral and yet exorbitantly rich in color. Beautiful, natural variation is complemented with reactive stain technology, creating a one-of-a-kind floor with unapologetic beauty.
Click here to view the entire L’artiste collection!
With the rise in popularity of bohemian and organic design aesthetics, neutral tones and natural flooring hues are back in the spotlight. The Hickory Tumbleweed’s timeless, soft stain shows of the intrinsic beauty of American hickory. It is the perfect fit for modern trends and, with its subtle character and rustic charm, ensures a lasting aesthetic that will continue to elevate your home no matter where design trends may go in future.
AESTHETIC & STYLE
The Hickory Tumbleweed is constructed using American grown and harvested hickory wood, carefully selected for its rustic character and natural beauty. Each 6”-wide plank offers an organic, inviting ambiance with its creamy color tones and stunning natural variation from plank to plank. With a defined grain that is more visible than maple and more subtle than Oak, the Hickory strikes the perfect balance. The Hickory Tumbleweed has a dimensionally stable engineered core and durable wear layer. Its strong construction makes it the perfect choice for those who love an airy, relaxed aesthetic and need their hardwood floors to stand up to the rigors of day-to-day life!
STRENGTH & DURABILITY
The Hickory Tumbleweed’s durable 6”-wide planks are able to withstand heavy foot traffic. Hickory is the hardest North American flooring option, having an impressive Janka hardness rating of 1820 (see more on the Janka Hardness Test). Since Hickory is so durable by nature, it makes it a fantastic option for households with children and pets. The Hickory Tumbleweed is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 30-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Tumbleweed with confidence that its elegant style will be around for years to come.
SAFETY STANDARDS
We ensure cleaner air for your family. In accordance with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. It tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.
We are going to tackle an important question today: should you choose luxury SPC vinyl or engineered hardwood for your home? We are proud to offer many selections in both of these categories in a variety of colors. Let’s take a closer look at each of these kinds of floor so you can decide which is the best fit for your family.
First, let’s take an individual look at each type of construction.
Engineered Hardwood Floor
Engineered Hardwood Construction
Engineered hardwood floor is made of 100% natural wood and is constructed in multiple, cross-grain layers. The top layer, or wear layer, comes in a variety of species and colors. Each layer of the core is laid cross-grain, in different directions, and ensures that the structure is highly stable, with less expansion and contraction when it encounters moisture, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures.
Luxury SPC Vinyl
Luxury SPC Vinyl Construction
SPC stands for Stone Polymer Composite. SPC refers to the core of our luxury rigid core floors. This core is affixed to a premium foam underlayment. On top of the SPC core is the image layer (which gives the floor its fabulous wood-like appearance) that is protected with a clear wear layer and a UV scratch-resistant protective coating. This durable floor can be installed in any room – kitchens, bathrooms, and basements alike. Our Cascade SPC is 100% waterproof and designed to absorb impact and resist scratches. SPC is structurally stable, meaning that its resilient construction minimizes seasonal expanding or shrinking, and its rigidity helps to cover minor imperfections in subfloor.
Now that we have defined our terms, let’s see how these amazing different constructions compare.
Luxury SPC Vinyl – Cascade Alamere
1. Installation
Engineered Hardwood
Depending on the type of hardwood floor, and given the correct environmental conditions, engineered hardwood floors can be installed below, on, or above grade using many different installation techniques (including glue, float, nail/staple). It can also be installed over all types of subfloor (including wood and concrete).
Luxury SPC Vinyl
SPC planks may be installed over on grade, above grade or below grade concrete subfloors, wooden subfloors, and even over most existing smooth, single layer, hard surface or un-cushioned resilient flooring. With a glueless, easy click installation system, and an attached UrbanShield Premium Underlayment, SPC flooring can be very simple to install. It is easy to cut and there are no specialized tools required, our SPC planks click together for a fast and trouble-free installation.
Click here for detailed, downloadable installation guides for your specific flooring.
Engineered Hardwood – European Oak Chardonnay
2. Design Options & Aesthetic
Engineered Hardwood
Modern engineered hardwood comes in a variety of species and design styles, from smooth finished maple to ultra-wide, wire-brushed European oak.
Luxury SPC Vinyl
Likewise, SPC flooring comes in a range of design options. Our SPC selections are complete with embossed grain which helps provide the look and feel of genuine hardwood.
Luxury SPC Vinyl – Cascade Yellowstone
3. Cost
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood comes in a wide range of prices from entry-level to premium. The price per square foot largely depends on the species, wear layer thickness, or width of the plank. Whatever kind of engineered hardwood that is selected, as it is constructed from 100% natural wood, it will add value and style to any home.
Luxury SPC Vinyl
SPC is cost-effective and generally at a lower price-point than most engineered hardwood flooring. It is an attractive option for many homeowners because of its resilience and ease of care.
Click here to find an Urbanfloor retailer near you who can assist you with pricing and purchasing information.
Engineered Hardwood – European Oak Grigio
4. Longevity
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood, when properly cared for and maintained, can last for years and years to come. While some engineered floors can be completely refinished, it is not a guarantee with this kind of construction. Whether or not sanding and re-refinishing is possible depends on the thickness of the wear layer. Make sure to select a product with a thicker wear layer if you plan on sanding and refinishing in the future.
For those who do not want to go through the extensive sanding and refinishing process, a screen and re-coat is always an option for refreshing your floors. This process is much less intensive and does not require sanding of the wood. Instead, a screen and re-coat involves buffing the original finish and reapplying a new top coat to restore your floors to their original glory. This can be done multiple time throughout the life of the floor.
Luxury SPC Vinyl
SPC flooring is extremely scratch resistant, but not scratch or damage proof. If any large gauges or damage should occur, a plank replacement is a great, low-cost option. SPC floors can last for many years with proper care and attention. The best way to keep SPC floors looking as beautiful as the day they were installed and to get the most out of your investment is proper cleaning and care.
Want to know more about your Urbanfloor warranty? Click here.
Luxury SPC Vinyl – Cascade Niagara
5. Cleaning & Care
Engineered Hardwood
Today’s hardwood floors are quick and easy to maintain, and with a few low-cost cleaning tools and a little preventative maintenance, can look beautiful for years to come. In addition to maintaining a stable environment, engineered hardwood floor should be cleaned regularly. Simply sweep, dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt and grit. When necessary, engineered hardwood can be cleaned with a hardwood floor cleaning product.
Luxury SPC Vinyl
As SPC floors have a completely non-porous surface, they repel water – making clean-ups a breeze! Dust, dirt, and grit can be an SPC floor’s worst enemy and cause them to scratch prematurely. The faster they are removed, the less wear and tear to the floor. Daily sweeping or vacuuming is recommended to help keep them scratch-free. If the vacuum has a beater bar (rotating bristle brush), it should be turned off. Twice weekly washing is recommended to avoid buildup of dirt and debris.
Click here to view our comprehensive cleaning & care guides for both engineered hardwood and SPC products.
Engineered Hardwood – Hickory Cloud 9
6. Summary
Both engineered hardwood and luxury SPC vinyl are fantastic options when it comes to updating the look and feel of a home. While neither is inherently superior to the other, each has different pros and cons that make one or the other a better fit for different families or lifestyles. Some may opt for SPC as it is DIY friendly, waterproof and extremely easy to maintain. Others may select engineered hardwood for the unparalleled warmth, beauty and added value that genuine hardwood brings to a home.
Whatever your preference, we have floor we know you’ll love. Click below to browse our entire catalog of products and order free samples directly from our website!
