Kim Myles: Home Design Tip of the Day

Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: Wood floors or carpets? Dear Kim, My husband and I just put all of our money into a new co-op we just bought. The place definitely needs a little “love” but we’re not so sure we can afford what needs to happen just yet. We’re planning on fixing the bathroom (really needs it!) and the kitchen (also really needs it). The rest of the place has not the best wood flooring. We were wondering if we should pay to sand the floor and shine it up (I forget the word for that) or just carpet the place. I like carpet because it absorbs the sounds but I know that all my friends have pretty wood floors and it just makes the place look so much more classy. Cost aside, what do you prefer? Wood floors or carpeting? If it’s carpeting, whats a good color to have for both beauty and usefulness? I will base the color of my paints around your suggestions. KIM MYLES: I come down on the side of wood floors. Wood is classic, ages beautifully and is generally considered a strong investment. Also, you can anchor rooms with area rugs in lovely colors and patterns (I do this in my own home) so that your floors have interest and some softness under foot. The style of rug really depends on your style and taste, but I’m a big fan of Overstock.com as a resource. They carry thousands of options, and you can feel free to choose a different style/color for each room. Read more:

• For more “Life, Style & Design” stories, click here.
• Kim Myles: Before and After
• “Myles of Style” Makeovers

Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!