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Whether you're updating your flooring or remodeling the whole house, using materials made from reclaimed sources can be a great way to cut down on the cost and keep your home eco-friendly. What makes material reclaimed? And what can it be used for within the home?

Defining Reclaimed

Last year we shared the scoop on reclaimed flooring. No matter which areas you're remodeling, the principle stays the same: reclaimed sources of materials include those salvaged from old buildings, antique barns, river bottoms, trees removed from urban settings, etc. It's basically any type of material that was used for something else, discarded and then reclaimed for a new purpose. These materials are great for eco-friendly flooring, but it doesn't stop there.

Have you ever thought about adding a great room to your house? Although it can seem overwhelming, remodeling your home to add a great room can provide a lot of versatility. Want some great room design ideas? Houzz provides a lot of good advice and inspiration to think about when remodeling.

Great Room Design Ideas

You don't need a lot of space to add a wonderful great room to your home. Adding subtle partitions to the classic open floor plan can provide a sense of intimacy while keeping the rooms open. When remodeling, consider a low, cased ledge with columns and pilasters between two rooms, or a cased opening with a low header to define the kitchen and family room as two distinct rooms. Does everyone always congregate around the kitchen? Why not make a comfortable seating area right next to the kitchen?

Last month we discussed a few home design trends for this year, but what's popular in flooring for 2013? There are two trends we see at San Jose Hardwood Floors: a move to exotics and handscraped or distressed flooring.

Incorporating Exotic Hardwoods

Incorporating exotics into your home through hardwood floors is very popular right now. In flooring, the term "exotic" can describe pretty much anything besides oak, but the more unique ones are getting the most attention. Some hardwood floors are even made from unconventional materials like whiskey barrels!

Sustainability is very important to San Jose Hardwood Floors, which is why Johnson Hardwood is another manufacturer we like to recommend. Touting, "Affordable luxury for active lifestyles," this company specializes in exotic hardwood floors that are affordable, high quality and eco-friendly.