Global Interior Design ... Close To Home

Pictured is an example of the extensive and unique tile work that can be done by Exceed Flooring. (Photo by Dani Schweigert)

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Since he was 8 years old, Haig Haleblian has been a part of the flooring and design industry.

And Haig has provided his vast experience to McHenry County for 31 years. He owns Exceed Flooring and Surfaces in Crystal Lake, where his wife, Hawley McLean Haleblian, is the senior designer. Hawley has a degree in design, as do all staff members at Exceed Flooring. McHenry County also is home to Hawley, who’s a lifelong resident of Crystal Lake and a graduate of Crystal Lake Central High School.

“What makes us different from other companies are the unique products we offer, along with award-winning design service,” Haig says. “Simply put, no one delivers the selection and service at this caliber.”

Enter Exceed Flooring and you’re met by a 40,000-square-foot showroom filled with tile, wood, carpet and room vignettes. A mosaic nest with robin eggs created by Hawley adorns the front desk, and Hawley’s award-winning zebra mosaic covers the floor.

Metropolitan Home magazine recognized Hawley for her zebra design during the magazine’s 2008 Met Home Winners Contest. Hawley also was awarded in Floor Focus Magazine’s 2008 Retail Display Contest for her Seaside Shell bathroom vanity vignette.

You likely have seen Exceed Flooring projects if you’ve been around McHenry County. Haig, Hawley and their team supplied and installed the porcelain floor on the third floor of the McHenry County Courthouse and often work on government interiors. SweetPea Cakes in downtown Crystal Lake features a 4-foot-diameter cupcake logo in tile designed and installed by Exceed Flooring. School districts from Barrington to Elgin depend on Exceed Flooring’s expertise.

The company manages commercial projects throughout the U.S., yet specializes in at-home décor.

“Every project is superbly installed, on time and on budget,” Haig says.

Exceed Flooring is set to give the public an inside look with a do-it-yourself workshop starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20, at the store, 5186 Northwest Highway. The workshop is free and will discuss all facets of tile; the use of unusual materials; a talk by Hawley on the latest design trends; and how to install a whole floor, a heated floor and a walk-in shower. Haig plans to host a do-it-yourself series every three months.

“Participants will gain an understanding of what’s involved in tile selection and installation,” he says. “Attendees will discover the diverse levels of decorating options and can identify what they can do and when they need an expert.”

Updating floors and surfaces in your home revives your atmosphere and attitude, the couple says.

“There are simple, affordable ways to transform a cold, bland room into a warm, inviting environment that comforts your family and guests,” Hawley says.

Haig says simple updates add to the area.

“Great design will completely change the personality of the space for not a lot of money,” he says.

Tips to get value for your dollar when considering new flooring and surfaces:
Start by identifying what appeals to you and your lifestyle

Bring in magazine images, photos from your favorite interiors, fabric swatches you love, paint chips and even fixtures. Bring everything you can carry to show Exceed Flooring your ideas. Exceed Flooring’s designers can explore various options using sketches or computer generated designs with you. In many cases, Exceed Flooring has generous-sized samples you can take home.

Use stock material, add your unique touches
Hawley’s award-winning designs were created quite inexpensively. The zebra was broken black-and-white tiles she shaped to look like a ceramic animal hide. The Seaside Shell vanity won recognition in part because Hawley added the shells to a beautiful tile backsplash. Easy . . . yes. Expensive . . . no!

Save money by doing it yourself
The Annex is a treasure room inside Exceed Flooring. Boxes, pallets and rolls of unique product are available at very economical prices. With an eye for quality and some basic training, you can beautifully enhance your living space without emptying your wallet.

Get the expensive look for less
Consider imitations and embellishments. For example, imitation limestone tile looks like the real deal and costs considerably less. Adding glass tiles, metallic accessories and inserts customizes your look with just a little added investment.

For first-time flooring or surfacing projects, keep in mind:
A “bargain” isn’t always a bargain
Remember, cheap products serve one purpose — price. Ordering online or buying someone’s seconds can end up costing you in quality, installation and results.

Small room, big tile
Folks often think if you have a small room, you have to use a small tile. The opposite is actually true.

Sizing up the project
Bring in the dimensions of your room or space. Actual drawings or plans are even better. Ask an expert for guidance, whether your project is a do-it-yourself or a get-an-expert-installer. Advanced planning will prevent mistakes that can cost more than doing it yourself will save.

Exceed Flooring has dared to be different by being the largest flooring showroom in McHenry County and delivering quality with an eye on sustainability. Haig has been active in carpet recycling, as well as promoting earth-friendly products like cork, bamboo and recycled leather.

Haig and Hawley support the community as leaders. Haig is president of the Crystal Lake Economic Development Committee and took a lead role in creating the “I Shop Crystal Lake” business development program.

“Home décor, community support, global awareness,” Haig says. “We are respectful of our global impact, while we realize our responsibility to bring warmth and comfort to area homes. It is challenging and creative work, and it’s why I love being in this business!”

Exceed Flooring and Surfaces
Where: 5186 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday; open evenings by appointment

Exceed Flooring’s 40,000-square-foot showroom features: Ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, glass, stone, marble, granite, wood, carpet, laminate, cork, bamboo and recycled leather

For more information: Call 815-459-3113 or go to www.exceedflooring.com