When I first mentioned to my contractor that I wanted cork flooring in my bathroom renovation, he looked at me like I’d suggested carpeting the shower. I get it, cork and water don’t seem like natural companions. But after living with cork bathroom floors for over three years now, I can honestly say it was … Read more
Three years ago, I stood in my newly purchased industrial loft staring at the bare concrete slab floors, trying to envision how to make them feel warm and inviting rather than cold and utilitarian. The budget didn’t allow for traditional hardwood or tile, but I’d heard about acid-stained concrete creating beautiful, organic patterns. What began … Read more
Two years ago, I stood in my dingy, unfinished basement staring at the gray concrete floor riddled with cracks and stains from decades of use. The space had so much potential, but the dark, dreary floor made it feel more like a dungeon than a usable living space. After researching options, I decided on white … Read more
When I first considered bamboo flooring for my outdoor patio, I was drawn to its eco-friendly credentials and distinctive appearance. I discovered that not all bamboo is created equal for exterior use, with strand-woven varieties offering the necessary durability. The installation process required careful planning to ensure proper drainage and ventilation beneath the planks. I … Read more
When I decided to replace the worn carpet in my mountain home four years ago, everyone told me to play it safe with light, neutral floors. Instead, I chose dark rustic wood flooring with rich espresso tones and heavy distressing, and it remains the best design decision I’ve ever made. The transformation was immediate and … Read more
I still remember the moment I decided to rip out the worn-out vinyl flooring in our old farmhouse kitchen. It was a crisp autumn morning, and I was longing for a floor that felt as grounded and authentic as the 19th-century house itself. That’s when I truly fell for country-style tile. For me, it’s never … Read more
When I first walked through my 1920s Tudor revival home, the original Carrara marble floors in the entry hall and dining room took my breath away, despite decades of neglect. Underneath layers of old wax, scratches from furniture moves, and etching from acidic spills, I could see glimpses of the luminous stone that had once … Read more
When I inherited my grandmother’s 1960s ranch house, the original laminate flooring throughout the main living areas looked like a relic from another era. The harvest gold and avocado green geometric patterns screamed mid-century modern in ways that initially made me cringe. My first instinct was to rip it all out and install something contemporary, … Read more
When I first walked into our 1930s farmhouse kitchen, the avocado green linoleum from the 1970s renovation nearly sent me running back to the real estate agent. But underneath that dated disaster, I could envision wide plank hardwood or perhaps the classic farmhouse aesthetic I’d been dreaming about for years. After months of Pinterest browsing … Read more
When I first walked into my 1890s Victorian home eight years ago, I was immediately captivated by the original hardwood floors that had somehow survived over a century of life. Hidden beneath layers of carpet and linoleum, these wide-plank chestnut floors told stories through every scratch, dent, and worn spot. What I initially thought would … Read more