Old-School Flooring Suddenly Feels Surprisingly Fresh (Published 2017)

Wood floors are experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity among homeowners, driven by a wide array of options in style, color, and wood species, as well as their inherent durability, sustainability, and ease of installation. This renewed interest positions wood flooring as a premium choice in home decoration. The National Association of REALTORS® and National Association of the Remodeling Industry's 2022 Remodeling Impact Report highlights the financial benefit of installing wood floors, noting a 147% return on investment, underscoring their value for homeowners and sellers alike. Before listing a home, sellers might consider enhancing their wood floors to maximize this appeal. Choosing the right wood flooring involves several key considerations. Homeowners must decide between solid and engineered wood, each offering distinct advantages. Solid wood, traditionally more expensive, allows for multiple refinishes due to its uniform composition, while engineered wood, though often more budget-friendly, has a limited number of refinishes because of its thin hardwood veneer. Engineered flooring is praised for its enhanced stability, attributed to its multi-layered construction that resists expansion and contraction from temperature changes, making it suitable for various climates and rooms. The price point varies significantly based on factors such as construction type, wear layer thickness, board dimensions, and wood species, with some engineered options costing as much as or more than certain hardwoods. Current trends lean towards wider and longer boards, which impart a modern and luxurious aesthetic. Designers commonly prefer widths of at least 7 inches and lengths of 12 feet or more to create a visually appealing, seamless look. Color preferences also evolve with broader home furnishing trends; light tan or brown stains on natural or white oak are popular, particularly in Midwestern regions, with red oak also gaining traction. While some homeowners still favor the darker characteristics of woods like hickory for their contrast against white walls, it is noted that darker floors can more readily show dirt and dust. An emerging trend involves painting or staining wood floors in unconventional colors, like dark blue, to differentiate spaces and offer a cost-effective alternative to replacing existing flooring. Wood species selection is often influenced by regional availability, cost, and hardness. Southern clients frequently opt for harder woods such as maple and walnut due to their less busy grain patterns and versatility with various stains and finishes. In contrast, homeowners in the Northeast often choose maple, white oak, and red oak. Finish trends indicate a preference for a lower satin sheen over a glossy one, as satin finishes are more forgiving of dirt and scratches. Reclaimed wood and intricate decorative patterns like herringbone and chevron are also seeing renewed interest, though their installation can be costly due to limited availability and complexity. Maintaining wood floors is generally straightforward, requiring occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. A new coat of finish every few years is recommended to protect against normal wear and tear, and hardwood floors may need resanding every 10 to 15 years. While pets or standing water can cause damage, wood floors remain a natural, classic material that sets a high standard in home interiors. For those with budget constraints, cost-effective yet attractive flooring options are available, including luxury vinyl planks or tile, which are durable, easy to clean, and come in designs mimicking natural materials. Carpet and area rugs also provide warmth, define spaces, and can complement wood or stone flooring, particularly in colder climates or as decorative accents. #WoodFlooring #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDecoration #RealEstateInvestment #FlooringOptions #HardwoodCare #Remodeling

Linoleum, a material historically associated with low-quality flooring and countertops, is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, particularly in the realm of furniture design. This renewed interest highlights a distinction between genuine, natural linoleum and the synthetic vinyl and PVC substitutes that became prevalent as more affordable alternatives. The article emphasizes that the linoleum gaining traction today is a natural, sustainable product, differing substantially from the synthetic versions often recalled from older kitchens or cafeterias. Kyle Hoff, cofounder of Floyd, a company that utilizes linoleum for its birch tables, clarifies that authentic linoleum is a natural material composed of linseed oil, pine rosin, wood dust, cork dust, and mineral fillers. This composition not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures its sustainability and ease of maintenance. The versatility of real linoleum allows it to be produced in a diverse range of colors, making it an attractive option for contemporary design and offering a smooth surface that can elevate the visual appeal of various spaces. The adoption of linoleum-topped tables is presented as a trend that merges retro charm with modern aesthetics, appealing to a broad spectrum of interior design preferences. These tables are recognized for their durability and potential to reduce environmental impact, aligning with a growing demand for long-lasting and eco-conscious home furnishings. The material's inherent characteristics make it suitable for a variety of settings, from playful children's rooms to sophisticated dining areas, offering both functionality and style. The article provides several examples of how linoleum tables can be integrated into different design schemes. For instance, a gray linoleum table with conjoined double legs is suggested for a minimalist, Scandi-chic dining room, potentially paired with Cesca-style chairs. A side table with retro beveled legs and a green linoleum surface is recommended for adding a subtle pop of color to almost any room. Versatility is highlighted with a high-end stool featuring a linoleum surface, capable of serving as a display for decorative items or a functional surface. Darker green linoleum options are proposed as an original alternative to traditional dark wood kitchen tables, especially in spaces with black cabinets. For those who appreciate specific color trends, a blush-colored linoleum table is presented as a neutral yet impactful choice for white-walled homes, suggesting pairing it with yellow chairs for a bold look. The Floyd brand's rounded table with a soft gray tabletop is offered as a fresh and impactful alternative to white or wooden surfaces, ideal for creating a cozy breakfast nook due to its versatility. For statement pieces, Bauhaus-style stools with linoleum tops are recommended in bold colors like red and yellow. Unique, non-traditional shapes such as a rounded triangle linoleum table are suggested for small spaces, with a tip to use stools instead of chairs to maximize seating. Finally, a timeless gray linoleum tabletop from Floyd is highlighted for its ability to maintain a bright and fresh appearance in any setting, capable of being styled with Eames-inspired chairs for a retro aesthetic. These examples collectively demonstrate linoleum's adaptability and enduring appeal in modern interior design. #Linoleum #TabletopMaterial #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FurnitureTrends #RetroDesign #ContemporaryFurniture #EcoFriendly

The article discusses the resurgence in popularity of cement floor tiles, particularly those featuring colorful geometric patterns. While once considered a cheaper alternative to ceramic tiles in the 1920s, cement tiles are now valued for their unique aesthetic and handcrafted quality, with current costs ranging from $65 to $100 per square meter. Michael Maass, representing Spanish tile company Pinar Miro, highlights that these tiles, historically used to mimic more expensive materials, have evolved to possess their own distinct worth in contemporary design. The manufacturing process of cement tiles remains largely manual, involving the application of patterns with tin stencils and achieving strength through compacting and drying the cement by hand. This labor-intensive method contributes significantly to their cost, especially when produced in regions with higher wage rates. Consequently, many cement tiles sold in Europe are sourced from countries like Morocco, Tunisia, or India, where labor costs are lower. Initially, some in creative home design were skeptical about integrating cement tiles into modern homes. An anecdote from a homeowner in Berlin's Friedrichshain district illustrates this, where an architect, Marc Benjamin Drewes, initially hesitated to use tiling instead of wooden floorboards in an entrance area. However, after encountering appealing old tiles in a hallway, Drewes recognized their functional utility and inherent charm. The Friedrichshain home ultimately incorporated tiles with a dark red pattern, albeit with a modern approach that eschewed traditional patterned edgings to avoid an old-fashioned appearance. Drewes has since become an advocate for cement tiles, even using them in bedrooms, appreciating their tactile quality and the subtle warmth they impart to flooring, a characteristic he notes is distinct from ceramic tiles. Cement tiling features a matt finish and a rough surface, contrasting with the glazed appearance of ceramic tiles. This characteristic contributes to a cozy aesthetic, making them a suitable complement to parquet or floorboards. These tiles were previously common in older European homes but subsequently fell out of fashion, often being concealed beneath materials like linoleum. The current revival is evidenced by significant investments from major tile manufacturers, such as Italy's Bisazza, which last year launched a revamped collection of cement tiles. This collection, designed by notable figures including Tom Dixon, Jaime Hayon, and Paola Navone, introduces modern abstract and graphic patterns, diverging from traditional tile designs. Beyond the material cost, the installation of cement tiles can also be expensive due to their weight and the specific handling required. Sven Jaensch, a cement-tile layer and terrazzo specialist in Berlin, explains that the heaviness of the tiles can cause them to press down on adhesive, leading to "sacking." He emphasizes the need for careful and precise installation, as the material offers little room for error. The article concludes by underlining the sophisticated nature of these re-emerging flooring options, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and the specialized skills required for their proper implementation in contemporary interiors. #CementTiles #FlooringTrends #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #HandmadeTiles #ArchitecturalTrends #LuxuryFlooring #TileInstallation

This blog post details the transformation of a new, five-bedroom, 5,200-square-foot Toll Brothers colonial home in the North Star Chase subdivision, showcasing how a plain vanilla property was elevated to a sumptuous space through strategic design choices. The owner, Linda Mulvihill, a mother of three, took on the formidable task of personalizing the new construction. Her first significant decision was to halt the builders from installing standard wooden spindles on her two-story staircase, insisting on wrought iron instead. This preference for wrought iron not only redefined the interior staircase but was also extended to the exterior, distinguishing the home from others in the neighborhood. Wrought-iron gates now encircle a garden of roses and wildflowers, leading a curved path to the columned portico entrance. The integration of this element from the garden into the foyer’s staircase creates a cohesive visual flow upon entering the home. Mulvihill's design aspiration was to blend Asian and Italian influences to achieve a casually elegant atmosphere. To realize this vision, she enlisted Joyce Keeney, senior designer and founder of Interior Concepts in Hockessin. Together, they meticulously integrated these diverse cultural aesthetics through thoughtful selections of color and texture. Mulvihill's fondness for red was incorporated by Keeney, who harmonized strong hues with more subdued colors found in carpets, throw pillows, and drapes. The majority of the furniture was sourced from EJ Victor Upholstery in North Carolina, while lighting fixtures predominantly came from Fine Art Lamps in Florida, ensuring a consistent design language throughout the home. Mulvihill noted her tendency to create formal spaces, and Keeney's expertise helped her strike a balance between formality and comfort. The living room immediately captures attention with a jeweled chandelier suspended above a black Yamaha grand player piano, establishing a formal yet inviting space suitable for both entertaining and casual family moments. An all-wool, custom-colored Oriental carpet anchors the room, reflecting the hues of Oriental tables, hutches, and an olive silk sofa. Rich embroidered silk draperies from Kravet Couture, in green, gracefully puddle on the floor, while family photos and paintings are encased in antique gold frames. A notable piece is a 24-karat gold leaf coffee table, representing chinoiserie—an 18th-century Western European and English decorative fashion that incorporates Chinese ornamentation and structural elements. Keeney highlighted the versatility of chinoiserie, explaining its compatibility with various furniture styles, making it ideal for Mulvihill's desired blend of Italian and Asian influences. The formal dining room features a mahogany table with a burled piano finish and a china cabinet from EJ Victor’s Newport Mansion collection, filled with Lenox dishes. An Italian crystal chandelier with antique gold accents serves as a central focal point, complemented by custom-finished antique gold sconces. The room is distinctively wallpapered with Scalamandre silk paper, a sophisticated choice that, despite its challenging installation process, provides a luxurious, textured paint-like appearance. Dark wood floors and Oriental runners guide the transition from the dining room to the family room, where columns similar to those at the portico entrance mark the space. A striking 11-foot Maitland Smith console table with a stone top, weighing 1,000 pounds, dominates the family room, above which hangs a large painting of Venice framed in antique bronze. The walls, faux-finished by local artist Gary Paiement to resemble Tuscan plaster, feature a soft neutral sage with copper undertones, creating a serene yet invigorating ambiance. In the family room, black-and-white family photos offer a visual contrast to the rich greens, reds, golds, and rusts of the oversized sofas, throw pillows, and heavy velour drapes. Thick walnut curtain rods frame a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walnut mantel. French doors open to an expansive double deck, leading to a pool and fire pit, offering breathtaking views of the Pike Creek Valley. The gourmet kitchen, which adjoins the family room, includes builder upgrades and is further enhanced by furnishings such as a Guy Chaddock table and chairs beside a second fireplace, creating a cozy area for family meals and homework. The kitchen is illuminated by chandeliers: a large crystal and gold fixture above the table and several smaller, dark bronze chandeliers above the granite island. An original landscape oil painting and embroidered drapery panels by Beacon Hill incorporate Tuscan colors. The office, however, diverges from the main Italian and Oriental motif, dedicated instead to Dr. Mulvihill’s golf hobby. Delaware artist Tracy Berger created a wall-length mural of Pebble Beach, the doctor’s favorite golf course, as a birthday gift from Linda. The room is sparingly furnished with a mahogany desk, a black wall unit, and chairs, allowing the large bay window with its valley view to take prominence. Linda Mulvihill acknowledges that decorating is an ongoing process, continually adding pieces and relying on Keeney's guidance to refine her home's aesthetic, a testament to her keen taste and clear vision for her living space. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #WroughtIron #AsianItalianFusion #LuxuryInteriors #CustomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignConsultant #DecorativeElements