A few weeks ago, I did a blog post extolling the virtues of the adorned ceiling. This week, I thought I would give an equal nod to the floor surface. The following four categories pictorially illustrate some of our favorite floor finishes: wood, natural tile, concrete tile and concrete. All offer durable, beautiful richness and each were carefully selected for appropriateness in their respective design. These may be underfoot but the impact of gorgeous flooring should never be underrated.
WOOD
Wood comes in many species, finishes and sizes. It’s literally as varied as trees in the forest. These are some of our favorites:
Picture 1: wide plank antique oak w/ an antique face*
Picture 2: wide plank heart pine w/ an antique face
Picture 3: random width antique oak
Picture 4: random width heart pine
Picture 5: wide plank heart pine w/ an antique face
*Note: ”antique face” means that these boards were cut from the outside face of reclaimed antique beams so circular saw marks, rough surfaces form age, etc. show. These are not traditionally sanded and finished as the surface patina is desired.
NATURAL TILE
Materials hewn from the earth provide validation in any style interior. The spectrum is endless. One of our favorite sources is Marmi Natural Stone in Atanta.
Picture 1: Antique, reclaimed jerusalem stone in an ashlar pattern
Picture 2: Square, filled limestone in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 3: Rectangular , filled limestone in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 4: Square filled silver travertine in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 4: Square, unfilled limestone in a diagonal pattern
CONCRETE TILE
These pavers are cast concrete and are available from Peacock Pavers. The color is buff and the pattern is ashlar. We’ve been using these beautiful pavers for over 25 years now (when we first started specifying them, they were being hand cast by a bunch of guys in a little roadside shed in Atmore, Alabama). They have a lovely, aged finished and almost look like reclaimed antique castle stone.
CONCRETE
Polished concrete is an inexpensive (structurally, it’s often already in place) and contemporary feeling material. We typically saw cut a pattern into the surface, acid etch it with a stain and finish with a special wax. The result almost looks like time-worn leather. It’s virtually indestructible at home or work.
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