I’m a big fan of painted floors. Stripes, checks, harlequins, and other designs. They create a beautiful base to design your room around, or to enhance what you already have in place.
To paint a wood floor:
Sand the space with a fine grit sandpaper and apply a primer so the color will adhere but doesn’t get soaked up by the floor boards.
Clean the floor well to remove all dust, dirt, and grime.
Choose a paint that is made specifically for floors.
Lay out your pattern with masking tape or a pencil and paint using a brush or roller. Start from one end of the room and work your way towards the doorway. Don’t get stuck in the corner with no way to get out other than walking on your fresh paint job!
Apply as many coats as needed to get the desired hue and saturation.
After the paint dries for 2 days, seal the floor with polyurethane. Or, you can go au naturale, and embrace the scrapes, dings, scuffs, and wear of everyday life.
Stripes can give the illusion of more space.
This lacey pattern is girly and fresh. I can see it in a bathroom with a dark wood vanity, a gorgeous mirror and a crystal chandelier like this from Brocade Home. A claw foot tub wouldn’t be half bad either.
Diagonal lines are know as active lines, while straight, orthogonal lines are know as calm ones. A harlequin pattern is a diamond pattern created in a layout, as seen on the floor of this country kitchen. The pattern activates this calm design created by muted neutrals and rustic decor. The chandelier, sink, and faucet neck are made of antiqued brass, the faucet handles are of porcelain, and the countertop is carrara marble. The french doors open up to the outdoors, and natural light floods the room. Adding to the country and lived-in look of the kitchen, the turned leg table and wheatback chairs are finished antiqued white.
Cararra marble has been used since the beginning of time. Entire cities, like Rome, were constructed with the famous stone, and sculptures such as Michelangelo’s David, were carved with it. It is quarried in Tuscany, and is famous for its beautiful white and gray blue veins. It is so gorgeous, but not for a working kitchen, because it stains so easily, even when sealed constantly.
I am really loving the clean look of this foyer with the white walls, painted wood floor, and the dramatic contrast between that and the dark woods in the banister, french doors, and console table. The style is eclectic: a French Bergere, contemporary console table, cubist art, eastern inspired ceiling pendants, and gold leaf mirror. The glossy paint on the floor reflects light further into the home, and bounces it right up the stairway.
Bungalow 5 carries similar consoles like this one.
This kitchen is so rustic and charming. The wood floor is painted high gloss turquoise, and is a beautiful contrast with the exposed wood ceiling. Even though this is a small space square footage-wise, the high ceilings and reflective floor brighten it and make it seem larger and airy. I would love to see more pictures of this home!
Larger scale octagons in a linear pattern lengthen this dining space, and are interesting with the the narrower floorboards. It almost looks like tile. Subtle contrasting hues in the design yield a final result that is compelling and whimsical with the bright paint when you look up.
The chevron pattern creates the look of a rug in this entry. Chocolate and blonde stains are really gorgeous used together like this. I love the pop of color in the flowers and the teal hurricanes that flank the horse in the background.
