Floors By Design
November 21, 2011
This bold hall floor design was built with Modularity vinyl tiles that come in contemporary colours and shapes.
Dear Debbie: We have just moved into a fixer-upper and are looking for ideas that will improve the sad state of the décor while we save for renovating. We are going to paint, have you any ideas on inexpensive floor coverings?
- Paulette and Sam
Dear Paulette and Sam: A new coat of paint is the fastest way to freshen up your new house. But worn or dirty floors really do affect the overall mood of each room. Take stock of what you've got. Rip up any old carpeting, and if the floor underneath is not too bad you could sand it and either stain or paint it. Paint is an inexpensive way to cover up stains and low grade wood or even a plywood subfloor.
Another option is a product I discovered on line that has amazing design possibilities. Modularity Tiles are vinyl tiles with a twist - these versatile tiles come in a palette of 17 contemporary colours and three tile shapes. They start with the traditional 12" x 12" or 18" x 18" square and then die-cut circles and rounded squares from the centres so that you have round or square frames and inserts. Your design options are limitless, anything from dramatic to playful to ultra-modern. The cost should fit your budget and you and your husband can lay them yourself using two sided tape or more permanent glue. Instructions are on their website www.modularitytiles.com The salon styled entrance hall shown here makes quite the statement. The theatrical theme is heightened by those fat violet and lapis polka dots that pop against the black tile frames. Then imagine the same layout using red background and blue and yellow circles for a child's playroom. The lively kitchen shows off the possibilities with mix and match squares. The insert squares are all white, but the vinyl frames alternate between tangerine and periwinkle. These squares in black, gray and white would be terrific in a bathroom or traditional hallway.
And finally, check out the reasonably priced area carpets at your home stores; they have a good selection that will add instant style and warmth to your new home.
Dear Debbie: My husband wants to put laminate flooring in our kitchen and den. I'm OK with this as long as I can find something I like. What I want is one that has the look of slate (greens, gold's, browns), but I don't know if this is available in a laminate flooring. All of our cabinets are a natural oak and I feel like I need more color in these areas. Thank you for your help.
- Judi
Dear Judi: The beautiful shading found in slate would make a stunning complement to your oak cabinetry. I would consider putting down slate tiles in your kitchen and den. Slate is durable, comes in non-skid finish and is practical for both kitchen and recreation areas. Good quality laminate and engineered floors are an option if you decide to stick to wood. Visit www.builddirect.com to view the various flooring products and colourways available. I love this online store; they cut out the middle man, deliver samples of the product to your door so that you can see how they look in your home, and even tell you how to lay it yourself. They have a barnwood look that would make a nice contrast with the oak as well.
* Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie's new website, www.debbietravis.com
