Sometimes, a small space can create large challenges.  In this newly renovated foyer the ceiling is low and the shape is irregular.  The goal was to create a welcoming statement of traditional elgance.

Great care and attention was given to the exact layout and scale of the design.  Planning the layout was critical.  It was important to visualize how the pattern would “direct” the eye and influence the traffic flow of the space.  Colors were determined by the adjacent wood tones, the furnishings and accessories.  The result is a visual invitation to experience the unexpected details within the classic design of this home.

The Design Process:

We began with new wood floors.  There were 3 strong visual references in this space . . . the walkway to the kitchen, the center of the curve along the stairway and the front door.  Scale and proportion were also taken into consideration.  Pay close attention to how the pattern leads your eye in the right directions from every vantage point.

When working with raw wood and stains, you only have one chance to make it right!  Many rolls of blue tape allowed us to first determine the pattern.  It is more important that the design is visually correct rather than mathematically perfect.  As a result, we were able to minimize imperfections such as crooked walls or uneven trim.

The  colors were chosen to compliment the surrounding wood finishes.  Care was taken to prevent “bleed under” of the stains.  Each line is absolutely crisp!  Once completed, the flooring specialists returned to apply all of the top layers of polyurethane.  This provides added depth and dimension to the appearance.  Aso, it ensures that our work was protected.  Beginning with raw wood is more labor intensive.  But, the results yield much higher durability than trying to adapt previously finished floors.

Once completed, the pattern on this floor greets you with a statement of attention to details.  Every visitor is cleverly guided to enter and tour this home to experience all of the visual surprises inside.

An old idea with a new twist was applied to the renovation of this vintage kitchen.  The ceilings were only 8 feet high.  The objective was to create a focal point that would draw the eye downward.  Over the years, new hardwood floors had been installed in the adjacent rooms.  None of them were the same color but this is the point where they would all come together.  The solution was to apply a classic design that would be interesting and visually compatible from all vantage points.

The Design Process:

Designs such as these are challenging since the pattern must be an appropriate scale for the space and also line up geometrically correct.  Equipped with a measuring tape, knee pads and a calculator, one full day was spent making sure the layout was perfect.

This floor began as raw wood.  Five colors of stain were mixed to blend with the adjacent colors of wood flooring in the adjoining rooms.  Specific techniques must be followed to keep the different stains from “bleeding” and make sure each line is crisp.  During the process, no one was allowed on this floor without protective footgear.  Scratches or dirt would not be erasable!  When the design was completed, the flooring specialists returned to apply 3 final layers of polyurethane.  Since each color was carefully matched, only water based products were used to make sure the floor would not yellow over time.