Hi Everyone,
This is a two-part post with lots of news about the hardwood floor and several new updates with the primary bathroom.
If you’ve already read the post, please click the link below to go to part 2.
Part 2 Begins Here
This is a photo I took through my living room window of dark skies overhead at 4:15 on Thursday, just before a storm hit. But look at those reflections of the kitchen and the lamp DOWNSTAIRS!
Before I begin with today’s topic, Thank you doesn’t begin to cover how grateful I am for each of you who took the time to share your experiences and extend your support as I navigate this floor and other issues.
I can’t tell you how much it helps me cope.
In fact, your words of encouragement gave me the strength to reach out to Gary at 2:15 last Thursday to clearly explain the issues and what I would like to happen. That includes him seeing to it that the immense amount of trash his guys left on my patio gets removed. What if there were no patio? What then? Do they just leave it in a heap somewhere inside the home? Yeesh!
Unfortunately, he did not respond. Well, that is, not until Friday morning. He’s away but will come over on Tuesday to see what can be done. I’m not holding my breath. We had discussed it when there was still an opportunity to do something about it.
So, Iet’s move on to more joyful topics.
Thursday, the painters also returned after a two-week break.
I will have to share what they are doing in the den. It’s amazing.
They also covered my lovely new primary bathroom floor with thick brown paper.
If you missed the beautiful new floor, you can see it here.
That’s because Brendan and Eugene, the two wonderful carpenters, were back on Wednesday to patch up the hole in the wall and replace and repair the mouldings in the primary bathroom.
Since my bedroom had been B&E’s workroom since last October until only a few weeks ago, I put a sign on my bedroom doors to remind them that this was no longer their domain. ;] ;] ;]
haha. (and held up with painter’s tape, natch.)
Okay, let’s take a closer look at what B & E did with the baseboards in the primary bathroom. (After consulting with me.) I think it looks about the best it can be for the circumstance.
But, first let’s look at the baseboard as it was a couple of months ago.
I don’t have any close-ups of how it was, but I think you can see that the plinth blocks didn’t flow with the baseboard as it wrapped around.
Typically, when there’s a door casing, there’s a door jamb. But since this is a niche, the jamb wasn’t necessary, so we have a somewhat unusual situation.
Also, please notice the shower curb which should’ve been six inches to cover the baseboard, not five inches.
Below is a close-up to see how they did the baseboard after it went back on. (after the new floor installation)
We tried it without the piece added on the left, and it looked terrible. While it’s still a bit convoluted, I think this is a cleaner look, and the shower curb is 100% better. It will look fine when painted, and the seam and nail holes will disappear.
Anyway, most people don’t have their faces on the ground. lol
We also eliminated and replaced the shaped plinth block with a straight plinth block that dies into the baseboard.
Above is the other side of the vanity niche. That seam will get spackled here, as well.
Okay, brace yourselves for a terrifying progress shot from June 10th!
I want you to see how the panel moulding/wainscoting and adjacent cabinet looked only ten weeks ago. That got fixed, too.
Holy disaster area in the bedroom! If you missed it, you can read about the paint catastrophe here.
Also, if you’d like to see how the hidden doors work, please go to this post.
I am not quite sure how it’s possible I didn’t have a nervous breakdown!
I was just scrolling through the pictures and can’t believe what I saw!
Ahhh… so much better. It might be a little difficult to tell, but the WC panels were smaller and better matched to the hidden door cabinet by the entrance. The doors will go back on during the painting phase.
Laurel, what on earth will you store in those skinny cabinets?
Is that a trick question? That’s where I store the whips and chains. Duh. ;]
I know what you’re trying to say. You’re trying to say those cabinets are awfully skinny and deep. Yes, indeed, and it’s one of those things that if one of us knew what they were doing, we could’ve gotten about four more inches in the width, but alas, it’s only 8″ of clear space. That’s why God invented pull-out shelf storage that comes in widths as small as 6″.
Of course, there are zillions of companies that make these or one could use a company that specializes in custom cabinetry and closet storage solutions.
Looking into the bedroom now… (Please scroll back up)
Of course, most of that furniture isn’t staying. However, I adore the Chinoiserie cabinet so much in that location. It looks gorgeous and so at home there!
My new bedroom is already bringing me immense joy. Despite the paint color issues, I am so enjoying hanging out down here. And I sure am getting my exercise running up and down the stairs all day long.
I realized today what has gotten me through the last eight + months since I returned after moving out.
It’s my beautiful kitchen, and it was fully functioning less than three weeks after I returned, even though not fully finished.
Yes, it’s almost otherworldly and all the more so in real life. And yes, we are still planning to do the harlequin pattern on the floor.
I’m so lucky! I have to get some shades for those lamps.
They are so beautiful in the kitchen. I got them at Stenella Antiques. They’re a design by Mario Buatta for Frederick Cooper.
The microwave is not staying there. I’ve had it for about eight years, and unfortunately, it’s refusing to die. Normally, these cheap things don’t last too long. Not this one. Oh, it looks darling, but it’s not very powerful and has the most annoying, piercing beep. Plus, I want to put a microwave in my pantry; the one above is too large.
After the kitchen is painted, a beautiful milkglass pendant light will be installed.
Well, that’s all for now.
Again, many thanks for your wonderful messages! It’s not just the kitchen that’s gotten me through all this. I daresay I couldn’t have done it without all of you!
Coming up there are going to be a few posts discussing the final choices for paint colors! I began working on the final colors in this post. Chris is going to make some more big samples for me.
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
Hi Everyone,
So far, this is a relatively quiet week in renovation land, but no less eventful.
Can I say I am bloody sick of living like this?
However, there are moments when I’m not obsessing about looking at paint colors, that I find myself walking around and marveling at what has been achieved. It’s beyond my wildest dreams. I just want everything to be done.
And, to be clear, when I say “everything,” I mean everything that’s messy or requires that I share one toilet on a different floor with 25 men. Well, not all on the same day. lol
Well, a miracle happened on Monday.
But the miracle isn’t spelled M-I-R-A-C-L-E.
No, it’s spelled:
K-O-H-L-E-R
;]
I’ve always wanted a Kohler Memoirs toilet. For the price, it’s the prettiest toilet on the market, and the vitreous china is beautiful.
The plumber was so funny.
He said in a slightly panicked voice, “Did you know the toilet seat is black?”
Uh, huh. It’s actually a very dark walnut stain with a multi-step piano finish—very retro. The only thing is that they did an old-fashioned, non-soft-close lid. Oh well. I now have my very own toilet that I don’t have to share with anyone! And the best part is that it works!
Guys, I know the mouldings are eccentric, and the toilet is about a half-inch off-center.
Well, me too! Me Too!
That’s life. It won’t be noticeable in real life, but it is in the photo.
Please excuse the yellow tape. I don’t know what’s taking so long, but the bathroom isn’t completely painted. I’ve spoken to Chris that the guys need to step it up. They are doing too good a job. haha
Oh, there’s more.
No, only the console is installed. Hopefully, the plumbing will be done next week. Don’t ask. We’re waiting for parts that should’ve been ordered ages ago. I tried to order them but was told it was the wrong type every time I shared what I wanted. Then, when I found the right type, there was a six-week backorder. In the meantime, the plumber is getting what I need.
Of course, those lamps are only temporary.
However, it’s giving me a better idea of how lovely the lighting will be. It will be even lovelier when the light is installed in the WC niche.
Below are some links to the sink, toilet, and toilet seat.
Over the weekend, I returned to Johnson Paint and got four quarts of teal paint colors.
Ed suggested Aura would be my best bet. Yes, it was expensive, but less expensive than getting it wrong.
But, get this. Remember the photo I shared of Beau Green?
Below is the sample in the background compared to the paint chip.
Do you see how much more green the paint chip is than the sample? Below is their paint chip online. It, too, is more green. Since it’s so off-color, I eliminated that one right away.
I have to have the new paint schedule complete sometime tomorrow. The prep is nearly complete, and I’ve told Chris the guys need to be finished painting by mid-September.
I should be able to share the paint colors on Thursday evening.
xo,
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Related Posts
Laurel’s Home Renovation 2024 – News & Deets!
The Hidden Bathroom Doors Are Installed, but there’s a Problem
14 month Renoversary! and I’m Back In My Bedroom!
The Bright Light at the End of the Renovation Tunnel
Renovation News and Deets!
The Paint Disaster Downstairs & What I’m Doing About It (Parts 1 & 2)
Happy One-Year Renovation Anniversary + Lots of News!
69 Responses
I’m so happy to see how all your hard work and conviction has paid off–it was clearly with all the battles because the results are off-the-chart beautiful!
Apologies if I missed it, but what happened to your black and gold French Empire chandelier? Did you scrap it or move it to another location? I’m forced to do a partial remodel (plumbing issues) of my c.1924 primary bathroom which has a very similar chandelier. I was anxious. to see what type of sconces or other light fixtures you would choose to put with such a dramatic chandelier. By the way, I’m terribly jealous of your beautiful marble bath–I’m a devout preservationist, a real curse in this case, I’m keeping as much of the original tile as possible which poses quite a design challenge since it’s orange!
Hi Pamela,
No, I didn’t scrap it, however, I hope it got put in the loft off of the den. If it’s not there, then I don’t know where it is. At one point, I did a rendering with it in the bathroom, however, I think it’s now going in my small entry upstairs. That’s where I originally planned for it to go.
Loveliest toilets I’ve ever seen! That dark walnut piano finish on the seat is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see what the final paint color selection will be. I have a teal paint color on my kitchen cabinets (my contractor thought I was nuts initially). Bet thing I’ve ever done! Thank you for sharing your fabulous and sometimes frustrating restoration project with all of us.
It is beyond crazy and blatantly false advertising that (especially) the chips (because monitors can distort) are so off the actual color. It is causing consumers to spend needlessly and SOMEONE will eventually call these companies to task about it via a class-action suit. They have reason to know.
Laurel, the console is beautiful and I love the lamps even though they are temporary…the final lighting will be out of this world. And the Memoirs commode is stunning!
Laurel,
The console is beautiful and I love the lamps, even though they are temporary. And the Memoirs commode? Stunning!
I’ve been eyeing these legs for a long time, but liked yours too and then they weren’t available.
I just wonder if somehow I could get a different sink for it, I don’t care if it’s the marble. 🤔
The large panels of the wainscoting underneath the mouldings- what is that material please? That would be suitable for a bathroom.
Oh, Laurel, your bathroom is shaping up to be just as swoon-worthy as your gorgeous kitchen! I’m so happy for you that things are coming together. I can just imagine you walking around your home, soaking it all in :] I recently bought a new green velvet accent chair and new pillows for our living room and a new (vintage) Chinese cabinet for our family room. I now love those rooms so much more! And I have you to thank for helping me to understand the principles of interior design and to hone my style. Thank you for all you do!
Love the toilet, Laurel! We had the exact one installed when we did a vintage remodel of our upstairs bath. We’re just about finished with the whole house renovation that we started beginning of 2023. I could tell you reno nightmare stories for days, but it’s all good now and we love how it looks. It’s so worth it. I know you will enjoy your beautiful home for a long time when it’s done. Hang in there!!
What material have you used for the wainscoting in your bathroom, a wet area?
Hi Denise,
The baseboard, crown and doorway casings are either polyurethane or plastic. The panel moulding is for the panels are the only mouldings made from wood.
I don’t know what happened to my email for the last two months but I have missed your blog and had to spend all morning catching up so I’ll blame you for the fact I’m really behind on my to do list today!! I think if it doesn’t show up again, I’ll have to resubscribe. It’s looking so beautiful, Laurel. I know you were just itching to get to the fun decorating part and passed all this head scratching decision-making stuff at the end that drives everyone crazy, When they’re doing a Reno , such as you’re doing!! The moldings the paint everything is looking fantastic! I still have to go back and find the blog to figure out what you did after the terrible painters left!!
Hi Martha,
I sent you an email. I’m so sorry this happened to you. It’s not unusual, unfortunately. :[
I had Kohler Memoirs toilets in my last house and paid the builder extra to install them in my new home. Best toilets on the market and pretty, too, if a toilet could be referred to as such. 😉
Laurel, is it possible to do these legs with a porcelain sink which would make it more affordable?
https://palmerindustries.com/styles/renaissance
I’ve also been wanting to tell you how well I think you’ve handled all of the problems that have come up. I have so many things that need to get done and just haven’t pulled the trigger yet because I’m afraid of facing exactly those kinds of things.
Thank you.
Hi Gail,
These legs are fully custom, and undoubtedly quite expensive. There are much less expensive legs in the marketplace. You can probably find them ot Wayfair and places like that.
I got teary-eyed when I saw the bathroom pictures! Your vision is coming together. I’m mid-kitchen reno and my issues haven’t been as significant as yours but the cabinet maker has about sent me over the edge. But his work is beautiful so all will be well even if I am having to compromise on some things he originally agreed to. Got my Vermont Danby countertops installed yesterday and I woke up in the middle of the night excited as a kid at Christmas and couldn’t get back to sleep. Feeling your pain on the paint colors not being true, but I walk in the kitchen and marvel that it’s really mine! Hang in there!
Never thought I’d call a toilet niche gorgeous but it is!
Love me a Memoirs toilet, I have 3. Most people don’t understand being picky about a toilet😉😉
This comment is regarding the toilet (since there are comments on several parts of this post) When I first looked at the photo, sans glasses, I thought the painters’ tape was gold wrapping ribbon -to make it look like a present! 🎁 🤩 🥳
I remember, in college, in our girls’ dorm, we had what I called a “boy” toilet seat – an opening in the front. (I know you told us what those were before, but I forgot the technical term.) To the amusement of my suitemates, I went and bought a padded dark green seat, and switched it out! No one liked the padding, but it sure beat the old seat! I think the dark seat is marvelous … and I’m with you – a private space, not to share, is truly miraculous!! (Said by a mom with six sons) Congratulations!!!
Hi Mary,
Oh wow! What a drag with the paint not drying. Our Aura samples dried quickly.
The area behind the toilet and sink are already painted.
The paint chip colors not matching has got to be so frustrating on top of what is always a painful process of narrowing down the exact color for your paint! I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful, though, because you chose it!
I did nearly have a heart attack when you said Aura for a paint that dark. We painted our kitchen in a 1:1 ratio of BM Soot and BM Deep Royal using Aura. It literally never dried (over 45 days and it was sticky to the touch.) I was told it was due to the high pigment content since the drying agent is only in the base and our color was nearly black. Anyway, I would paint a sample in Aura (maybe you have been since you’ve been getting quarts?) and be sure it dries properly in your preferred color. We had to sand all the cabinets down and repaint using BM Command (which is awesome). I feel silly giving you, the professional, who is careful to test everything, any advice, maybe it’s the post traumatic stress making have to say something.😊
Hi Laurel,
Having your own toilet is great. And yours is beautiful.
Susan from @houseofbrinson added sanitary handles to her toilets. They added an elegant touch to her wood seats.
Hopefully the painters can work around your new toilet & sink.
Oh! Everything is so pretty!!
Laurel, am loving how your downstairs is evolving. The toilet is genius! Love how the seat picks up the border on the floor. Re: your search for the right moody green/teal for the den – have to give you a ton of credit. I would have given up by now from frustration with how the chips do not match the actual color. Looking forward to your final decision.
Hi Laurel and everyone. I have very much enjoyed the agony, outrage, wins and progress throughout this process. I echo others that it is a privilege to observe your tenacious and fully engaged process as it validates my own process, except we’re all DIY at my place except for plumbing and electrical. Whatever are you going to do with yourself when all the workers have signed off? 😊 THANK YOU for sharing all of the details so meticulously.
I love your bathroom sink, but when I click on the link to it, I can’t find the legs you have on it. Could you please point me to it? Thanks!
Hi Gail,
I’m so sorry, but those legs are no longer available. You can get these legs, however.
You can also get gorgeous sink legs through Palmer Industries.
That toilet IS beautiful! classically elegant if I may say so.
Your kitchen is to die for.
That is the most dining looking kitchen. Very elegant with that curved cabinet and beautiful glass cabinets. Looking forward to the painted floors. I plan on doing that in my foyer. I believe I’ll use tape.
I also cannot wait to see the harlequin floors! That view into the kitchen has always been my favorite part of your mockups. So delighted for you!
I love Lorrie’s suggestion that you publish and sell a multi-detailed outline with pictures of your beautiful renovation (maybe with “before”and “after” pics). Only trouble is that lots of your followers will want to emulate what you have done. I know I do!
I started to imagine what you could do with your renovation experiences but I think maybe you need time to de-stress before thinking about your next steps.
I’m very excited to see everything when you’re all finished.
Heather
Every design element, color, style, placement is magnificent. If you published say a 10 page glossy containing each room/space, and identified all the materials you used, including paint colors and sheens, I would buy it! Add it to your arsenal of guides, in a pdf form for $XXX. I know you have graciously shared along the way but having it centralized would be very appealing to lazy people, like me!
Being a Cancer (astrological sign) my home is my haven and a refuge from the world. If I lived in this beauty, it would be close to Heaven. So elegant and tasteful, thank you Laurel!
I must confess that I am SO excited to see your painted wood kitchen floors finished! Those are my dream floors and I think it is going to look amazing. Your style is very different than my style (yours is much more elegant and refined than anything I could pull off) and yet I love everything you’ve done. I love this stage where everything is finally coming together. So excited for you!
I was so glad to read that your bedroom has become a beloved sanctuary for you. It’s certainly needed after all the months of trials. Everything is looking wonderful. Congratulations on sticking to your vision. Wishing you smooth sailing down the home stretch.
Dear Laurel-
Your kitchen is lovely! The other thing about ceramic floors is your BACK and LEGS are likely to be killing you if you stand and cook for any length of time. Wood is much easier on the body.
In my case, I put engineered hardwood in my kitchen, which would have been fine, except I chose one that is somewhat soft and every time I drop something (klutzy me- kutzy almost everybody), ding! There goes another flaw in my floor. Oh well, live and learn.
Hang on. Your remodel will be done at some point, and will be a receding memory.
[Insert “Wild applause”] Magnificent! Breathtaking! Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your new home reno with us! I don’t think I have missed a single post since you lived in New York. I live in the middle of the Province of British Columbia where we do not have character homes like yours but I am still fascinated by all that you do. I have learned so much from you. Besides, your sense of humour is just up my alley! You are in the home stretch so I am very excited for you!
Your attention to detail amazes me, and I am ridiculously happy watching someone shepherd their vision through the actual construction process. It reminds me of childbirth – all the pain will hopefully be forgotten when you are finally settled in your gorgeous space. As for the green microwave, why not just pass it on to a good home through Craigslist or Facebook marketplace? Right now, it feels like the wrong shade of nail varnish in that beautiful kitchen. Get what you want and live with it now. It’s a small issue in the scheme of things, but it will make you so happy when things are looking just so. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Hoping for a great outcome this Tuesday regarding the living room floor when you meet with Gary. Thousands of us are waiting to hear what solution Gary comes up with. Miracles can happen. The buck stops with Gary. I cannot fathom him looking at the failed stain job and not offering to correct it.
I’m confident the harlequin (and yes, it is harlequin not checkerboard) floor pattern painting process will go smoothly and without problems because Chris the painter is an experienced decorative painter and has the portfolio to prove it. Plus, his paint crew has done an outstanding job in correcting the previous disastrous paint job and has achieved beautiful and professional results. Also, the fact that they keep the workspace neat and orderly and clean up after each painting session is a testament to their high standards. I worked in the design field for years and have seen the good, the not so good and the downright awful, so I understand what you are going through. All of the mistakes made during the remodeling that you insisted be corrected have been spot on.
Love the idea of a mock up. The kitchen is soooo beautiful and many years ago I did a harlequin/ diamond/checkerboard floor and loved it but the room was bigger so a mock up on the paper you have now would be easy but I know the heart wants what the heart wants,lol.
Its all beautiful, so glad the microwave is going!
The kitchen is just stunning and it alone would be worth the trials of this renovation, in my opinion. I wonder if there is room for the green microwave to live in the cabinet under the stairs? It might be handy to have one on that level for reheating beverages or eye masks.
I think the harlequin pattern will be beautiful and just another bit of jewelry in your space; however, I, too, am nervous about the painting of it and upkeep. I am such a messy person when cooking, I could never live with those floors. But I believe you when you say you can.
So the big problem is getting those floors painted precisely and without making a mess during the process. I am assuming they will cover all your lower cabinets with paper or plastic and tape the edges down. Will they draw out the pattern before beginning? I am particularly impressed by how you adjusted the size of the squares to suit the size of the upstairs and downstairs areas.
I am sure these workmen are blind to your vision for your space.
And, yes, the kitchen is stunning and a huge testament to your design sense. It really should be featured in a major design magazine. Of course, the rest of your space should also be featured.
Re: microwave. When our mwave died about two years ago, I knew I wanted a soft close door and NO Beeps. I’m happy to say that a Google of same brought me to a Breville one. I do think there are many more brands doing a soft close door ( life hanging happiness for me 😍) now.
There are no words to describe how amazing your kitchen is…no words!! I would love to see the before photo next to the kitchen now. As a designer myself, this is a testament to your planning and design skills…and of course watching your restoration staff every minute! 🙂 Such a pleasure to see the reno evolve!
I, too, am a bit worried (after all the mishaps and angst you’ve been through) about the painted flooring in the kitchen and entries. I just can’t quite envision the lines turning out perfectly straight with no smudging. Whenever I’ve tried to paint using a stencil I get paint in places I don’t want it. I hope Chris is going to be doing it himself (and not sending one of his workers to do it) and that the finish will look like “real” flooring, and be easily maintained, etc.
Your kitchen is perfect and I know you marvel at it everyday. I am sooooo nervous about you painting the kitchen floors and thinking about paint splatters on your lovely cabinets and any unknown issues, etc. My heart stops a beat thinking about it! I love the entire look as it is. I hope you can wrap up all the remodeling soon and just live with them they way they are to give yourself a break for a few months. I can picture a lovely accent rug in the interim. When you do decide to do the floors, do the downstairs foyer first so you can see how it goes.
It’s all looking glorious! The kitchen is s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g! I’m glad you’re getting rid of the microwave. Being green and huge, it’s the first thing that drew my eye. Mood killer. You are going to have a magnificent home. Well worth all the trauma and dramas. You’re a blessed woman!
Keep calm and carry on 💐
Your house journey makes me shake in my summer sandals. If you have trouble with contractors and trades, and you know exactly what you want and how everything should look when finished, I don’t hold out much hope for myself.
What I’ve done with my house is research every little thing, done everything I can do myself, and hired a local handyman company for things I can’t do. Not having your training or, sadly, your eye, I am going slowly so I can make corrections when I need to. You have trained me pretty well though not to buy things until I have a plan! So, I am making a plan to renovate the primary bedroom and bathroom, and I’m gathering samples. Oh, how far I’ve come!
Oh happy day! That’s what my mind sings when I see a post from you. I’ve so enjoyed watching the transformation of your beautiful home. The kitchen is a dream! But why limit yourself to Princess, Your Majesty?
Only one word for your kitchen – ethereal!
Congratulations on such a beautiful creation.
I’m so glad the state of your wood floors will be addressed. There are just some things that would stick out like a sore thumb. Others you learn to live with. Ask me how I know. 🤦♀️
Last week Emily Henderson did a blog post about some current trends in kitchens. One of the things mentioned was curved cabinets. When I read that I immediately thought of you.
The checked floor will be the cherry on top of your beautiful kitchen.
It’s all so pretty Laurel, every decision you made has paid off!
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but your kitchen floors will not be in a harlequin pattern, they will be in a checkerboard, meaning all the squares have equilateral sides at 90 degree angles. A harlequin pattern is basically a checked pattern, but with diamonds instead of squares, meaning 2 of the angles are greater than 90 degrees and 2 are less than 90 degrees.
I actually like checkerboard patterns better, and yours is going to be amazing–love your kitchen!
Hi Diana,
When someone says, “please don’t take this the wrong way,” they know that what they are about to say is probably something the recipient is going to take offense to, as in, “I’m going to say something insulting, but please don’t take it as an insult.”*
Sure thing.
Technically, you are correct about the authentic harlequin shape, however, checkerboard in this case, is also not correct, if we’re being super nit-picky, which *I would prefer we try to avoid. I’ve also called this pattern a checkerboard on the blog, but that too, is incorrect.
Checkerboard floors are not oriented on an angle which is why when the squares are oriented on a 45 or 90 degree angle, as mine will be, they are commonly referred to in the design industry as a harlequin pattern. This differentiates them from a checkerboard pattern where the squares are oriented straight-on like a checkerboard.
A diamond pattern, which is the other term people use when the square is oriented on an angle is also technically wrong, for the same reason harlequin is, however, “square on a 45 or 90 degree angle pattern floor” is a little awkward. lol
However, I’m fine with you calling this pattern whatever you like.
I have been enjoying following your progress with your amazing home. I have found it enlightening that you, a wonderful designer have also have issues and second thoughts on your projects. It makes me feel better for sure. Question, I am looking for a good Flooring company, would you recommend Sequoia Flooring? Thank you for your wonderful, informative and entertaining posts!
Hi KBernadette,
It’s my hope that we can read between the lines for the answer to your question.
The harlequin floors sound really nice and something I want to consider instead of doing black and white tile. Is there a reason you didn’t do tile? (I looked back through previous posts but couldn’t find anything. Thanks!
Hi Kimberly,
There were a few reasons I didn’t do tile. One, I didn’t want a floor saddle, especially one that would go a span of seven feet. Two, the job was moving like a geriatric snail about to expire, and putting wood in everywhere, was my somewhat lame attempt to at least get something going. I also thought I would save a bit of money. Yes, I was dreaming on that one, for sure!
Three, I didn’t want to do a faux stone, ceramic, ore even real marble. I’ve been living with ceramic floors since 2013 and not only are they very hard underfoot, they are 100% unforgiving if klutzy me drops something breakable.
Four, I love painted floors and particularly the classic harlequin-esque ;] (see Diana Bier’s comment and response) pattern.
Laurel, I am so glad that things are finally coming together!! You place is perfect for a princess 😉
Oh Laurel! Everything looks so heavenly! And I can’t wait to see the harlequin floors–to me that’s the only thing missing. You have done such a beautiful and thoughtful job restoring this jewel of a house. And I was relieved to hear you’ll be moving out the green microwave 😱 in that perfect kitchen!!! I guess it’s just me but mid-century modern reminds me of my childhood…bleak interiors and awful colors…
Thank you for going to all the trouble of showing your readers the whole process. You are an angel!
That kitchen…. oh my!
Laurel, what is the blue paint colour you’ve used on the ceilings?
Your harlequin floors will bring energy and light to the deeper parts of your home . They will be beautiful and tie into your bedroom floor, railing, hearth and bluegreen colors. If this is a design you’ve always loved it’s a winner! Just use your well polished communication skills and kindly hover! ;).
I am so very happy for you fulfilling your dream, go forth and conquer! And please don’t ever sell so I can enjoy it through your blog!!
Laurel your kitchen is a jewel box! A jewel box within a jewel box! And you are the tutu clad ballerina pirouetting in the center!
Everything you have done so far is absolutely gorgeous and I love it all. But I’m wondering if the Harlequin floors are just a little too much. To my eye they make the floors look busy in rather smallish spaces. It’s your eye that’s most important of course. BUT it’s another place that the installer could easily mess up and if so, can it be repaired? Are you putting a carpet down in the entry hall too? Frankly I love the clean look of the plain hardwood floors. These things are on my mind, so I just had to share. I want you to avoid any more heartache over this Reno. Of course you know what you are doing, but it’s “the other guys” who don’t.
Phew! Things are getting sorted out. Having Chris & Co. certainly is a relief too. Would it help to have Chris mock up the harlequin floor pattern on paper to lay on the floor…to make sure this is exactly what you want? You have come so far…wow, just wow.