I came across the beautiful home of designer/antiques expert Furlow Gatewood in Veranda recently. WHAT. A. HOME. It's a home that demands close examination and I'll do a whole other post on it in the future. But one of the things that caught my eye in these pictures were the beautiful painted floors! (close ups below).
I had to explore all things painted floors & made some great discoveries along the way. Stenciling or hand painting, when tastefully done, can give even ugly / boring floors an incredible face lift. And for a fraction of the cost (and a relatively quick process) than if you were to gut and replace them. Not only to cover up an unattractive floor, one of my favorite designers and design great, Bunny Williams, uses this technique effectively to enhance an entry or a living room.
There's actually a few great options for floor stenciling on the market today & I've shared them below. Young House Love did a FANTASTIC in-depth write up on how they stenciled their closet floors (a 2-day project - pretty cool!). I highly recommend reading it if you're looking to give it a go in your home.
In my research, I was particularly drawn to rooms where the flooring fills up the space & sets the tone for the room, without overpowering it. Sharing a few snapshots and sources below -
Greek key border floors in the home of Furlow Gatewood. I love the marble-esque texture to it (it's all paint on hardwood floors people!)
Another Furlow Gatewood vignette - someone please transport me to this room! The painted floors, blue & white china, door surrounds, and stunning leaf decor - I know we're talking floors here, but man, just look at this room.
Something more contemporary - this trellis pattern by Anna Louise - she transformed "depressing dark vinyl floors" into THIS.
Stenciling in progress (they've used a brush, and I've seen small paint rollers used as well)
A checkered entry - Bunny Williams
A tortoise shell pattern that Bunny designed for an entry
Geometric floors in the kitchen - a great choice of color in that silvery grey
Mirth Studio makes beautiful hand painted hardwood tiles. How fantastic are these! Lots of fun patterns & colors and they create custom designs as well. The little helper to the right - came across on their Instagram
Some whimsy up the stairs!
I love this room and it's blue floors.
For some pretty, traditional patterns, take a look at Royal Design Studio
Have a great weekend everyone!