Homage to Flooring

New Flooring

Vintage Flooring Advertisement. Found photo file at A Pop of Pretty.

After removing the sheet linoleum (possibly from circa 1980s), we discovered the remnants of some broken up hard linoleum flooring...similar to those shown on the vintage advertisement at right.  If only the colors were as interesting as these! Instead, the flooring was monochromatic in a light tan/brown.  Brown flooring and brown wood walls were apparently not suited for the previous owners who painted and covered everything.  The designer in me agreed and was not enthusiastic about seeking out replacement pieces.  Admittedly, childhood memories of similar flooring at my father's office also reminded me of sterile and period government institutions.  I cannot go there, although I have evolved an appreciation for Brutalist architecture!

There were several problems from the get-go: much of the flooring was missing or had been broken up when new copper pipes replaced the corroded galvanized pipes.  It meant at sometime in the past, the previous owners had jackhammered through the existing slab and non functioning radiant floor heating to lay new pipes for the kitchen and baths.  In the haste of expecting our movers within days, we decided to not salvage what remained and had it removed in preparation for a new floor.  The question became, what's best suited for the home?

Vintage Flooring Advertisement.  Found photo file at Mid Century Home Style.

Discussions among Mid-Century enthusiasts usually revolve around exposing and polishing the existing concrete slabs or using cork. Polishing the concrete is pricey, but we also had the trenched, broken, and patched concrete to contend with as well.  We thought cork was the best solution, however homeowners have complained about its lack of durability and tendency to fade.

Finally, we opted to respect the past while choosing wisely. People who have seen our floor assume it is cork, when it actuality it is a commercial grade vinyl made of 67% recycled post-consumer products. Manufactured by Naturelle Floors, the product also supports LEED certification.  Kudos to Empire Flooring & Design Center for completing the project on time just prior to our mover's arrival.