A GOOD COVER STORY
Downplay an unattractive floor by providing strong distraction from above
Q: I love absolutely everything about our new condo except the laminate floors. Which is unfortunate, because I didn’t realize how large a part floors play in the overall look of a space until we moved in. I thought my furniture would be a distraction but it’s not and now all I see are my ugly orange plastic-looking floors. I’m thinking of taking a line of credit to change out the floors to wood — and my husband, tired of listening to me, says it’s my decision to make. What are your thoughts?
A: I feel your pain. I’ve lived in more than one home in my life with floors so ugly they became a distraction to me and anyone else around me who had to listen to my bemoaning. The fact that you’re actually considering tapping into a line of credit tells me the extent of your desperation. Little wonder your husband has given you complete carte blanche on making the decision to change them. I may not make any suggestions that you, your husband (or friends), haven’t already thought of, but let’s review a few to make certain you’ve explored each idea thoroughly before you commit to the expense of installing new hardwood floors.
Rugs can be a great distraction from ugly floors. The ideal of course is if you already own them. If you don’t, ask friends and family if they have any up for grabs. You’d be surprised how many rolled-up rugs that they would be happy to part with are in friends’ storage lockers and basements. Also check online to see if your neighbourhood (or building), has a community site where residents trade or sell items. And besides clearance racks at your favourite home stores, don’t forget vintage and charity shops. Because used rugs don’t have a huge resale value you can find some great deals at second-hand shops. I don’t know your decor style but an eclectic mix of rugs spread throughout your condo could provide a great look. If you go this route, remember that all your rugs don’t have to match and, in fact, will look more collected and less contrived if they don’t.
Broadloom as an area rug is another option. Most carpet stores selling carpet by the foot can serge or bind their product for customers wanting to create area rugs. I like using broadloom for this application as it allows the opportunity to do custom sizing without the expense typically associated with custom. Many carpet stores sell off large remnants at a reduced price and I’ve managed on more than one occasion to score remnants measuring over 18 feet long. Considering you hate your floors, leave only a border of approximately six to eight inches of laminate around the room. Purchase a cushy carpet pad to place beneath the rug to give it a luxe feel underfoot.
Draw the eye upward with spectacular lighting. I know this sounds ridiculous, but rules of fashion often apply to interiors. Just as a great necklace or pair of flashy earrings can distract from a figure flaw, a beautiful chandelier or interesting ceiling fixture will draw the eye upward from your plastic-looking floors.
Installing new hardwood floors will not be inexpensive; only you and your husband can decide on the practicality of that decision. I can, however, tell you that if you combine all three of my ideas you could find that what once bothered you about your condo’s weak link is no longer even noticeable. And if done properly, keeping to a budget, you’ll be pleased with the savings.