LAURIE CROGAN
FLOORED BY IMAGINATION
when’s the last time you thought of flooring—linoleum in particular—as art? Meet Laurie Crogan, whose wild imagination, skill, work ethic, and personality have clients praising her as the “Rembrandt of linoleum” and suggesting a museum should feature her work. “I don’t just get a floor;” says one architect, “I get an endlessly fascinating, superbly crafted magic carpet … I get an excellent listener, a cheerful collaborator, a prompt and accountable perfectionist.”
Perhaps because her home base of Los Angeles is full of bungalows and Craftsman-era homes, some of her designs are inspired by that period. But there’s so much more: retrievers and mice, teacups and spaceships, martinis and dragons.
Her creations fall into Craftsman, botanical, and graphic designs, as well as crests and compasses; one portfolio she labels “eccentric.” Since 1984, Crogan has worked for movie stars and moguls, but also for homeowners seeking something unique. “I work in epic mansions and humble cottages alike,” she says.
She also makes bespoke, movable 1⁄8"-thick linoleum rugs, which soften and protect wood floors. They can be shipped to customers.
Crogan designs, draws, scales, cuts, and installs the floors. Each inlay is precision cut using a scroll saw fitted with jeweler’s blades, as well as a mat knife and fine hand tools. “I walked into a kitchen one day, and the contractor and architect were on the floor measuring my border work. ‘She’s not even off 1⁄16"!’ said one. No one believes I cut them. I wonder: if I were a man, would I be famous?”
Her website is sure to cheer you up— go see!