Our good friends, Laura & Keith, recently bought a 2+ bedroom condo in South Boston and are three months into a major remodel. This narrow non-bedroom was acting as wood shop / organizational center for materials as the couple built new subfloors, installed new hardwood and trimwork, rebuilt a few walls and the stairs, remodeled the bathroom, and generally made their new home sound. Now that most of the serious power tool work is done, this narrow space can finally serve its intended function as the home office for a graphic designer and architecture grad student. Follow the jump to help decide the finish for the floors...
After hauling all the heavy machinery out, the room underwent a serious deep clean before having this unfinished red oak installed (see below). That 16' black counter top was a $22 score from Ikea's As-Is section — formerly two pieces, which they cut down for a perfect fit. The walls are painted a green gray to complement the hallway but the black chalkboard paint was a last minute addition that we think makes the whole space pop. Also, due to the narrow space, they opted to leave the closet door off and install new shelves for a clean, organized look.
Back when it was still a wood shop, the plan for the office floor was to stain it ebony. But with the new black wall, these guys are scratching their heads. Should they paint the floor white? Stain it something in the mid-tones? Or go ebony like they originally envisioned? The rest of the house has new bamboo flooring.
Let us know what you think and we'll keep you updated as they continue to refine this space and the rest of the house. Great work, guys!
looks good! what is the paint colour?
view rosamware's profile
I'd love to see it stay lighter, as a foil to the dark desk. If a white-wash stain doesn't work for you, how about something like milk paint?
view wrenx's profile
A light cherry stain on the floor would work well with the dark tones in the room.
view Doris loves art!'s profile
I think the floor looks great as is. Kind of goes with the muted wall color and plays up the understated appeal of the room itself. You should keep in mind this space is meant to work in, and anything too distracting or eye catching might make hunkering down and getting into a project a little difficult. Then again that sentiment could just be one of my own weird quirks.
You guys did a fantastic job with this room though, I give it two thumbs way up!
view rmhct's profile
I like the floor as it is also. I think a dark color will be too dark in that room. It all looks great btw!
view kelleyk's profile
Where did you get that Helvetica poster? What a cool addition!
view menilges's profile
I would love to know about the Helvetica poster as well!
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Nevermind, I found it. :)
http://www.helveticafilm.com/shop.html
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Hi,
Thanks for the feedback. The paint color is Sherwin Williams "anew gray". As for the floors - we actually really like the look of the unfinished wood as well. Unfortunately, it does need to be finished at some point to prevent further splinters (ouch) and stains (currently absorbs everything).
The Helvetica poster was a gift from Kayla, but it looks like Mrs. Mack was able to find a link...
-Laura
view CMYK's profile