Last week I got to visit Dr. Brent Ridge (yes, Martha's Dr. Brent) at home, because I'm helping him work through the 8 Step Cure for a radio show on Martha Stewart Radio. HE is a fascinating character, and his whole story was well written up by the NYTimes just over a month ago (link below), but what I want to focus on his new cork floors that I photographed...

posted originally from: AT:New York

Cork is a great, "green" flooring solution. Cut from trees that renew themselves between each harvest, it's durable, moisture resistant, and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. It is also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and insect resistant. When installed as a "floating floor" it also requires no toxic glues or adhesives AND it's easy to install.

So, what's not to like?

I have been a little resistant to cork floors in the past because of their dark color and mottled surface. They remind me too much of the macrame 70's and feel their busy texture adds visual clutter. Not so with white. These white tiles are really bright and airy, and they feel really good under your feet (they have a warm feeling).

I would totally recommend looking into these if you wanted to do a white floor anywhere in your home. Check out these pics.

AT NETWORK:

>> Heather installed cork flooring in her Chicago home
>> Cork Flooring in Sunset Magazine
>> Protecting Cork Flooring

ON THE WEB:
>> Cork Oak Explained via Wikipedia
>> The Old House That Became a Way of Life Dr. Brent Ridge in NYTimes