While admittedly not crazy about faux finishes in general, when we saw these examples of rugs painted on floors we were impressed by how cool they looked.
Each of these examples shows a solid white color painted onto a flooring surface, whether by stencil or freehand. The designs help to establish functional zones in each space without the bulk of a conventional rug, and also cost less to implement and maintain.
Images: 1. Desire To Inspire; 2. Decor8; 3. Revolutionary Ideas; 4. Small Acorns; 5. Orange Beautiful.






Ercol Bar Stool
Some of these are cute. I also love Nicole's porch on Making it Lovely.
This gets my vote. Not only is it a cool design idea, but it can also be a clever way to create separation between sections of a small space.
I really like these! Much preferred to the "rugs" made of filled coffee cups etc. Too bad it's not something a renter can do (even less likely than being allowed to paint walls....)
I've been eying the last one for over a year now. It's sure to be done when I get my own house. That and the all over lace stencil. Not sure where I'll do the treatments, but they WILL be done.
That third room is to die for.
The last photo is amazing. If I ever have a house with hardwood floors in rough shape this is definitely something I will do.
Coincidently, Ashley Ann posted something similar just yesterday: http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/01/24/diy-stencil-painted-subflooring/ And yes, it's a DIY-project!
Finally, a rug my cat won't destroy! Though I like rugs for the sounds insulation and because cold floors are unpleasant in the winter.
Not something I'd do, but kind of interesting.
(I prefer flooring that would be ruined by this approach -- hardwood in good condition, carpeting, stone tile, vinyl flooring in "wet rooms"... so I'd install whatever one of those I considered appropriate for the room as soon as I possibly could, rather than paint decor on the old wood or concrete. Your mileage may vary, of course.)
So cool - and a perfect solution for those afflicted with allergies!
I see myself doing this on my patio this summer!
I would only do this as an all over design (like the last pic), or in a space that i won't redesign (like the patio fragglefemme mentions). otherwise, its too impractical.
As a mural and furniture artist I love these and hope that we can be more open to "faux finishes" that got such a bad reputation in the 80's like sponging. When executed properly and professionally the decorative arts can be stunning! Bravo for posting these well done floor ideas!
love this esp when you consider how dirty and dust mite filled carpets are that you cannot wash.