Q: New home and I need to replace the really old carpeting in the long living room extending to the master bedroom. However, I would like to keep the existing hardwood which is a nice plank with that artistic curve at the edge. Any suggestions for a different hardwood to complement the existing wood?
Should I match it exactly, or perhaps change to something darker to contrast? Or should I chuck the idea and keep a carpet? Or should I get rid of the existing wood and do one hardwood throughout?
Sent by Kathryn
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I think running a similar width plank floor in a slightly darker colour, but in the oposite direction, would look really cool.
Chuck the idea and keep the carpet. You have lovely contrast and could get a "twist" eco carpet that will preserve the light look but have some interesting flecks. Not all wall-to-wall carpeting is evil.
I would get rid of the two smaller area rugs and keep the exceedingly nice line between hardwood and carpeting.
Have you thought of doing another type of hard surface flooring instead of wood?
I totally understand wanting to get rid of the carpet, but maybe you could find some nice tile or something that will compliment the wood...
Maybe it's just me but I feel like 2 different woods in the same room, with that curve in the middle would look really strange. I also think it wouldn't help your home value either.
If it were up to me I'd either try tile instead of carpet, try to match the wood exactly and get rid of the curve, or just start fresh with entirely new wood if you can't find wood that matches perfectly.
You could do an exact match as far as the width of the planks but paint it white, or gray or whatever color you choose AND if you don't like the curve you could cut the existing floor and butt the new flooring up against it in a straight line or maybe even just mask off a straight line and extend the paint onto the existing hardwood.
cork or flor carpet tiles
My husband is a professional hardwood flooring tech and has experience with this sort of problem. A good wood flooring expert will be able to match the old floor nicely. I think it would look really cool to have a light board mimicking the curve and then continue the darker planks where the carpet is now. That way you keep the interest of the curve but there's still continuity. Alternately, you could still try the contrasting curved board idea, but install tile where the carpet is instead. Either way would be beautiful.
I'm not a fan of carpeting - but in this instance I think I'd go with one of the carpet ideas suggested above. Looking at the photos I already see a lot of wood between the existing floor and a couple of the walls. It really seems that one end of the room needs some sort of lightness or texture. I'd worry that adding more wood might make the room seem cave like.
I think you should match the wood exactly and make it look like one expansive floor. I think the room will look huge. I think using a different colour wood would look awful.
I agree with Ban Clothing - the flooring should be one cohesive unit in this room. A professional should be able to match up the wood and refinish the whole floor if necessary.
It looks like the carpet starts at the front door entry way, if you want to keep the curve I'd suggest using a stone or porcelain tile there. Then use a similar wood on the other side going into the master bedroom. This would define the entryway with more weather resistant surface, as well as allow a gap between the wood floors that might not exactly match.
I agree that using another wood might be too distracting, but I can also understand wanting a change from carpet. How about Marmoleum (which is a natural linoleum)? It comes in a variety of colours and finishes and can look either very modern or traditional.
What Ms. Vickie said. There is already too much wood in the room - keep the carpet (i.e. replace the old one with a new one).
I like the idea of contrast. Forbo may be a good option.
http://www.forbo-flooring.com/Business/Inspiration-Design/
There are so many options. I personally, would ditch the carpet.
And don't you DARE take out that curve. It is awesome.
Thanks everyone for the great ideas. We hopefully will be updating the fireplace with light stone eventually, so that will help with all the wood. my hardwood guy thinks that he can lighten up the existing floor. Here is an idea I found on Houzz: http://www.houzz.com/photos/95811/Open-Floor-Plan-Living-Room-Pittsburgh-modern-family-room-other-metros.
So basically, if I chicken out, I go with another carpet. But I think I'll be brave and go for the contrast.
Thanks! Kathryn
The carpet must go. Don't try to match the wood or to use a differengt wood. That would be too much wood. Keep the curve and use a tile - mak sue it is one which can be used with the curve. The flloring product should be dark in color to anchor the room, and shold be glossy to go with the wood floor. it will be beautiful!