I never even considered concrete floors as an option when building – but I’ve seen some really interesting applications lately. Add some radiant heating underneath and they could be cozier than you’d think. Plus they are seriously maintenance free (well – aside from dusting – which I imagine you’d be doing quite a bit).
Okay. Now for some shameless self-promotion. I’ll be putting one of my own rugs in our living room (how could I not, really?). We’ve settled on a Wheels design in grey tones. I’d like to try a wool / silk blend and am having some samples made as we speak. The design will remain as that seen below:
Below: Oliver Yaphe Wheels Rug in Charcoal
Other pieces will be scattered throughout the rest of the house. In the entranceway, we’re going to put a Duncan Runner. My daughter currently has an Alphabet Soup rug in her room, but I’ll likely move it to the nursery and add an Ali rug or some other form of stripes to her bedroom.
Above: Duncan runner, Ali rug
For the library bordering the living room, I’d like to add add a Madeline Weinrib Mandala Chenille Rug. I love the charcoal one shown below, but I’m toying with the idea of using a white piece since the room itself will be quite dark. I can’t really go wrong, though, her entire collection is beautiful.
Above: Madeline Weinrib Mandala Chenille Rug. Available at Y&Co.
We’re starting to make some progress. The framing has started on our house. We’ve selected windows and tiles. We’ve chosen our brick and HVAC system. We’ve bought our kitchen appliances and the layout is being finalized. We’ve now started to talk about floors.
I’ve done previous postings on some looks that I love, but when it comes down to it, we’re going to go with a wide plank, durable wood. We’ve chosen white oak. The stain will be done on site.
If we can get our floors to look anything like the photos below, I’ll be awfully happy.
To all those concerned readers who politely told me I was insane for wanting white floors, fear not. We won’t be having white planks in our new home. But, I do love the aesthetic!
Here are some more photos to feed your appetite. Herringbone. We won’t be doing this either, but I think this style can look absolutely amazing. Think Parisian salon.
I’m Katherine Yaphe, the founder and designer behind Oliver Yaphe, Inc. This business was an idea in my mind for a long time. I knew that I wanted to build something, I just didn’t know how. I worked in the corporate world dreaming of what to do next. Then one day I decided to just start. I launched with rugs. Branched off to artwork. Paper came next. We’ll see what’s to come. What I do know, is there will be more.
Oliver Yaphe Blog
I love being inspired to create. It doesn’t matter how big or small the undertaking, it’s more about this feeling that drives so much of what I do. This blog is my space to instill a bit of that energy to my readers. It’s a lofty goal. I might fail horribly. But every once in a while, something might click (or at least I hope so).
Maine seashore
Fresh cut grass
Vermont air
Wooden tennis racquets (a la Bjorn Borg)
B&W photographs. Real photographs
The Brooklyn bridge
Central Park Roller disco
Picasso Museum in Barcelona
Moleskin notebooks
Rhodia orange writing pads
Globes
Magnum Photo
Letterpress stationery
Coffee table books
Farmers markets
Great packaging
Typography