(ARA) - When you decide it's time to replace your flooring, don't just put
down new carpet or tile. Dare to be different and choose a new surface. "I
did and am thrilled with the results," says Judi Larkin, an interior designer
from Paoli, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia.
Four years ago, she renovated the kitchen in her own 1920s era home, and
made the floor the focal point. "I went into the project with the goal
in mind of expanding the space both physically and visually, and the kitchen
went from tiny and cramped to larger than life," she says.
The addition built onto the north end of the kitchen houses an eating area
with new windows and skylights, a desk work area with a vintage stained glass
window, and an open but hidden pantry. The old kitchen stayed pretty much the
same size, but Larkin managed to make it appear bigger using design tricks.
She added a diagonally-oriented peninsula and replaced the old vinyl flooring
with Forbo Marmoleum.
She had learned about the natural linoleum product made with linseed oil,
wood floor, pine rosin, jute and limestone in a 1999 home remodeling magazine,
touting it as an updated classic. Marmoleum is available in over 100 colors
with various tones and structures. Insets and borders are also available.
"I was really sold on the flexibility it offered. I could do exactly
what I wanted with no limitations," says Larkin. What she wanted to do
was duplicate a tile pattern she had seen in Mexico. "I spend my winters
in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and wanted to bring that sunny, warm feeling home
with me where I could enjoy it all year round," she says. "Using this
surface made that possible."
Larkin made the new peninsula at the center of her kitchen the focal point,
and started laying down 20 inch by 20 inch cream and gold Marmoleum squares,
following the diagonal line. Small terra cotta colored squares were cut from
another sheet of the material and inserted between the large squares.
"With Marmoleum you are the designer. It is not the typical assembly
line preprinted pattern," says Piera Marotto of Forbo. "From designs
with quiet simplicity to the use of daring colors and patterns, this flooring
material can fulfill a broad range of desires."
In addition to all the design possibilities, the surface has many health
benefits. It is made with all natural materials and the glue used to secure
it is solvent-free. Allergy and asthma sufferers benefit from the surface's
anti-static properties. Dust and dirt will not easily adhere to it. It also
has bactericidal properties that prevent microorganisms like salmonella from
multiplying themselves, making it a popular surface in hospitals and doctor's
offices.
"I especially like the fact that Marmoleum is a floor you can walk on
without your feet being cold. It is a warm, comfortable, healthy floor,"
says Larkin.
Just because it's underfoot, don't overlook your floor's potential to be
a style maker. For more information about Forbo Marmoleum, or to find the dealer
nearest you, log on to www.themarmoleumstore.com or call (866) Marmoleum.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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