Gray Hardwood Floors

My sister is refinishing her hardwood floors and wanted to go with an espresso finish.  I told her she was "so 4 years ago..."  and that, with her gray counters, she was the perfect candidate for the latest color in hardwood flooring, "gray." 

Staining warm wood tones gray doesn't actually come out "gray"- especially in the lighter tones, but the hint of gray is that hint of the unexpected that creates a really beautiful look.

The species of wood, the intensity of the stain, and the variation of the plank coloring can give the gray very different looks.

This color is called "graphite."  It is certainly more modern- a strong look. 

The color above is more specifically what I imagine in my sister's place.

To further blend her existing warm tones with the gray- I would use her backsplash as a unifier.  Something like this combination of slate with gray glass would be perfect:

Good luck Debbie- take some good before and after pics for us!  (even if you do go with espresso)

Hardwood from Armstrong.

Is More More?

I was intrigued by this month's House Beautiful Kitchen of the Month. I wanted to know what you thought. It is a French look with quite a formal feel and a lot of blue and white.

Clearly no expense was spared. What I want to know is- is it just too much? Is it over-decorated? The mouldings, the tile, the ceiling, the sink, the leaded glass...

Is there any restraint shown? The tile work on the double refrigerators...

Not one scene on the tile- but many...

OK- here I'll say it's beautiful- wouldn't change a thing.

This is a good shot above that shows what I mean about the mouldings and tile work and leaded glass. When there is so much going on- it is hard for the eye to know where to go. I feel like a beautiful room is a journey. The eye is drawn to the focal point- and there is then a nice rhythm around the room. I feel like there are multiple focal points here.

I am liking the butcher block!

What do you think? Anyone love it? Wish it were theirs? Anyone agree with me that the tile work and moldings needed to exercise the less is more approach? What do you think?

Kitchen Cabinet- Windows

I have spoken with clients about making kitchen cabinets also be windows- and yet until now I have never seen a good picture of it- it was just a theoretical idea of mine. I ran into this photo in Traditional Home - and was so excited- I love it. Now next time- I can show my client a good picture and they can see better what I am talking about. :) Has anyone seen this done? Have any additional photos? What a wonderful way to bring in light on a wall that would traditionally be solid. Much prettier than a sky light. :)