SFGate

Cynthia Taylor-Luce I think a checkerboard floor would be gorgeous. It doesn't necessarily have to be black and white. It can be cream and charcoal...

einportlandor Thanks, Cynthia I'm considering the traditional checkerboard but also thinking of something a little different, either a border around the perimeter or (in my dreams) a "rug" in the dining area. Thus the dark vs. light for the primary ground. Any other thoughts? I lean towards dark but am afraid it will make the room appear smaller.

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Hmm, just thinking about this. I do admire bordered floors, but you have to be careful that the entire border (or virtually all of it) is visible or I find it disturbing. An all-over pattern is going to be more forgiving. I should also have mentioned that you don't even need to go for a high-contrast variation of checkerboard. I've seen two-toned checkerboard too where the difference is very subtle, either in colour or in texture only. However, I personally am mad about checkerboard and I collect pictures whenever I see them. I actually prefer a smaller scale checkerboard, more like the one in the green kitchen above, because I like a denser pattern.

Choosing flooring takes a lot of thought and imagination. I wish you the best of luck in nailing down just what it is that will make your heart sing when it's finally completed. Cheers!

Cynthia

Interiors International, Inc. On this one I again agree with Cynthia.