[kmcg]

How strange do you think it would be to put marmoleum in my master bedroom/bath area? (This is a "green" flooring product - basically old fashioned linoleum) I need new floors in the little shower/toilet area, which is currently sheet vinyl. It would make sense to extend them out in front of the tub and the new vanity I plan to put in. That area is now carpeted, and also happens to be the entrance to the bedroom. I've been thinking that I could avoid the "jumble of different flooring" problem by just putting marmoleum throughout this very large room. But it makes me nervous. While it would be extremely clean and functional, would it look too much like a basement rec room? (thinking of the associations some of us have with linoleum from our childhoods) Or would it look really cool and confident and up-to-date?

For those of you who haven't had the joy of following my quest to hide my garish tub and mirrors zone, the bedroom in question has a divider wall of faux-Shoji screens, and I added Hallarum tall pantries to form the other part of the wall dividing the tub from the bedroom. The walls are a pale gray-blue. So the basic look is very simple and geometric, with slight Asian flavor. The house itself is mid-century, with no particular style of decorating, though it leans toward an eclectic mix of antiques and colorful textiles. As far as bathroom finishes, I'll probably use formica's beluga beige on the vanity counter, and there's beige tile around the bath and the shower.

Any opinions?

Kathy

[GardenOfDarwin]

Don't forget the mirrors!

Kathy, I think that marmoleum would be wonderful...I understand it has a nice warm feel to it. Would the rec room feel be reduced by any rugs, or is that not in your style? I'd recommend cork, but it's not really recommended for wet areas.

Susan

[DesignDiva]

I think it would be fine. You can always put an area rug or two at the bedside or the foot of the bed. I think you'll enjoy the clean natural look.

[kmcg]

Well thanks for assuring me that I'm not out of my mind to consider this! I would definitely put down some rugs to soften things. I've been thinking about cork, and about hardwoods, both of which I'd love. But neither would be good for a bathroom, or for my elderly arthritic dog. I'm thinking she'll do better on Marmoleum because it's kind of soft and quiet (an issue I discovered after installing laminate wood floors - the toenails clicking make a really loud noise!)
Kathy

[GardenOfDarwin]

Actually, cork is very soft...very good for bad joints. AND if you've got some money to spare, Wicanders makes a cork for commercial applications that would stand up to wet conditions and be good for your doggie (and you!) as well. It's also hypoallergenic. And quiet. And warm.

Susan

[laurie]

Kathy: Have you considered Bamboo? I think a light bamboo flooring would look wonderful!

[fisheggs]

I love the marmoleum idea, but only because it means you have to send us a picture that includes all your current elements, and then we all get to go over to the great marmoleum site to pick out which one goes the best!

[kmcg]

I want it all! Love bamboo, love cork, love the fab colors of marmoleum! I have to rule out bamboo because of the slippery factor. My dog has a hard time getting up from our wood floors, but seems to do okay on a slightly rough-textured ceramic tile. That's why cork or lino could work. I know it sounds utterly bizarre to base big decisions like this on a dog, but I just feel so bad for her as she ages. Hopefully someone will do the same thing for me when I reach my golden years...

Now that I'm suddenly floor obsessed, I'm feeling a little out of control After everyone went to bed last night, I was trying to quietly pull up the carpet in the bedroom, the halls, wherever. I know it's not hardwood underneath, but the one room I was able to actually see (in bad light) looks like it could be cork tiles or some kind of old-fashioned chipboard that resembles cork. My DH and kids are going away to ski this weekend, and they'll probably come home to ripped out carpets. That will be a big hit, for sure! I'll keep you posted.

Kathy

[Susan]

uh...be careful about anything that looks like chipboard. You may want to read up a bit on asbestos tiles before you go doing any tearout. Sorry to be the bearer, but you don't want to mess with that stuff if at all avoidable.

Our cork does have a nice texture...it's not like corkboard, but it does have indentations (all are filled with the 5 layers of coating) and might provide some traction. Just as an FYI, though - we did have to retrain the kids about walking in there in socks. We don't wear shoes in the house, so there was a lot of slipping and sliding at first. Of course, it's only as clean as that 2 x a month nowadays which may contribute to the increased friction.

As an aside: On this Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful for our 2x/month housekeeper. She's here on Thanksgiving day (her choice) while we're out of town, and we get to come home to a spotless house. Those 2 days are my favorite days of the month. Thank you, Deanna.

Susan