Category: Home Decor

You know how beautiful dark hardwood floors look?

A few years ago (when this look was in and we were selecting finishes) I thought they were beautiful too. So the new condo has dark hardwood floors. Well, not hardwood — its stepsister, engineered hardwood. Engineered being a technical term for wood as thick and durable as cardboard.

Sure they look nice enough — in the dark. But overall I’m not delighted.

They scratch easily. (I have been reminded that the finish is “rustic” and the imperfections only add to the beauty but I’m not easily placated.) I have spent many hours with a touch-up pen and rag. My knees ache from crawling around and the floors are still scarred.

Cleanliness (or the appearance thereof) is another issue. Dust, dirt, lint and random unknown pieces of debris practically glow on the surface of the floor. The surface seems to highlight every fleck of detritus that somehow found its way into the home.

I could sweep everyday and not be on top of the mountain of mess on my floors.

I have decided that as soon as these floors bite the dust a new floor coated in white epoxy will grace the home.

They will be much easier to keep clean.

A few people have come over to see the new place. It’s still a work in progress — all new builds are — but it is substantially complete. The things that need fixing are all pretty minor. For example, the kitchen cabinets have doors and there are door knobs in all the right places.

Of course, all the walls are in as well. But that would’ve come as a surprise almost everyone who has popped over. Young or old everyone (except a few design minded friends) is convinced our new place is still under construction.

For example, the most common question about our wall is: Is that finished? Other questions have included:

• Are you going to paint it?
• Is it supposed to look like that?
• Are they going to drywall it?

No, we are not going to paint it. Yes, it really is supposed to look like that. And no drywall is coming.

That’s it. It’s done. Really.

The 20 foot tall raw-concrete wall that runs the entire length of the condo is a design feature.

The stairs are the second most perplexing thing. And yes, they are supposed to look like they could double as a fire escape.