BUNGALUX

July 23, 2012

Alex's Style Pick: LIght Wood Floors

Going Against the Grain

From Elle Decor

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I'm seriously going against the grain with today's style pick (sorry, terrible pun) and I have a strong feeling I'm going to have some readers who are going to disagree with me on this one.

I'll admit: I'm a light wood floor kinda girl.

Now, before you unsubscribe - Don't! We need all the subscribers we can get - I'll explain further. While I really love the look of hardwood floors, when choosing wood flooring I tend to go light. Here's why:

Those who know me know I'm obsessed with light and sun. It was a terrible day when I learned that suntans weren't good for me anymore. As a real estate agent, I find that many times my clients list "light" as one of the TOP criteria in looking for a home - particularly in Southern California. Interestingly, as soon as we find them their light home they make the decision to darken it with the darkest wood floors imaginable. And then they call me and say they're home is feeling dark.

The second reason I tend to like a lighter stained wood floor is more practical: It's exceptionally difficult to keep those beautiful dark floors clean. Every single piece piece of dust is magnified a thousand-fold.

And, well, I'd be a liar if I said that there wasn't something about going, well, against the grain (or stain), that makes me like the unexpected light wood floor. Light wood floors invariably look better in modern homes; they also make spaces feel bigger and ceilings feel higher. I've picked a few of my favorite light floors above, and I think you'll agree there's something about light wood floors that feels very fresh, clean, light and summery.

Feel free to comment and submit photos of your own floors to prove me wrong (or right). Oh, and I received so many comments on Gabrielle's wonderful piece yesterday. For all those who told me they want to paint their front doors, Gabrielle's asking for photos for Savvy Home. So get out your brushes.