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I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.

For the Love of Planks (6 comments)

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The other day, I watched an episode of Renovation Realities or $10 Grand in Your Hand or Sweat Equity (or one of those DIY shows) in which the happy renovating couple blew their budget on restored random-width wood floors.

Normally, when people on those shows make an outrageously expensive design decision, I wince and think about how much they're crushing their resale value. In this case, though, all I could do was look on with envy.

The floor was a rich reddish brown, full of visible knots and obvious history. I loved it. It made me think about how much I really love the look of a visible plank of wood. Smooth and polished flooring may be sophisticated, but a little bit of rough bump tells a story.

With that show in mind, I started browsing the photos at Houzz - and I found some real gems:
eclectic bedroom by megan arquette c/o beachbungalow8
This bedroom at Beach Bungalow 8 is great in a lot of ways, but I'm mostly drawn to the walls. I love the look of whitewashed planks - it screams "cottage by the sea."
by megan arquette c/o beachbungalow8
by Chris Kauffman
Butcher blocks are surprisingly affordable and I love the way they look in almost any kitchen - from country to modern.
by Chris Kauffman
modern bedroom by See Construction
How great is this bed? The wood itself really makes the look, with it's rich color and it's gravity.
by See Construction
modern kitchen by See Construction
I love the way this wood floor, with it's visible planks, contrasts with the smooth marble island.
by See Construction
modern landscape Zis Residence
This wooden pathway has the vibe of a pier, making it perfect for an outdoor setting.
Zis Residence
traditional home office by Fletcher Horn @ ABMWOOD.COM ... Antique Materials
Built-in bars and desks are a great way to use a fabulous piece of old wood - like this one.
by Fletcher Horn @ ABMWOOD.COM ... Antique Materials
contemporary dining room by Doug Burch
I can't imagine this room with anything but a vaulted wooden ceiling like this one.
by Doug Burch
modern living room by Architecture in Formation, P.C.
Again - a great ceiling. These exposed beams are amazing. Even though I gravitate towards darker wood, in this space, the blond color really works.
by Architecture in Formation, P.C.
Family Room Designs - Decorating Ideas for Family Rooms - House Beautiful
Old barn doors are incredible in contemporary spaces - they're as important to a space as any piece of antique furniture.
Family Room Designs - Decorating Ideas for Family Rooms - House Beautiful  
eclectic by Global Living
Yes, paneling has a retro vibe, but this has a much cooler feel than the basement of my parents' house, circa 1980.
by Global Living  
The Little House on Cape Cod
Becky's family's Cape Cod cottage is a great example of how to existing wood elements (here, the floors) add history and personality to a home.
The Little House on Cape Cod  
The Little House on Cape Cod
I love this table (also in Becky's cottage). Old drop-leaf tables often have a sort of rough patina of age and wear that's perfect for a casual, comfortable space.
The Little House on Cape Cod
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I LOVE the rustic look of the exposed planks- great ideabook!
sara1972 says:
Love the whitewashed planks!
ggjo1972 says:
The first photo is my favorite. Love the WALLS, Love the BED!
Ditto. The bed is amazing!
donnam says:
Great post. My favorite photo is the one with the old barn doors. Simply perfect.
I'm so in love with planks, my husband and I have just built our new house to look like an old beach cottage with horizontal pine planks covering every wall. I love it and have no regrets!
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