For the Love of Planks
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
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:
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:
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 Chris Kauffman
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Butcher blocks are surprisingly affordable and I love the way they look in almost any kitchen - from country to modern.
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| How great is this bed? The wood itself really makes the look, with it's rich color and it's gravity. |
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| I love the way this wood floor, with it's visible planks, contrasts with the smooth marble island. |
This wooden pathway has the vibe of a pier, making it perfect for an outdoor setting.
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| Built-in bars and desks are a great way to use a fabulous piece of old wood - like this one. |
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by Doug Burch
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| I can't imagine this room with anything but a vaulted wooden ceiling like this one. |
Again - a great ceiling. These exposed beams are amazing. Even though I gravitate towards darker wood, in this space, the blond color really works.
Old barn doors are incredible in contemporary spaces - they're as important to a space as any piece of antique furniture.
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by Global Living
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| Yes, paneling has a retro vibe, but this has a much cooler feel than the basement of my parents' house, circa 1980. |
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| 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.
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| 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. |
Comments
eclecticgirl I LOVE the rustic look of the exposed planks- great ideabook!
3 years ago · Like
sara1972 Love the whitewashed planks!
3 years ago · Like
Ginger @cottageonrosewood.blogspot.com The first photo is my favorite. Love the WALLS, Love the BED!
3 years ago · Like
eclecticgirl Ditto. The bed is amazing!
3 years ago · Like
donnam Great post. My favorite photo is the one with the old barn doors. Simply perfect.
3 years ago · Like
Celeste 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!
3 years ago · Like
carolyngracekester The best thing I ever did was planks on the wall in our newly finished basement. Oh why didn't I do that when we built this house.
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 7, 2010.
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