Figure A--Designer Alexander Julian says to get creative with your floors when decorating them. Ideas are only limited by the imagination, he says. Use laminate instead of hardwood or carpet. Laminate utilizes a great no-glue installation system that is easily available for do-it-yourselfers.
It installs in half the time of traditional tongue-and-groove. The planks snap in and lock together, and there's no waiting to walk or put your furniture back on the floor. It's disruption-free and there is no messy glue to contend with. Laminate is also very durable and holds up to a lot of traffic, comes in a variety of colors, offers the look of real wood and is affordable.
Figure B--Utilize parquet flooring combined with floor stains. Two types of stains are featured here. Add a coordinating area rug for interest. Create a two-tone effect by staining unfinished parquet in the color(s) of your choice. If you'd like a contemporized, slick look, go for a higher gloss. Keep in mind the more satin your finish, the more durability you give up--not much, but some. A water-based polyurethane will keep the stain color more stable.
Many home stores will bind off wall-to-wall carpeting to a size you specify, and if you have great hardwood or an interesting laminate pattern, it's a great way to make the room more comfortable.
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