renos are a happening!!

[Northern Miner]

And the excitement builds. Thanks to for staying true to the vine and wine by keeping the storage area 'open'.

I like the sound of the floors. Going forward it will be really interesting as to how they stay clean and hopefully do not discolor. Stairs look fantastic as well. When this is done you will have earned your stripes!

[lessismore]

Okay, I will bite.
Why do you think they will discolour? I have been panicking because I have not gone with the traditional variation on "brown". The ebony effect that runs throughout the boards, I hope, will offset the wood ceilings that we already have throughout the house. I was too afraid to go with a true brown on the floors because I was thinking it would look too boxed in.

[Northern Miner]

As the floor 'ages', because it is porous, it might turn darker. That can be good and bad I guess because on one hand it develops character and on the other it traps minute particles of anything that walks over it.

That won't happen for a long time, or shouldn't, but I imagine, like any other floor, you have to keep it clean. Are there any special steps required for the flooring? Like a light sanding and re-oiling every few years?

Have never had a floor like that, but we did have a bench that sat outside that every couple of years I would have to sand down and re oil it using Linseed Oil. It got progressively darker over the years and last year I gave in and painted it.

Maybe not a good analogy but......

[lessismore]

Well, apparently, it will show its age less with this mat finish and since it has all the knots of the wood exposed, grain etc. it will be more forgiving then hardwood with the glossier finish. I brought home so many samples that at the end of the day this type of finish looks so much better with the pine ceilings. The other feels really out of place in our house. The designer keeps emphasizes that we need to go with the qualities of the house and I guess in the end I do agree with her. My biggest fear right now is the ebony colour.
Anyway, today I am going out to see if I can find the ceramic that I will need to use under the wood stove and at the door entry.
Oh here are some before photos that I meant to include. It will give you a better idea of what we are changing, re: wall openings.