Phase Two Complete: Cork Floors in the Kitchen!

Yay, it's finished! I am beyond happy with my latest project. I've hated the linoleum floors in the kitchen since I moved in, but they were in decent enough shape that I decided to spend my money elsewhere first. I waited 54 weeks to do this project. That is a very long time for an impatient person like me! But enough rambling, here are my new kitchen floors:

Ah, I'm so in love! The old floor was super nasty and it never looked clean (not that I ever mopped or anything). To replace it I chose Lisbon Cork in Rossio from Lumber Liquidators. I love it! I've been really intrigued by cork flooring for a long time. The first time I heard of it, I was like wha??? Cork? That's strange! But after some research I was sold. My favorite feature is how the cork is harvested. Cork grows on trees and the top layer of bark comes off in a big piece. The tree stays alive and over a period of nine years it redevelops the layer that was peeled off, amazing uh? Seriously, Google cork trees. The images are insane. So the environmental aspect was really important part of my decision process, but I also happen to love the way it looks. Another bonus is that it really cuts down on sound pollution (it would be perfect for a house with a finished basement). The only things that sort of worries me is getting it too wet, but I've read tons of reviews, commentaries, and blog posts about how to clean it plus it came pre-sealed so I shouldn't worry.

There are still a few finishing touches left to do (toe kick and thresholds) but I couldn't wait any longer to share 'Before' and 'After' pictures. I'll be back later this week with a little more detail on the how the floors were installed (I kind of helped!) plus more pictures naturally.

Happy day!

*This project was managed and executed by Osborn & Stillman. Specializing in custom furniture, Osborn & Stillman also do built-ins, flooring, countertops, and pretty much anything "wood" you can imagine. Being that they are good friends of mine I heartily recommend that you contact them for any home projects you have in mind. They also did my bathroom tile and medicine cabinet which I'm still in love with. Seriously, check out their website, it'll make you want to burn all of your IKEA furniture.