Fancy parlor floor - the real deal - part 6

by brae  

I used pieces of leftover bristol paper to make a template of the area inside the marquetry border.

I started with the entryway even though it is the smaller of the two open areas because I wanted the herringbone pattern to be centered here.  Furnishings will cover the larger area in the parlor so its pattern is less important.  I measured to find the center and marked the line on the paper template.

I aligned the marked center with the herringbone pattern and taped the template to the herringbone flooring sheet.

I cut the flooring using the template and then adjusted the fit using scissors to trim small areas.

A small portion of the herringbone floor is longer than the premade sheets.  To splice pieces together to make for longer strips, I cut the ends of the pieces following the diagonal pattern and then used those cut pieces as templates.  This creates a seamless connection.

After gluing the main piece in place, I adjusted my paper template for the remaining open area.

The floor is by no means perfect, but I think that's better for my old house.  :]  This was a challenge, and I am very happy with the results.

I especially like the way the pattern works in the entryway at the bottom of the stairs.

With the furniture in place, it's really starting to look like a vintage parlor.

Once the baseboard trim is in place, I think it will really be striking.

I need to find or make a rug for the middle of the room, but I don't want to cover too much of the floor I spent so much time bringing to life.

16 comments

Comment from: Magda [Visitor]
Bravo! the floor is amazing, great!
02/06/12 @ 00:48
Comment from: Susan [Visitor]
What can I say? It's perfect! Really, well done and thank you for sharing all the steps in the process.
02/06/12 @ 04:11
Comment from: Angie Martin Hall [Visitor]
Good job! The floor is awesome. I am going to re-read every Post associated with this floor and take lots of notes. You are a genius!
02/06/12 @ 04:56
Comment from: Marina [Visitor]
Fantastic work! perfect!!! Hugs Marina
02/06/12 @ 06:12
Comment from: Lyssa [Visitor]
Holy Moley! It is amazing! So perfectly wonderful for this room! I love it, I love it, I love it. A big woooo to the ooooooot for you, Pea!!
02/06/12 @ 06:52
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
Your floor is awesome, Brae, and all the steps are so clearly explained. I wish I had a floor like that in my apartment. Unfortunately it comes with wall to wall carpet all over.
02/06/12 @ 07:22
Comment from: PATTI [Visitor]
The floor looks fabulous! You did a great job and can't wait to see it with the baseboards!~Patti
02/06/12 @ 08:35
Comment from: Johanna [Visitor]
A lot of work, but the result is fantastic!! Really beautiful floor!!
02/06/12 @ 10:36
Comment from: Victoria [Visitor]
The floor is beautiful! great work :)
02/06/12 @ 13:48
Comment from: Cactus [Visitor]
The floor turned out beautiful! It would be a shame to put a rug down, but you are right, a little something would cozy it up. I am so enjoying following your progress. Thanks for letting me watch!
02/06/12 @ 19:22
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thanks so much, everyone! Yes, I am thinking only a small rug for under the coffee table. Just enough to make the room feel more finished.
02/07/12 @ 07:34
Comment from: Janice [Visitor]
Fabulous and innovative as usual Brae. I love the chair and sofa and you have created the perfect setting for both pieces. Thank you for taking so much time and effort in sharing your work with us. I learn something new every time I read your blog. It is much appreciated.
02/07/12 @ 13:54
Comment from: brae [Member]
Aw, thank you! :D
02/07/12 @ 22:37
Comment from: Irene [Visitor]
Well done with your floor. The time and trouble you have taken over it has certainly paid off.
02/08/12 @ 13:20
Comment from: Amy [Visitor]
The floor is absolutely beautiful!
02/10/12 @ 22:20
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thank you! :D
02/16/12 @ 23:11


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