From this:
To this:
AtomicHipster John has been updating (well: backdating) his ranch house in Western Mass. for a while. His latest project: Installing Marmoleum linoleum tiles in his kitchen, using a pattern he devised himself to make the most of the design of the kitchen and his desire for a red, black, and light gray palette. Party on for more photos and information about this impressive kitchen transformation.
John writes:
Hi Pam, My kitchen floor is all finished now and furniture has been moved in. It was installed last Monday and Tuesday by Manny from Summerlin Flooring in Amherst, Ma.
Manny was great, he was very professional, cleaned up after himself and made several suggestions I never would have thought of that really helped with the finished look. Paul, Manny and the rest of the gang at Summerlin were so helpful and made my dream floor become a reality with no hassles to speak of. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Chutti says
Looks great!
Echoing comments that all of your keen stuff looks purposeful and loved.
Just as it should be!
Bluestocking says
I plan to put a Marmoleum tile checkerboard (cream and blue) into my bungalow kitchen because the unearthed original tiles are in pretty rough shape. My contractor is against them,I think because he is unfamiliar with the install. The house is summer only and unheated all winter. Does anyone have experience and/or knowledge about Marmoleum in cold climates? I understand that the room must be warm before and after the install.
pam kueber says
Bluestocking, you should call Marmoleum’s customer service and ask their recommendation. What do their specifications and their warranty say about longterm installations in unconditioned spaces — that’s the question.
Bluestocking says
Forbo says it will be fine as long as we use th specified adhesive so I’m going forward with the plan, once the room is warm enough. Thanks.
Charlotte says
Kudos! This looks fab!
renee says
Your floor looks amazing, Great job.
Ann-Marie Meyers says
This floor absolutely made the kitchen! Great work, John.
JKaye says
This floor is really impressive. It’s a bold design but doesn’t overpower the rest of the kitchen. Also, I like how this kitchen has a lot of retro touches, yet doesn’t look like it is just for show. It looks like everything in it is there for a reason as well as to be enjoyed for its appearance. Good job!
Meredith R. says
I love your floor John and I love Amherst MA (used to live there, now in CT). I am leaning toward Marmoleum for our kitchen. I’m assuming these are the regular tiles…did you consider using the Click tiles? [discussion of potential ways to deal with asbestos — edited/removed by Pam. People: Consult with licensed professionals to make your own informed decision. I DO NOT allow advice to be given on this site — consult with professionals!]
Karen says
You know, in my experience, the Click tiles were a real game changer (though they are sitting right now in boxes in my kitchen, so I cannot attest yet to the DIY installation or finished floor…).
I HAD to have colored, checkered flooring for our kitchen, so I priced Armstrong, Marmoleum, and Marmoleum Click at several locations (online, big store, small local store). Marmoleum is pricey. Armstrong VCT, SUPER affordable –right? Well, because we needed a new subfloor with glue-in anything (as did John, I see), and with glue-in, I wanted professional install, it turned out that Marmoleum Click (with DIY installation, and from the neighborhood shop) was actually quite a bit more affordable than Armstrong VCT (with professional install) — about HALF the cost, in fact. This thrilled and surprised me! When I asked about Marmoleum, and then asked about Armstrong VCT, the flooring guy looked stunned, and said to me, “Well, you wanted the BMW, but now you’re asking about the Hyundai.” (I know nothing about cars, nor if his analogy was valid, but his tone said it all).
pam kueber says
I would not call Armstrong a Hyundai. It is a perfectly respectable tile — will last forever. It’s a different look than linoleum…
Karen says
As soon as I submitted the comment, I regretted relating the anecdote, simply because I know they are different products that both work perfectly well in different situations! Mostly, I was shocked that pricey Marmoleum could be a cost-effective alternative to pocket-friendly Armstrong — no disparagement intended — I’ve seen beautiful Armstrong floors featured on this site! Thanks Pam!
pam kueber says
No problem, thanks for the clarification, Karen. There are solutions for everyone. I really appreciate your sharing the info you have about the cost of Marmo click vs. vinyl tile that may require a new subfloor. My experience also is that labor to get stuff done can vary quite significantly location to location so… do the homework! Which it sure sounds like you and John both did!
Meredith R. says
Hi Pam – I really was not intending to offer or solicit advice so I’m sorry it came across that way. My intention was to get at some of the questions J D Log asks below.
Karen – your info on Click is extremely helpful. Thanks! Would love to know how the install goes.
Jenny says
That looks great! I really like the way the floor turned-out. And, yes, I also love Big Boy 😉
Annie B. says
Congratulations, AH John, on a brilliant design. Dynamic is right. The light gray is a perfect complement to the red and black. Great kitchen. Love the “Big Boy” on your serving cart.
chris says
I second that!
Big Boy is the first thing my eye went to! Love him!
Pat M says
This is a fantastic job, well done! I do love the design, too. It looks great from every angle. John, You have a right to be proud!