These wide, antique floor boards reveal a vibrant layered color palette, worn down over time to wonderful effect. The resulting surface of rich yellow and red ochres amidst cerulean blue, all with a luster finish, would delight on an abstract canvas. It’s is even more sublime under foot. A simple Shaker rocker and matte black, slate hearth provide quiet counterpoints to the animated painted hues. This kind of floor treatment works well with spare wall finishes, furniture, and furnishings -- as the Shakers well knew and the Modernists would likely agree.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast