Decor & Design
Absolutely Floored
Crafted with incredible innovation and worldly flair, the winning entries in SLHL’s 2008 Fab Floors contest are sure to overwhelm.
BY
Emily Schnitzler
PHOTOGRAPHY
Greg Rannells (kitchen floor)
Shay Merritte (bathroom floor)

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“I wanted to incorporate this ancient look into my modern world.” – Greg Rannells, homeowner

Inspired by his numerous trips  abroad, homeowner Greg Rannells was eager to bring a taste of his exotic journeys into his eclectic kitchen at home. “I knew I wanted to start each day standing on a floor that was reminiscent of many of the incredible places I have seen.” The South American-influenced floor is a unique fusion of old and new, resulting in a winning floor that takes its cues from the past and inspires an inviting, harmonious work space.

To achieve the ancient-yet-modern feel he desired, Greg sourced the tile directly from Casa Cielo Tile & Mosaic in Miami, Florida. With the assistance of flooring installer Patrick Lanham, his fond memories were permanently embodied within the floor’s design. “I saw this same kind of tile all over countries such as Morocco, Cuba and Chile, and I was compelled to incorporate this ancient process into my own design aesthetic,” says Greg.

The top layer of each handmade concrete tile consists of ground marble dust, which gives each slab its vibrant colors, and the repetition of the same four tiles produces the stunning pattern. An ancient practice used by the Romans to construct many iconic buildings, this process is now used both indoors and out to create extremely durable flooring. To finish the project, Greg sealed the floor with Miracle 511 Porous Plus, recommended by the owner of Casa Cielo. In striking contrast with the modern cabinetry and appliances, this floor evokes a feeling of continental adventure with every morning coffee.