…. Honestly I never ever ever thought I would be writing this. EVER!! but here I am sitting here at my computer typing to you that… WE ARE PAINTING OUR FLOORS. Holy hannah it feels good. Ok, I have a lot of explaining to do. Ok, where do I start? Let’s start way back into 2016 when we decided to put wide plank pine boards throughout our house for our flooring. When we moved in the house we started ripping up the old carpet & flooring & discovered the old 1800’s floor underneath. Most rooms were in horrible shape & not salvageable [holes in the floor to the basement & ruined by previous renovations to the home] the only room that was in great shape was the dining room & that was still questionable. So that is when we decided to put the wide plank pine floors in ourselves so that we would have a solid, seamless floor throughout our home that would age with us as we lived in this house for many years to come. The installation went amazing & we simply nailed the planks to the flooring underneath. Then the tough decision came… do we paint or do we stain?
My dream home? It’s filled with a mix of chippy painted floors, tile floors, & some with some old stain. We have a pretty big farmhouse with a lot of rooms so that dream could possibly come true. You know what the normal thing to do is? It’s to stain the floors. I’m not saying it’s normal in a “boring” way at all..I LOVE stained floors. Like so so so much. But it feels taboo to paint flooring & so when the decision came to paint or stain I told myself “we have to stain or people might think we are weird.” Well, I’ve always been a weirdo & I think my decision just solidified that I’ll always be one. After a few months of living with the bare pine floors we decided that we should go with the normal thing to do & stain the floors [read more about that HERE]. We selected two beautiful shades from Old Barn Milk Paint [HERE] & mixed them together & stained the front living room & the dining room floors [the kitchen ones were not quite installed yet when we did this]. When I say that Old Barn Milk Paint is the best… I’m not lying. It has no odor [which if you stain a lot.. you know how magical this is!] & it penetrated the wood so deeply & richly & without sealing it ourselves we cleaned them, walked on them with wet boots, scrubbed them, lived on them, & even had a sheep walk on them constantly, & there was never any ware or tear. Even an expert flooring guy who came to the house commented about how beautiful the stain was. It truly was. We plan to use this stain in other areas of our home, but after staining those two rooms & even though we loved it, my heart secretly knew that it wasn’t quite what “White Cottage Farm” needed. & the fate of our floors were sealed when I had a meeting at the house with a flooring guy who was going to come help us with the rest of the staining…
So, I had this meeting with a flooring stain expert who was going to help us with the rest of the house. He came in & even before we could discuss stain he asked me if he could be “forward with me” I said yes as I like honestly especially from contractors who are about to do big projects in our house… He politely told me that as soon as he walked in our house and saw the flooring he pictured it with painted floors and that he felt that’s what this house screamed that it wanted. Most would think this is odd, but I think the house speaks to me too… ok odd, but moving on. This is even before he knew my love for painted floors or before seeing that we had a room in our home with painted floors. This would mean that he wouldn’t be getting money from us & that our meeting was a waste of his time so the trust factor in his opinion was then higher for me. He also went on to tell me a few more things that made my low maintenance cozy loving farmhouse heart long for painted floors. That was it for me. Secretly in the back of my mind I knew I wanted them painted & felt like it really felt the vibe of our house.
So, after a week of testing apporximently 25 paint samples on our floors this past week, we finally picked the flooring paint color today & put the first layer in the dining room today [The final color we chose is in the photo above!] Oh my, I’m in love already. I can’t wait to share with you guys & will be sharing our progress with you later this week. Also, we vlogged a lot of the process this and that will be up later this week as well. Today, I just wanted to break the news to you. I know a lot of you loved our stained floors [we did too!], but we hope that you can appreciate our desire to paint the floors of our farmhouse on White Cottage Farm. Jose & I are thrilled with how they are looking so far & I can’t wait to share the color we picked with you later this week. Let me know what you think [please be kind haha] & if you want to see another room in our home that has painted floors click [HERE] to see the start of our office when we painted the floors. THANK YOU guys for being a part of our fixer upper journey & for supporting us along the way & stopping by the blog daily to see what we are up to. I can’t thank you enough. xx
I think painted floors are beautiful. My laundry room and back entryway have painted floors. A light gray pussywillow is the exact name. I do think however with more white coming in some more wood pieces to warm up the space would be great, but you’re the expert, it’s youre house do as you wish! Good luck! – Ruthann
Wooden floors and painted floors are both beautiful..tough choice. If I had to choose for my house I would paint them white and add some pine or slightly darker wooden furnitures to it. Good luck, whatever you choose it will be ?
I cannot wait to see your beautiful floors! I would love to know what you put on top after you finish. I painted my daugter’s nursery’s floors and they have yellowed over time. I can’t wait to see how your beautiful floors turn out! Best of luck!
I love the wide planked stained floors . It warms up the rooms and adds so much character to your space. That’s my take but you have to do what your hearts telling you to do.
Your house is lovely. Are you still deciding room by room? I think the stain has such a nice contrast because of how much white you have everywhere. It makes the white stand out and looks pretty, to me. Maybe if you paint everything white you’ll want more wood-toned furniture to contrast? Good luck! 🙂
I love love love painted floors! I also love the natural tones of the white pine but all I ever hear from my loved ones are the critiques of how soft the wood is. I say bring on the narural character ?
But anywho, I do wonder how would one maintain painted flooring? Is there a sealing top coat that would be recommended once the chipping gets to one’s ideal state? I can’t wait to see your finished space!
I can’t wait to see it! I’ll be interested to hear about the maintenance – we did painted concrete floors once and hated it because it was so hard to keep up with. I’m sure it’s going to look absolutely amazing!
Girl. You are awesome. I must say I love the stain, BUT it’s not my house! It’s your beautiful home and while I loved it when you stained the floors, I bet I will love the painted floors too. Because you honestly have great taste. You live your dreams girl. The rest of us will just admire you as you go 🙂
Oh, also I totally get that your house speaks to you. Not odd. I really believe houses do kind of tell us what they want to be, even if it does sound crazy 😉
So excited and happy for You! It will look amazing!??
You have such an eye for color and design that I am sure it will look amazing. I want to say also how fortunate you are that your husband shares your vision and is excited as well! Personally I would pick one of the paint colors that has a grayish tone, to provide a contrast with your whites. You already do a great job of blending in wood tones. I love gray tones with wood as well as white. Best wishes and looking so forward to seeing your results!
Perfect decision! (And I never comment ?)
As one of my favorites, Erin from Cotton Stem, says “You do you!” You have impeccable taste and I think that the painted floors will be beautiful!
Yay!!! I am so so happy you decided to do this for you and no one else. Anything you do, is perfection. I knew from the beginning that you would end up painting those floors. You have such beautiful taste, and it’s going to look absolutely stunning. So excited to see the transformation. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Xoxo.
Love, love love the painted floors and never thought the stained floors were you, but didn’t say anything. Lesson learned to trust yourself. Isn’t it fun when someone says exactly what you have thought all along, like that flooring guy?
I’m weirdo too! Were are about to start building our home and I love this!!
Love it! When we moved into our 1825 farmhouse, we painted all of the upstairs floors white. Yes, some people thought we were crazy but I have never regretted it. You go girl!
I knew as soon as I saw the paint on your stories that it was about the floors! Yes, girl!!! You do you! You have the BEST style and I love everything about your house and I know I’ll love this too! Your house speaks to me too. ? I can’t wait to see the finished product!
I can’t wait to see! Always be true to what speaks to YOU! Who cares what everyone else thinks?! This is your home, and it is BEAUTIFUL! Do not waste a moment worrying about what others would do! Fly your flag, and do you! You have an incredible sense of personal style, that obviously appeals to TONS of people, or you would not have so many loyal followers!
Seriously cannot wait to see how the turn out!
Its your home. Always do what makes you happy. Everything you do turns out amazing!!! I absolutely love light and bright decor. I cant wait to seeit finished?
When we moved into our fixer upper, we ripped out the carpet and like magic we found wood! The master was the only room that needed boards replaced. I didn’t want to refinish all the floors. I had an epiphany, paint! Late one night, when my husband was out of town…..and when I woke, I stepped on my newly painted white/linen floor. I love ? it
Good for you! It’s your house, your sanctuary and needs to be what YOU want not what all of us want! Plus, we rely on you to do the bold things we aren’t yet brave enough to, to help give us the courage to make boldness happen in our own homes. Can’t wait to see which color you chose because they were all beautiful and I wouldn’t have been able to choose!
I liked the stained floors, but when I saw the image of your other painted floors I know now why you want to paint them. I’m sure it will look beautiful.
The stain was beautiful, but the paint is dreamy! Always follow your heart sweet, Liz and don’t worry about what others say. You my dear are the queen of farmhouse, in my opinion 🙂
I think it’s going to be lovely!!! I love painted floors too!!
I told you so…..{smile} {grin} {chuckle} {hug}. I love the idea of paint in your house. I am a faithful follower and love everything you do. In one of your posts awhile back you asked our opinion. Mine was paint, or white wash, or you get the idea. I felt odd saying that after I looked at the other comments. There weren’t many of us. It will be beautiful and good luck in this journey. It will be awesome! Your style reminds me of my childhood home. Thank you for the memories. Love ya. You make my day.
Did you choose the Wells Grey? There’s a rainbow on that one, that made me think one of your angel babies picked it. ??♀️ I’m excited to see what you picked! Happy painting! I’m painting our water closet today!
I painted my wood plank floors white! I didn’t seal them ( I kinda just went for it without doing any research… whoops) so they have chipped a little but I actually don’t mind it at all and kinda love that they’re chipped! My only complaint is that they get dirty really easily, especially with two dogs. Good luck!!
Hi Liz! I remember when you made the decision to stain and then had a hard time adjusting to the change! And even though we’re beautiful they just didn’t seem right to me somehow. Honestly, I was wondering if you’d end up painting them (and secretly hoping you would ☺️) I’m so excited to see how they turn out!
Can’t wait to see it! I thought you had stained some before. I just wouldnt want to go back and change the ones I already stained because I am lazy lol
In love with the Wells Grey! Whichever color you choose, however, is going to look amazing. Can’t wait to see what you decide! <3
Best decision ever!! I love it and can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Oh my goodness, my heart dropped when I read you were painting them. But…..I know it will look stunning when your done. You have a beautiful home and and eye for decor. I’ve been following you for some time now and you never disappoint. I’m so happy for you and Jose and I can’t wait to see it all done.
God bless you both.
You do you, Liz. I personally think that it’s going to look amazing! And it’s your home, your happy place. Do what will make you guys happy and what feels right.
I was hoping you would paint them!! I can’t wait to see the floors when you have finished. I’m loving the gray mist or moonshine, but it would be a hard choice with those colors. Happy painting!!
First time I’ve commented, however I follow you all the time. Yes, paint the floors!!! I could tell you weren’t thrilled from the get go with the stained flooring. Not that they weren’t beautiful, it just wasn’t the look you were after. You have a lot of flooring and you need to be happy with your choice. I think the painted floor route will be perfect for your style. I bet you are feeling better about it already!
I absolutely love painted floors! Do NOT be nervous or distracted by negative comments. Natural wood is beautiful too, but it is your house and your choice!!! My next house will have painted floors! (I currently have wood floors). And I can’t wait! Looking forward to seeing results!
Hi Liz! I wanted to say I love everything about your home. You have taugh and inspired me so much about home decor and it’s simplicity. Although I LOVE your stained floors I think painted floors are just as beautiful! I can’t wait to see how they come out.
I love both looks! I can see why you were so torn on what to do.
I’m one of those people who say “I did all that work I’m not gonna change it!” Lazy…..yes maybe at times. But, your design sense is always spot on, so enjoy the change!
Oh my… They are going to be beautiful!! I would LOVE to paint our floors, but not sure our home is asking for it like your’s!! Can’t wait to see the final product!
You have to do what your ❤️, and house are telling you to do. I know it’s gonna be beautiful!
Excited to see the finished floors! Loving the painted look. Yay!
I love painted floors!! Can’t wait to see them 🙂
I love love love painted floors. I loved your floors before you replaced them. I thought the stain looked great, but was kind of bummed that you didn’t paint them. So excited, can’t wait to see them. As everything you do, it will be beautiful!!
I love your style and although I never would have thought to paint hardwood floors I think it’s going to look breathtaking!! Plus girl it’s your house ain’t nobody got room to tell you what to do. ??? I can’t wait to see the finished product, everything you touch turns to gold!
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the colors. My fab is prairie dust, but they are all gorgeous. So glad you got affirmation from the floor guy! Looking forward to seeing the finished pix!
Love the painted floor look. You have great taste, go with it.? It’s your house do what you love.
Liz do what makes you happy in your home. I think they will look beautiful no matter which color you choose. I can’t wait to see them. Good luck!! ❤
I love your stained floors. They are beautiful but I’m sure the painted floors will be beautiful also!! I love your style and can’t wait to see the finished product! You do you girl and don’t worry about what others think.
I can’t wait to see it! ?
I’m so happy you’re painting them!! There’s nothing more gorgeous than painted wood floors. Don’t get me wrong, the stain you originally chose is gorgeous as well but it’s your happy place so therefore do what makes YOU happy!! I can’t wait to see the finishing results!
Lord have mercy! Why all the drama?
Stained or painted… they’re floors.
Do what makes you happy, but ratchet back on the drama.
Yay!!! I’m glad you decided to paint them! I think it will add a distinctive character to your home!!
Well im excited for you.I loved the painted floors over stain all along when showing colors.And it doesnt surprise me that your changing them.I remember when you guys stayed up late and you just weren’t sure after all that.We all need to listen to our heart.You know what you truly loved….xo
Love it can’t wait to see, I have been secretly hoping you were going to change your mind and paint them!!
Love!!! I can’t wait to see what you picked but I’m already guessing in my head. 🙂
Liz, do what makes you happy! Whatever you do, it will be beautiful. I can’t wait to see!
First off, I NEVER comment. But the thought of you getting mean comments about your decision makes me mad and wanted to make sure you know you’re loved. I love painted floors and think it will look amazing. Can’t wait to see if the paint color you pick is the same one I chose.
Question though…are you going to paint the floors that are already stained?
It’s a big commitment. I understand why she took the time to make sure it was the right decision for her. Plus she has to deal with all the unkind comments…
No matter what you choose, it will turn out beautiful because you have an excellent eye for design and it is what makes you happy. Personally, I LOVE BOTH stained and painted – its all lovely ❤️ Go for it…can’t wait to see the finished result!
I’m so glad you chose to paint them! I had hoped you would paint them initially, and felt like you had wanted to as well! What’s awesome is you will have your magazine photshoot to look back on while you are enjoying your newly painted floors later this year! Cannot wait to see the finished result. Xoxo
Paint away! I’ve painted floors in two houses now and love the look. You are going to love it!
We painted our wood bedroom floors and our guest room floors and I’ve never regretted it once! I wasn’t sure my husband was going to go for it at first but he was totally fine with it! I love them and you will too! Good luck!
My old house talks too – I get it. Please let us know what you use for a top coat & how it does with dirt & pets. Our German shepherd has been a nightmare on our original fir floors. So it might be time to patch & paint. Having you go through it first will be a huge help. Thanks for being my guinea pig!
Another perfect decision! I had a feeling eventually those floors would “speak” to you (or someone) and they would end up painted ❤️ Your talent, your kindness and your true heart in everything you do are such an inspiration. Someday, this girl and her husband will be making the 3 hour trip North to visit the shop and hopefully you might be there ✨ Thank you for sharing your world.
If you love it, it will work. It’s just that simple. And I want to say Thank-you for this post. I’m considering buying a house to remodel and flip. The floors in half of the house are original 1910 beautiful wood. The other half is awful. And I’ve been stressing about how to get them to match. Why can’t I just paint the new floors? The new will be the kitchen and master suite so it will work perfectly. Thank you for the idea, and the color samples! ? I’m new to your blog, and I’m so inspired by your life.
I think that it’s your house, and you can do whatever makes your heart sing!!! I love equally the stained as well as the painted floors so it would be hard for me to decide!!! I cannot wait to see what you’ve chosen! Curious though, I want to put the pine flooring you did through your house, in my bedrooms. Did you have a tutorial or post about how to go about doing that? Thanks so much for your help❣️❣️❣️
When you were asking stain vs paint a few months back, I was on the stain side, since we had white painted floors in our last house and I was a total neurotic neat freak about them. But we replaced our kitchen floor recently, and what did I do? Painted it white. ? I just LOVE painted floors SO MUCH!!! So even though I thought stain was the way to go before, I’m absolutely THRILLED you’re not listening to the majority and instead listening to your heart. If our floors weren’t 138 years old, I’d be painting them, too! I love this decision you made! I can’t WAIT to see them!!! ??
The heart won’t lie. ?
I love the idea of painted floors, idk I’m sure you know than me but I would think it might like more “worn” and “unique” if you put some stain over the top the paint and wiped it off really quick.
Truth? I wanted to have your head examined when you stained them originally. The house is screaming for painted floors. The stain had too much of an orange-y tone which detracted from the overall look of the farmhouse. Good call Liz! P.s. I have polished concrete floors but i don’t have farmhouse decor. I’m minimalist Scandinavian style. You’re rocking that farmhouse look, girl!
Ooh girl o can not WAIT to see which color you chose!!! It’s your home, you do you friend! Besides, everything you do always looks totally amazing!!!!
kate b… yes, deciding what to do with the floors in a house/home is a big commitment.
You missed the point. Why the worry and drama about whether or not anyone but Liz & Jose like the idea of painted floors?
Life for all of us would be much simpler without the extra drama we ourselves often create while worrying about the opinion of others.
I’m sure whatever you decide will turn out beautiful. You have a way of making anything look fantastic looking forward to seeing what you choose and how you’ll make it shine. ♥️? your amazing!
Why not use all of the colors on the floor!
I agree. I loved the warmth of the stain. But always go with what you want. No need to ask opinions or care what anyone thinks. Do what’s best for you and Jose.
I love painted floors, so I am so excited to see how they turn out!!
Well, you’re not a weirdo because if you are then I’m one. My house speaks to me all the time. It’s your house and if you want painted floors by all means paint them. I love painted floors and am excited to see how they turn out!
I agree about Old Barn Milk Paint. Their stains are amazing. We installed wood shelves in our pantry and I stained them using their stain. Love how they turned out and love that there was no odor.
OHhhhhhhI cant wait to see them!!! They will be perfect!! I have to say I painted the walls in my home Behr Prairie Dust and I absolutely LOVE it!!! I have a large home with 20 foot ceilings in one room and was very worried about picking a color that would overwhelm you. But it doesnt its perfect!!! I cant wait to see what you chose!
Nope…nothing weird about it…it’s lovely….simply LOVELY! Can’t wait to see it all done???
We have a log home with the wide pine board flooring upstairs in the loft and two bedrooms. This is gorgeous. Wonder if I can talk the Hubs into this?!?!
So what color do you use on your walls???? I am always looking for the perfect white. Are they the same throughout your house??? It’s gorgeous!!!
I just love your blog and your home is so beautiful. I’m from MI originally and your blog makes me smile.
Can’t wait to see the color you chose and your floors when they’re done!
Love the rainbow of blues and reddish-pink landing on the Wells Grey…maybe a small sign. 🙂