Hardwood Flooring Awards 2016 and What You Can Do With Hardwood Flooring

Imagine an unlikely scene of an African oasis right in the middle of the United States Midwest. Springfield, Missouri to be precise. Claiming the rights as the winner of the Members’ Choice award, this home joined other award winners, including a famous Russian palace and public hall in Tajikistan.

These hardwood floor experts are true artists and members of the National Wood Flooring Association. A panel of experts judged the entries and announced the winners at the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo in Charlotte, NC, which was held in April.

An African Oasis in the Midwest

Archetypal Imagery Corp, which is a company based out of Bronx, NY crafted an unforgettable floor for a client. The African Queen as the home was referred to was a site to behold but still missing something. The project manager wanted something special for the dining room floor. In what seemed more fitting to a fictional story, the artist, VartanArutyunian awoke with a vision for his project of a Nile crocodile extending 17 feet. The scales would be fashioned of reclaimed walnut and white oak sapwood with a watchful eye made of jet black ebony.

The largest floor centerpiece was fitting inside a home filled with a 3,000-pound bronze elephant and statues of rhinos with chandeliers of kudu horns and lion mounts at full size. With the owner’s approval, the team began work in earnest with only two months to accomplish this massive task.

A Labor of Love

Attention to detail is what makes this crocodile stand out. The work began with a life-size sketch, which was then transferred to plywood. Thousands of pieces of wood were cut to create the scales. Larger scales along the tail were one inch squares while smaller pieces formed the rest of the body. Not only the size varied but the height as well to create a 3D impression. Black ebony was used for the eye and nails and came from the keys of old pianos.

A shadowing effect was created through a flame, which made the creature even more lifelike. Adding hardwax was the final step to add durability, and required the use of Q-tips for precise results.

While not every home will have an exhibit like this, hardwood floors can be used to create a focal piece that stands out. Hardwood flooring in Thornhill and other cities throughout Canada can easily be designed to make a statement. Rather than allowing them to blend in and be forgotten, bold designs ensure they garner compliments worthy of an award.

Anyone who would like to create something unique in their floors should speak with a hardwood flooring expert. They can learn about the latest trends as well as any unusual designs that are available. From something simple like contrasting planks to intricate designs, these floors can make a home feel special. Working with a professional ensures you get the results you want that fit your home and your lifestyle.

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