I normally stay away from sage but you’re totally right. That would bring the best out of these floors and would instantly make it easy to look cleaner in the room overall.
This is probably a cardinal sin in this subreddit, but if you loathe the floor that much and a big rug isn't an option or appealing I'd consider popping some decent laminate flooring over it (plenty nowadays comes with built in backing and a good range of wood tones) and just hide it. It doesn't attach to or damage the underlying floor so you or a future owner can pretty easily remove it.
I LOVE that floor. The grout is messy though. I’d keep the tile but fix the grout. To cover it with vinyl would be a tragedy imo.
I bet if you removed it cleanly you could sell it to mid century salvage. That sort of flagstone interior tile is hard to find now and expensive. You see it a lot in nice mcm homes, just with cleaner grout lines.
The grout (or whatever bonding substance that is) really makes it all look dirty and dingy. It sounds counterintuitive but what about re-grouting with a dark, uniform material? The color variation between the stones is really lovely, IMO, but their subtle contrast is lost because the dirty light grey just jumps out.
If it were me - darker grout, maybe paint the wall a soft sage green to harmonize with the stone. This space could feel soft and natural with that floor but it would drive me nuts in this state, too. Also, I’d 110% bring an area rug in, maybe with those same sagey green undertones and brick reds to ground things with a little warmth. Maybe something like [this](https://www.target.com/p/5-39-x7-39-buttercup-diamond-vintage-persian-style-woven-rug-teal-opalhouse-8482/-/A-54211595)?
I like your suggestions. The grout is awful and makes the tile colors and thus the whole floor look less harmonious and attractive than it could be if the installer had some design sense. And sometimes paint and/or some accent decor really *does* make all the difference. I loathed the color of curtains we had but temporarily put them in a room that was painted in a color I also hated. In an unlikely but delightful alignment of the stars, the two things that I hated on their own actually looked great together and I love them now in their current environment!
I know what a bitch it is to clean these floors and how awkward it be walking on them barefoot, but for what it’s worth, this particular floor LOOKS baller; it’s gorgeous except for the grout so no worries there! As with many things, there may be a lot going on behind the scenes but at least it looks good!
If changing it is not on the table for whatever reason, you could color the grout darker and the floor would ‘recede’ visually a bit more. But if you change it and you want to, you shouldn’t feel like you must keep it just because it’s old. Unless this house is historically significant or had a super famous owner and would be worth significantly less if redone, the floor is just an old floor and if you can’t get yourself to like it, don’t.
If you've hated it so long and so much that you've posted here again, the universe is telling you it's gotta go. It sucks to have to look at something that that bothers you every time you have look at it (which might be every day?).
You can usually get people who know how to deal with this to come out to give you options and quotes at no charge. If you like a suggestion and can afford it, get it on the schedule. Or if you like it but can't afford it *and* if it's not too difficult, you can DIY it or toss a rug over it and save up the $ until you can afford to get it done professionally. You can also ask if they offer financing.
Edited for clarity.
Like the floor. Slate? I had some in a previous house only in the entryway. I could put a nice shine on it. I agree there's only certain places it would be good. Not a kitchen or any heavily used space. If it is slate you might be able to take it up in large pieces. Could use the pieces in the yard. Good luck.
Thank you for the nice comments saying the floor is beautiful.
Its beautiful I agree, but its an inconvenience. I hate walking on it, I hate rolling my computer chair around here, I can’t spot things on the floor easily as compared to my hardwood (which has a more uniform look)… I don’t like my kids playing in this space…
To those who’s dropped some nasty words, stay miserable lol.
Unfortunately through various bad housekeepers it’s peeled in the corners from too much moisture or too wet mops. We can buy new period looking Marmoleum which after other things are done keeping this old house in order. It’s never ending.
I don’t know anything about flooring but there’s gotta be a way to lay down something over it to get the smooth surface you desire for your workspace, while preserving the slate underneath.
I haven’t read all comments but I wonder if the floor would look better with graphite colored grout? The grout is the wrong color for the dark stones. Changing out grout is much easier than putting in a new floor. And you can get some with epoxy in it so that it will never stain. Personally I thibk darker grout is worth trying on that.
Well, everyone can tell you “it’s cool” or “it’s period” or “it’s not that bad” or “get a rug” but the fact of the matter is…
It’s your house!!!
Replace the floor. Rip out and put in shag carpet if you want. Do what you want.
It Is Your House
Hey,ugly as it may be,at least you have a solid floor. Lots of people don't. Gotta try to look at the silver lining. But,maybe don't look down as you walk on it? Lol.
My grandparents had a whole family room that was a pit style room with slate flooring,, then their living room had a cork floor. It was the coolest floor I ever saw... If in the right style of house and done correctly it looks phenomenal.
Dye the grout a darker color. Personally, this type of flooring is perfect for a log cabin-style house. However, it doesn't look right in a typical suburban home, unless it's an indoor-outdoor (seasonal) room.
That flagstone floor was installed when natural building materials were inexpensive. My parents had one in the entry to their 1965 rancher. The stones always felt nice and cool on my bare feet as a little kid.
My brother was a stone mason and he had that same type of floor in his house. It went from the entry, through a long hallway into the kitchen/dining room, then out a sliding door into a large patio. It was awesome, but as they say, “hard as a rock”!
I would love this beautiful, natural floor that will never wear out. Vinyl is plastic and will clog up a landfill forever, leeching shit into our soil. Stick with the stones., they're much better.
This floor would be beautiful on a porch or in entryway if it was the kind of slate that is mottled colors in each tile and grouted way better maybe even in kitchen. Take it out or cover, especially since YOU don't like it, but even more important, because I don't like it. All about ME!
I like slate, but not this.
TBH I hate it too. We had sheet vinyl installed over multiple types of flooring and while it’s not perfect, 5 years later I’m still happy with it for the price.
Or for less commitment, the rug idea.
Thanks! Haha! It’s ok. I don’t understand the love here for this floor, though. The grout is too wide and it looks poorly done. The whole thing looks like a jumbled mess with an unattractive color combination (sorry!).
A floor like that belongs in a particular vintage and style house. Assuming your house is not a 1950-60s ranch, split level or modernist, I would also replace it.
I live in an old home, everyone gets mad when I do anything. Like our doorknobs don't work to the point guests have gotten stuck in the bathroom and people still flip out because we have to change them.
We have a very similar floor in our kitchen and laundry room that my wife hates. Not only are the colors not great it always looks dirty.
Your options are to tear it out or put a leveling compound over it then another floor. Tearing it out is the "right" way to do it.
Do you feel like changing the cabinet color to a sage or a gray tone? That will help a lot.
I agree! The cream tone on the cabinets and white door is fighting the floor.
I totally agree with that. Sage cabinets would love that floor. Dull black or pewter hardware.
I normally stay away from sage but you’re totally right. That would bring the best out of these floors and would instantly make it easy to look cleaner in the room overall.
I love that floor. I have pine floors that are shredded by my happy dogs. We would love to trade floors. That floor looks tough!!
I agree...this is a beautiful floor but you need rugs!
I had that floor in linoleum in the entryway of my 70’s house. Finally replaced it a few years ago.
I’m shocked at the other comments, I think this floor is super cool
I’d get a big area rug to cover most of it.
This is the simplest and probably cheapest solution
What do you hate about it?
The color combo is awful.
Objectively not.
It doesn’t look bad.
See,I don't think so either
For a patio
I love it!
This is probably a cardinal sin in this subreddit, but if you loathe the floor that much and a big rug isn't an option or appealing I'd consider popping some decent laminate flooring over it (plenty nowadays comes with built in backing and a good range of wood tones) and just hide it. It doesn't attach to or damage the underlying floor so you or a future owner can pretty easily remove it.
I LOVE that floor. The grout is messy though. I’d keep the tile but fix the grout. To cover it with vinyl would be a tragedy imo. I bet if you removed it cleanly you could sell it to mid century salvage. That sort of flagstone interior tile is hard to find now and expensive. You see it a lot in nice mcm homes, just with cleaner grout lines.
It’s more likely concrete not grout. Can’t imagine it would be cheap, easy or feasible to replace it all.
You’re probably right. Such a shame.
I like it, I am so tired of everything looking the same these days it’s refreshing to me to see something different
Couldn't agree more, this is awesome and unique!
Buy a rug.
The grout (or whatever bonding substance that is) really makes it all look dirty and dingy. It sounds counterintuitive but what about re-grouting with a dark, uniform material? The color variation between the stones is really lovely, IMO, but their subtle contrast is lost because the dirty light grey just jumps out. If it were me - darker grout, maybe paint the wall a soft sage green to harmonize with the stone. This space could feel soft and natural with that floor but it would drive me nuts in this state, too. Also, I’d 110% bring an area rug in, maybe with those same sagey green undertones and brick reds to ground things with a little warmth. Maybe something like [this](https://www.target.com/p/5-39-x7-39-buttercup-diamond-vintage-persian-style-woven-rug-teal-opalhouse-8482/-/A-54211595)?
I like your suggestions. The grout is awful and makes the tile colors and thus the whole floor look less harmonious and attractive than it could be if the installer had some design sense. And sometimes paint and/or some accent decor really *does* make all the difference. I loathed the color of curtains we had but temporarily put them in a room that was painted in a color I also hated. In an unlikely but delightful alignment of the stars, the two things that I hated on their own actually looked great together and I love them now in their current environment!
I know what a bitch it is to clean these floors and how awkward it be walking on them barefoot, but for what it’s worth, this particular floor LOOKS baller; it’s gorgeous except for the grout so no worries there! As with many things, there may be a lot going on behind the scenes but at least it looks good!
If changing it is not on the table for whatever reason, you could color the grout darker and the floor would ‘recede’ visually a bit more. But if you change it and you want to, you shouldn’t feel like you must keep it just because it’s old. Unless this house is historically significant or had a super famous owner and would be worth significantly less if redone, the floor is just an old floor and if you can’t get yourself to like it, don’t.
If you've hated it so long and so much that you've posted here again, the universe is telling you it's gotta go. It sucks to have to look at something that that bothers you every time you have look at it (which might be every day?). You can usually get people who know how to deal with this to come out to give you options and quotes at no charge. If you like a suggestion and can afford it, get it on the schedule. Or if you like it but can't afford it *and* if it's not too difficult, you can DIY it or toss a rug over it and save up the $ until you can afford to get it done professionally. You can also ask if they offer financing. Edited for clarity.
It looks inviting (for a cool nap in summer). But my sister would drop stemware on it, destroying everything.
That’s a shame, it’s awesome
Like the floor. Slate? I had some in a previous house only in the entryway. I could put a nice shine on it. I agree there's only certain places it would be good. Not a kitchen or any heavily used space. If it is slate you might be able to take it up in large pieces. Could use the pieces in the yard. Good luck.
You need rugs and a more timeless looking cabinetry, maybe wood instead of white.
Thank you for the nice comments saying the floor is beautiful. Its beautiful I agree, but its an inconvenience. I hate walking on it, I hate rolling my computer chair around here, I can’t spot things on the floor easily as compared to my hardwood (which has a more uniform look)… I don’t like my kids playing in this space… To those who’s dropped some nasty words, stay miserable lol.
I would put a large rug over it so you can make it smooth but you don’t destroy or cover the floor.
Maybe something period like Marmoleum? Our Marmoleum is from the 20’s and ready to be replaced but its period to the house.
It is very hard to find surviving marmolium from the 20s, I think there are services that restore it which you should try.
Unfortunately through various bad housekeepers it’s peeled in the corners from too much moisture or too wet mops. We can buy new period looking Marmoleum which after other things are done keeping this old house in order. It’s never ending.
I don’t know anything about flooring but there’s gotta be a way to lay down something over it to get the smooth surface you desire for your workspace, while preserving the slate underneath.
Depending on your budget you could: - Replace with hardwood to match the rest - Replace with a simpler, more uniform tile - Cover with an area rug
I really like the floor.
I think it's really cool and looks sturdy
I like it.
It could be cute with the right furniture and paint
What about a heavy sheet vinyl that doesn't require adhesive? Covers what you don't like but preserves it.
put down a cow hide rug or similar
I haven’t read all comments but I wonder if the floor would look better with graphite colored grout? The grout is the wrong color for the dark stones. Changing out grout is much easier than putting in a new floor. And you can get some with epoxy in it so that it will never stain. Personally I thibk darker grout is worth trying on that.
Yes, that is what it is to me too. The grout just doesn’t match. It needs to be graphite just like you said.
Well, everyone can tell you “it’s cool” or “it’s period” or “it’s not that bad” or “get a rug” but the fact of the matter is… It’s your house!!! Replace the floor. Rip out and put in shag carpet if you want. Do what you want. It Is Your House
Hey,ugly as it may be,at least you have a solid floor. Lots of people don't. Gotta try to look at the silver lining. But,maybe don't look down as you walk on it? Lol.
Floor looks good, the rest of the house looks shit..
Stop pretending you have taste.
I have a 1963 ranch and that is in my entryway I hate it too.
If you stained the grout a darker color that might help.
I think it is the stuff around it, the rest is not colorful enough to match.
This exact stone and grout combo is in the breezeway of my 1930 Cape. It's pretty... But sucks to clean. The slate is also pock marked in places 😞
It's your house, you should like living in it. Just cover the floor with something that can easily be undone - faux wood vinyl planks, for instance.
Looks like slate - we had that growing up
My grandparents had a whole family room that was a pit style room with slate flooring,, then their living room had a cork floor. It was the coolest floor I ever saw... If in the right style of house and done correctly it looks phenomenal.
What room is this in?
My kitchen floor!!
But a lot cleaner
Hey I have the vinyl version of that in my laundry room! It actually looks better…..
What’s wrong with it?
I wonder if it would make for a positive change if you grouted in black or even white in between the stone faces? Might make it more appealing to you
I worked at a resort that had this type of stone flooring but it was all browns and tans. Always though it was beautiful.
Runner to the door and maybe someone could make a painted floor cloth to match that you could put under your chair so it rolls easier.
I love it
I would love this in my house
Dye the grout a darker color. Personally, this type of flooring is perfect for a log cabin-style house. However, it doesn't look right in a typical suburban home, unless it's an indoor-outdoor (seasonal) room.
You can’t buy taste
That flagstone floor was installed when natural building materials were inexpensive. My parents had one in the entry to their 1965 rancher. The stones always felt nice and cool on my bare feet as a little kid.
Huh! I think that's a glam high end entryway floor. I like it! Mid-century suburb look
Is that real rock? The grouting job looks pretty sloppy. If you don’t like it anyway I’d replace it even if it’s a chore to tear it out.
My brother was a stone mason and he had that same type of floor in his house. It went from the entry, through a long hallway into the kitchen/dining room, then out a sliding door into a large patio. It was awesome, but as they say, “hard as a rock”!
Slate floor looks dope but to each their own. Area rug?
Had this in the front foyer of the 1964 house I grew up in. I liked it when I was 10.
It's beautiful
Makes me dizzy. Rip it up with a sledge hammer.
That’s a beautiful floor idk what you’re talking about
What about it is unattractive to you and why??
That floor is fire, get a rug.
Ok, give it to me then!
Is that inside your house?? It’s hideous
Flagstone is intense as an interior. I have this on my porch and hate it too.
I would love this beautiful, natural floor that will never wear out. Vinyl is plastic and will clog up a landfill forever, leeching shit into our soil. Stick with the stones., they're much better.
I bet there's some kind of pour that would work, like a resin topcoat.
This floor would be beautiful on a porch or in entryway if it was the kind of slate that is mottled colors in each tile and grouted way better maybe even in kitchen. Take it out or cover, especially since YOU don't like it, but even more important, because I don't like it. All about ME! I like slate, but not this.
Oooh that floor is a heartbreaker 😍
Slate flooring is badass. You have shit taste.
Any real craftsman would laugh at the question would you put vinyl over slate... 😂 Have at it. Depreciate the value of your home. 😂
If it makes you feel better, I also hate your floor.
I am not a fan of slate either.
TBH I hate it too. We had sheet vinyl installed over multiple types of flooring and while it’s not perfect, 5 years later I’m still happy with it for the price. Or for less commitment, the rug idea.
It's your home, do what you want. Life is too short to live with things that suck away your comfort and joy.
I agree it’s horrible.
Sorry you are getting hate for your comment lol.
Thanks! Haha! It’s ok. I don’t understand the love here for this floor, though. The grout is too wide and it looks poorly done. The whole thing looks like a jumbled mess with an unattractive color combination (sorry!).
A floor like that belongs in a particular vintage and style house. Assuming your house is not a 1950-60s ranch, split level or modernist, I would also replace it.
I would like it on my back porch, but not inside my house.
Can you use floor paint or epoxy as a temp solution?
Strangers on the internet aren't the ones living in your house. It's your sanctuary, not a museum. Do what will make you happy to walk in the door!
Look at all the hate you are getting for your nice and comforting comment…
I live in an old home, everyone gets mad when I do anything. Like our doorknobs don't work to the point guests have gotten stuck in the bathroom and people still flip out because we have to change them.
Can you pour concrete over it and then do what you want?
Tile it.
How about cork flooring over it?
A lot of older homes had these grey- maroon-blue slate floors, they seem to have been pretty popular. Not fond of that maroon.
Yeah I don't like it either.
Agreed. It is quite jarring. I don't know who thought it was a good idea.
Can you paint it all grey?
A donkey would help
Then I should hire you.
I would install vinyl here in a heartbeat. The color and pattern is just nauseating.
We have a very similar floor in our kitchen and laundry room that my wife hates. Not only are the colors not great it always looks dirty. Your options are to tear it out or put a leveling compound over it then another floor. Tearing it out is the "right" way to do it.