Updated May 31, 2024 at 6:32 pm
How to modernize mosaic parquet? – © Martin Déjà/Getty
Tired of outdated mosaic flooring? Here are our solutions to restore its shine and sophistication.
Ah the charm of parquet, its authentic look and its historic soul. If we appreciate this covering so much, it is because of its warm, luxurious side, the symbol of Haussmann-style apartments. But we have to admit, our preference goes to traditional poses like the Hungarian point, the herringbone, the Versailles parquet or the very classic one with the straight slat known as the English pose. Therefore, for many of us, the discovery of a mosaic floor lasting the length of an apartment can be perceived as disappointing. You know, it is the one that consists of small pieces of wood forming square plates arranged like a checkerboard, changing its direction. If we find traces of it since the 1920s, it is often associated with buildings built between the 1950s and 1970s, which makes it outdated in the eyes of some. However, it only takes a little to restore its letters of nobility.
How to modernize mosaic parquet?
Completely redoing the floor of an apartment or house can quickly increase the renovation budget. Although you can find laminate floors that perfectly mimic wood these days, the feel won’t be the same to the touch. So, unless it is completely worn out, it is preferable to rejuvenate your parquet in order to preserve its wooden appearance while modernizing it. To do this, you can start by sanding it to remove its dark varnish, which is sometimes too shiny and old-fashioned. Going raw will only make it more trendy. You can also decide to repaint it. Black, yellow, red, Klein blue, pink… All boldness is possible. It’s also possible to create a boxy color-block space by painting it from floor to ceiling in the same shade. Thus, the parquet will be forgotten.
Another tip, mix wood and tiles. Ideal in case of damaged cladding, demarcation or if you want to combine a technical area and a living room.
Finally, we counterbalance the old-fashioned look of this parquet floor with contemporary and charismatic furniture. All eyes will be on it and make you forget these little forest squares.
And if all this is not enough, we try to make it disappear under XXL carpets or with an accumulation of Berber models or kilims. Besides making it discreet, it will create an extraordinary bohemian atmosphere.
Whitening a mosaic floor?
To bring more character to your slightly tired floor, or to update it, why not choose whitewashed parquet? Ultra-fashionable, it will take on the air of country houses whose original color has faded and faded over time. With its very light stained side, it will convince all lovers of Scandinavian interiors. It will also bring more clarity to the room and will be a good working base for associating all kinds of colors.
For optimal results, you should start by sanding the parquet to expose it. No trace of its original appearance should remain. Then it is covered with colorless and matte glazing. Finally, you can choose to apply white oil or wax. The latter will delicately shade the parquet.
For those in a hurry, or for those who want an ultra-covering white, there’s still the paint solution. Choose it wisely so that it withstands many passages in the long run. We then recommend epoxy solutions, similar to those that cover parking lots.