Update: Small remodel and small flooring replacement

[mrspez07]

This hideous bar area is finally getting a makeover! House is a 1979 tri-level, the layout of this area has never changed, and this I think the “style” was updated 15-20 years ago, the previous owner’s aesthetic was similar to this monstrosity. We’ve been living with it for 14 years. We’re pulling everything out and putting in a walk up coffee/wine bar on the back wall with cherry cabinets above and below, and a wine fridge.
That will leave us with a section of no flooring. We’re not quite ready to replace the flooring on two levels right now, (give a mouse a cookie and all that). What type of semi-permanent flooring would you add to the area in front of the new bar? I don’t think we want to try and match the existing laminate, but would a dark wood laminate, tile, or something way out there else look best?

Also, this is our dumping ground as we come in from the garage, any tips for deterring the new bar as a dumping ground are welcome.


Interesting note, some neighbors have mentioned this bar used to have tractor bar seats in front of it 🤣

[mrspez07]

@kellady we’ll be pulling up the laminate flooring some day as well, so I guess anything that can come up when that does?

[samanthamkm]

I would do a tile that matches the rest of the feel of the house until you are ready to redo the whole floor.

I think every house should have a dumping ground when you first walk in. It's just how well you manage at putting stuff away that makes it seem not a dumping ground.

[darby]

I would choose LVT that is similar to what you might have in another area of your home. Do you have stone at your entry? If so pick a color that coordinates with that. It will be waterproof & look cohesive. If not, then pick one that’s neutral. It’s relatively inexpensive & will be forgiving underfoot. I think there are several that look amazing! It’s not as popular around here as the wood look LVP, but performs the same. If you have a Floor & Decor nearby, last time I was there they had several options.


ETA I don’t think you will ever keep the space from being a dumping ground (if you’re anything like us) so can you add one tall cabinet on the side closest to the garage that has hooks, shelves, etc. so you can hide what gets dropped on the way in?

[dr.girlfriend]

Agree with tile or vinyl tile. Also wondering if there's somewhere else a "dumping ground" could go -- any room on the wall opposite or next to the door to the garage for a small table, or hooks?

[mrspez07]

It’s done!
We went with a VInyl plank in a contrasting color (one of the white oak colors from Home Depot). The floor is really nice. Not something I would pick for the whole house but it works for a small space.

[maudefindlay]

Wow, what a change! I really like the contrast of the backslash and countertop. Nice, classic look all around and easier to access the space.

[darby]

It looks great!

[mrsukyankee]

Love it!

[rubytue]

Oh I love this!

[libbygrl109]

That looks really good!

[thejackpot]

That looks great! Such a wonderful improvement.

[flygirl]

That looks great!

[definitelyO]

that looks great - thank you for sharing the B&A