Idea of the Week: Salvage Style Steps Up

Genius!

The instant I saw those stairs, I knew what they old flooring because I recognized the flooring on the bottom step as having been like that in my great-grandparents' home. I think the brown, red, and tan one (in the bottom picture) was in my great-great aunt's farmhouse. This is a wonderful way to salvage some of our history. Using it as it was originally designed to be used continues to give honor to it, I think, although I'm a bit saddened by the thought of it eventually being worn away by foot traffic and lost forever.

My husband and I own a seasonal home that has 'antique' linoleum throughout, and I can't bear to get rid of it. The stuff is already about a century old (I'm guessing) and it has stood up to all the wear and tear of our 3 children and 3 dogs beautifully not to mention to that of previous owners. A few people have commented that they would get rid of it and put down laminate. But this old linoleum has so much ... integrity ... for lack of a better word. And history! If only it could talk! I realize it may contain asbestos but I think it is not hazardous as long as it isn't moved or tampered with.