8th Avenue, Brooklyn

When asked what her design choices were for this project, Linda said “Overall, we were looking to renovate our apartment using only natural materials to create a healthy environment to be in. We utilized wood heavily throughout as it also brings a lot of warmth and comfort into the space. The new flooring and levelling of the floor was the most drastic change and largest component of the renovation. It set the tone for the entire space moving forward”.  

The Havwoods’ Amazon plank, known for its rich texture and durability, serves as the foundation for the space. We asked Linda how she decided on the style of wood and finish, and she said “first functionality and then aesthetics. This is always my train of thought. We looked into other species of wood but settled on oak for its durability and engineered for its resistance to warp with humidity changes. Aesthetically, the width and proportion of the planks were a good fit for our very narrow and long apartment. The random layout and character grade was chosen as a way to embrace letting go of control over natural materials. They shine best when you let nature do its thing. The knots are my favorite part”.   

Finally, we asked Linda how the floors helped enhance the aesthetic and functionality of the space and she stated, “I cannot explain how wonderful it is to not walk sideways in our tiny space. After levelling, there was a 4" difference from side to side of our apartment, which is now a tiny step up from a tiled foyer. It's logical and functional, so I appreciate that. Also, walking barefoot is a dream and brings us much joy every day when we wake up”.