brick flooring

I met one of my favorite homes of all time at a lovely engagement party for my husband and I. It was the first time I had seen the house as I was not from Omaha, and I remember thinking this is me, this is what I love. I had never seen brick floors before in my life, but that was one of several things I came away with: Some day I will have brick floors like these. It took more than a decade, but I got them. We built our house 14 years ago, and the number one thing on my list was brick floors throughout the first floor. 

To me they say french country, casual but elegant, interesting, different. Just look at how they warm up a room and instantly make it look french country...

We used outdoor pavers that were cut in half so they were cheaper and easier to use and not as heavy. Since we built our house, we were able to add the support necessary to hold up the added weight. We did not add any sealants... I wanted them to look like outdoor brick, not shiny tile.

Love the herringbone pattern...

I used to have a sisal rug in the dining room, but decided the brick was prettier. I've considered (thanks to my clever design guru, Richard White) painting an oushak rug onto the brick.. Wouldn't that be something? Not sure if I'm brave enough to do it.

Same brick inside and out!

After 14 years, we are replacing our Master bedroom carpeting this month, (OMG wait until you see the upgrade!) partially because the carpet is worn, mostly because of the desired change in the overall look. The carpet upstairs is desperate for a re-do, but I can't justify spending the money until this last child of mine goes to college ~ two more years! 

One thing's for sure, the brick does not and will not ever need to be changed. It seems to look better with time... 

(images from Pinterest unless they're mine)