I think this may be the most comprehensive look at plywood interiors on the web. I tend to get carried away with my Montage posts; obviously this is no exception. And I left out at least a dozen. (I’ll eventually use them on Design Milk.) I began collecting plywood images about a year ago when I started noticing them, and lately, there’s been an explosion of them, as well as plenty of blogger round-ups.
But that’s not the only reason for the post. We’re actually planning on installing a plywood floor in our new Delray Beach condo. We had the contractor quote a price for tile, which turned out to be quite high, although we sourced an inexpensive tile ($1.99/sq.ft). We MUST change the floor; there’s ivory carpet, that upon close inspection reveals pastel pink and blue flecks. Not only is it ugly (though it IS clean), it breaks up the space awkwardly. When I asked about a plywood floor, the contractor was intrigued. He’s never done one, so he’s started researching and is excited. Even better, it should cost only half as much. I PREFER wood. Very psyched.
He wants to do 4′x4′ squares rather than 4′x8′ boards in order to avoid a Vermont feel. I had initially thought we’d do planks, painted white (remember all the white rooms with color pops for inspiration?), but I’m coming around to the idea. Anybody have thoughts? Also, if we do squares, do we just seal it, without painting it, for the full-on unfinished, natural effect? I’d love your opinions on this!
As you think, scroll through these plywood rooms. All au naturel.
Photographer Lisa Cohen
Johannes Norlander Arkitektur AB
NHR via gutgut.sk
Photographer Martin Cederblad
Chartier-Corbasson Architects – LoftLife magazine
A west L.A. home – Apartment Therapy
Rolling Huts - Olson Kundig Architects
Home of an Apartment Therapy reader
Home of NancyBird designer
The Design Files – Photographer Tony Owczarek
Architect Olivia van Dijk
Olson Kundig Architects – Photographer Benjamin Benschneider
unidentified
Arquitectura-G – Photographer José Hevia
unidentified
Hotel Holos in Sevilla, Spain
Lamino chair by Swedese in an Alpine cabin
Architect Jan De Vylder – Photographer Filip Dujardin
unidentified
Marie Claire Maison magazine
A west L.A. home - Apartment Therapy
A west L.A. home - Apartment Therapy
Mjolk owners’ cottage – Canadian House and Home magazine
Arquitectura-G - Photographer José Hevia
Mjolk owners’ cottage – Cottage Life magazine
Mjolk owners’ cottage - Canadian House and Home magazine
Davor Popadich’s home of Pattersons Architects - Dwell magazine
Photographer Simon Devitt
Photographer Lisa Cohen
A Toronto kitchen – Apartment Therapy
Johannes Norlander Arkitektur AB
unidentified
unidentified via SF Girl by Bay
Davor Popadich’s home of Pattersons Architects - Dwell magazine
Photographer Simon Devitt
Photographer Filip Dujardin
Home of architect Rodney Eggleston of March Studio
Mjolk owners’ cottage – Remodelista
Stylist Lotta Agaton – Photographer Petra Bindel
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Great post! I’m obsessing over plywood myself… I have been thinking about doing our floors. I like the large plank idea, 2′x4′ or 1′x4′.
4×4′ seems boring.
Good luck!
Hi Alison, Would love to know if you decide to go ahead. I’m undecided on the squares… worried about a checkerboard feel. I had been thinking planks…
I did russian plywood in an apartment we are renting. so easy. I used full sized sheets to mimic tatami- we live in Tokyo. Then I covered them in Nisu- water based varnish. I glued them down with a product that is kinda like sealer and construction cement. I put a few flooring screws in but didn’t really need to. The glue stuff made the boards slide a bit , that is why I used the screws. they are very warm looking and were so easy. to cut I overlapped pieces and cut through the 2 with a circular saw, that way no matter how bad my cut they fit together like a puzzle. I cut pretty straight though.
thats russian birch- its a bit cheaper
Just discovered your blog and am loving it…I’m a former CT/DC/Boston gal now living in Delray Beach. I love the unfinished naked plywood look – just sand and seal. Maybe a stenciled or painted “rug” someplace?
Ok, that’s weird. Really? I’m a former CT/NYC/DC now Boston gal. You live in Delray full time? We are so psyched to escape from Boston winters. My husband informed me via FB post : ) that he’s not into the unfinished look. Maybe a white tinted stain. Love the current trend of painted or wasabit tape rugs, esp in a bright color, for fun.
Yes, I am indeed in Delray Beach full time. And woefully, I am missing an NYC stint in my past. I’ve been very slowly decorating my first home–well, town home– and have been quite inspired by your writing and many many pics. Thank you for sharing your tasteful imagination. Please be sure to measure well for your potential linear suspension entryway light, I am now experienced with that oversight!
My favorite is the Lofted Bed
Hi there! Great collection of plywood photos! Regarding your question should you paint the ply before sealing it – you could wash or stain it. If you want to keep it from yellowing over time a whitewash is always a good idea and then using a waterborne sealer. Polyurethanes normally go yellow and can render the wood colour into quite unsightly yellows.
If you live in the US you can order a waterborne wood wash and sealer from Porter’s Paints in California (I would assume that they will deliver all around the country)
http://www.porterspaints.com/contact-us/showrooms–stockists/international/usa
I have used Porter’s products for a long time and can recommend them in good faith. Good luck with your project!
Hi Andrea, Thanks so much for the advice. Yellowing would be BAD. I’ve heard of Porter’s paints… will def look into!
putting water varnish over it will also keep it from yellowing in sunlight – instead of using Polyurethane- its also easier to repair if there is a scratch but it is also a bit softer.
Natural finish with a urethane sealant sounds best to me. Wish I’d had the courge to do that. It looks great in your montage.
Well, it’s just a place we’ll use a few times a year, and there’s minimal money, so that’s a huge motivator.Fingers crossed.