Orville and Juan started installing the Bella natural hickory floor last week. It took Orville quite a while to establish this first line of boards. It's important to get this right because the floors are interconnected throughout the house.

The got a lot more laid on day 2. The blue tape is there to help hold the boards in place until the glue sets. The heavy boxes hold the floor down and provide a walkway.

I have to admit that when I first saw this I was a surprised at how much pattern there is. I knew there would be but seeing it is different from imagining it. Luckily, we both love it! It's very different but feels good in the space. The pattern is stronger when you look down the boards and quieter when you look across them. I'll take more photos later.

Here is the breakfast room, before…

And here it is, primed. The soffit will come out to be replaced by cabinets. New doors and drawers are being made but I can already tell how much lighter and brighter it will be in white.