The Early American Floorcloth Collection

The Early American Floorcloth Collection
The floorcloths in the Early American Collection are based on patterns found painted
on floors in historic New England homes. These patterns were chronicled by Esther
Stevens Brazer, an avid researcher of 19th century decorative designs. MB Historic
Décor offers a line of stencils based on Brazer’s work which were used in making the
floorcloths in this collection. These patterns are the finest examples of Early American
folk art representing many different themes including lacy floral borders, lovely medallions and a variety of geometric designs. Depending on the colors used, they suit a range
of styles appropriate for traditional to modern interiors.
This collection is organized based on the house name (if known) or town where the
pattern was originally found and each floorcloth inspired by the house design(s) is given
a number. Each floorcloth description includes color and size data. We use Benjamin
Moore paints for the background colors and Jo Sonja stencil paints for border and motif
colors.
This collection is intended to convey the style variations that can be achieved by these
designs through pattern combination and color use. Most examples are either 2’ x 3’ or
3’ x 4’ in size. Any of these designs can be used to make floorcloths of any size or applied directly to floor surfaces.
In our latest work, we are expanding our design horizons. We are taking inspiration
from a variety of sources including classic carpet designs; batik fabrics; art deco motifs; and a body of work influenced by our fascination with geometric shapes and three
dimensional effects. Please visit our website at www.gracewooddesign.com to see our
latest work.
Edward Durant Collection
Newton, Massachusetts
Edward Durant
#
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 3’ x 4’
Size - 3’ x 4’
Newton, Massachusetts
Edward Durant Collection
Newton, Massachusetts
Edward Durant
#
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 3’ x 4’
Size - 3’ x 4’
Isaac Buck Series, cont. &
Bump Tavern Series, Cooperstown, New York
Size - 2’ x 3’
12
Archibald Cox
#1
Archibald Cox
#3
Edward Durant Collection
Newton, Massachusetts
Isaac Buck
#1
#1
Colors -Colors
Background: Bavarian Cream
Background:
Center: Custom Red
Border:
Border: Custom Blues and Reds
Motifs:
Motifs: Custom Blue
Size -- 22’1/2’
x 3’x 5’
Moses
Isaac Eaton
Buck
#2
Colors -Colors
Background: Bavarian Cream
Background:
Border: Custom Beige
Center:
Motifs: Custom Blues and Red
Border:
Motifs: Custom Blues
Size -- 2’
2’ 1/2’
x 3’x 3 1/2’
Moses
Isaac Eaton
Buck
#3
Colors
Colors -Background:
Background: Bavarian Cream
Border:
Border: Custom Green, Red and
Motifs:
Gold
Motifs: Custom Greens
Size -- 3’2’xx4’3’
Isaac Eaton
Buck
Moses
#4
#4
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
2’ xx 3’
3’
Size -- 2’
19
Edward Durant Collection
Newton, Massachusetts
Isaac Buck
#1
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 2’ x 3’
Isaac Buck
#2
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 2’ x 3’
Isaac Buck
#3
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 2’ x 3’
Isaac Buck
#4
Colors Background:
Border:
Motifs:
Size - 2’ x 3’
23
2’ 4” x 17’ Hallway Runner
Notes
The Floorcloth Collection
Gracewood Design is focused on enhancing the decorative impact of floors. We offer floorcloths
- canvas rugs - that are custom made to perfectly enhance room décor through choice of colors,
patterns and size. We decorate floor surfaces, including wood and concrete, through direct application of designs using paints, gels and stains.
Our mission is to restore the popularity of floorcloths as a beautiful, practical and durable alternative to area rugs. Floorcloths were initially created in Europe in the fourteen hundreds; by the
seventeen and eighteen hundreds they had become popular in America. Often made from the canvases of ripped sails, floorcloths were traditionally used in place of rugs. In the late 1800’s linoleum
began to replace floorcloths as the most common floor covering; by the early 1900’s the floorcloth
was all but extinct.
The common use of hardwood flooring in homes in the US today creates the perfect environment
for a floorcloth renaissance. Floorcloths protect hardwood floors, provide a soft standing surface
and a lovely decorative accent to any room. Floorcloths provide a smooth, easily cleaned surface
which makes them ideal for placement under the dining room table, in front of the kitchen sink or
stove and anywhere else that could benefit from a unique accent rug. Floorcloths can also be used
as wall hangings and table coverings, protecting table surfaces and acting as a replacement for place
mats or table cloths.
Gracewood Design’s floorcloths are made of heavy canvas which is carefully primed, skillfully painted and stenciled and then sealed with multiple layers of protective polyurethane. The final finish is
a coat of hard paste wax. All products used are water-based and non-toxic. Our floorcloths have a
two inch mitered hem and are backed with carpet padding, which is adhered to the canvas and then
covered with a water resistant, washable material. This backing will prevent the floorcloth from
sliding, offers a nice cushion effect under your feet and extends the durability of the floorcloth.
Gracewood Design specializes in custom floorcloths, tailored to the size, color and design style desired by our clients. We can work with other room appointments, such as fabrics, wall paper, paint
colors, or simply a picture of the room itself, to create a perfect accent piece that will enhance the
beauty of the surrounding environment. We endeavor to make each piece a work of art and family
heirloom.
Elegant Floor Coverings & Treatments
707 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-695-1480
www.gracewooddesign.com