Flooring Design Winners Push the Boundaries of Their Art
Walking on a Blue Wave
Whether it's innovative technology, new methods or materials, design trends, consumer expectations, or changes in the business landscape, top companies are not afraid to push the boundaries of their art. These 2024 National Wood Flooring Association Wood Floor of the Year (WFOY) awardees are great examples.
The 2024 Wood Floor of the Year winning project in the Best in Colors, Finishes, and Textured Wood category integrates depth and color, using layers of blue dye to give the illusion of blue waves gliding across the floor.
Matthew Szyszka, Principal of Floor Master Company based in Chicago, Illinois, designed this floor for the family room of his own home. "I told myself this is my space and there are no limitations to what I can do. I'm going to create something unique, something that expresses my vision and uses my favorite techniques."
The floor features blue-hued panels made of quartersawn white oak in a basketweave pattern, punctuated by squares of American black walnut inlaid with bubinga and wenge detailing. The 380-square-foot floor is framed with an intricate border inspired by an ancient Greek design. Each of the 103 embedded walnut squares is banded by thin maple strips, which contrast and make the squares pop. A key to the unique beauty of the Blue Wave floor is Szyszka's use of the beveled French bleed technique, which adds depth and dimension to the squares and accentuates the pattern.
Light plays a huge role in the floor's refractive effect. "It changes every time you look at it, and that's due to the color contrast, the layering, and the hand-scraped bevel technique that highlights each element," Szyszka explained. Szyszka achieved a
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Blue Wave floor that won the 2024 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year in the Best in Colors, Finishes, and Textured Wood category?+
Matthew Szyszka, Principal of Floor Master Company in Chicago, Illinois, designed the Blue Wave floor for the family room of his own home.
What wood species were used in the Blue Wave award-winning floor?+
The floor features quartersawn white oak panels in a basketweave pattern, with squares of American black walnut inlaid with bubinga and wenge detailing. Thin maple strips band each of the 103 embedded walnut squares.
How large is the Blue Wave floor and what design inspired its border?+
The floor measures 380 square feet and is framed with an intricate border inspired by an ancient Greek design.
What technique did Matthew Szyszka use to add depth to the Blue Wave floor?+
Szyszka used the beveled French bleed technique, which adds depth and dimension to the squares and accentuates the pattern. The hand-scraped bevel technique also highlights each element and contributes to the floor's refractive light effect.
How does the Blue Wave floor create the illusion of waves?+
The floor integrates depth and color using layers of blue dye to give the illusion of blue waves gliding across the floor. Light, color contrast, layering, and the hand-scraped bevel technique cause the appearance to change every time it's viewed.