08/26/2026
Bringing the History Back to Life: The Baldwin Home
There’s something special about working on a home with a story.
When the Baldwins purchased their home, the kitchen had been covered with a floating laminate floor. But we suspected there might be something special underneath—and we were right.
Once we carefully removed the floating floor, we uncovered the original 8" x 8" x 1/2" quarry tile that had been part of the home for years. The tile fit the character and décor of the house perfectly. It was one of those moments where you realize you’ve uncovered a little piece of the home’s history.
Unfortunately, time had taken its toll. Much of the original tile had become loose, and previous patchwork had been done over the years. We explored the possibility of repairing the existing floor, but we simply couldn't find matching material. Trying to patch it together would have taken away from the beauty of the original floor.
So instead of settling, we went looking for something that felt right.
Working closely with the Baldwins, we found a porcelain hexagon tile from the Chicago Series that captured the look and character of an old brick or quarry-tile floor, while giving them the durability and functionality of modern porcelain.
The result was exactly what we were hoping for.
Getting there wasn't easy. We needed to self-level the existing floor to create one consistent, level surface throughout the kitchen. We also used tile spacers and leveling systems on each tile to help achieve the flat, clean installation that this floor deserved.
The finished floor has the old-world character that belongs in this beautiful home, with the performance and durability needed for everyday life.
Most importantly, the Baldwins are thrilled with the outcome.
For us, this project was about more than installing a new floor. It was about respecting the history of the home, understanding what made the original floor special, and finding a way to recreate that feeling while giving the homeowners something they can enjoy for years to come.
Sometimes the best floors aren't the ones you simply install.
They're the ones that feel like they've always belonged there.