Soft Grey Limewash on Baltic Pine Floors - Elwood

Modern Hampton look with a light, coastal-inspired tone

When our Elwood client purchased their apartment, they envisioned a modern Hampton-style interior — soft greys, whitewashed timber furniture, and a light coastal feel. However, the original Baltic Pine flooring carried an orange hue that clashed with their furniture and décor. Before moving in, they asked us to restore and recolour the timber floors to better match their aesthetic.

Assessing the Baltic Pine Condition

The apartment sits in a building estimated to be between 80 to 100 years old, and with that age comes character. The Baltic Pine boards had seen various replacements over the decades, but the overall condition remained stable and sound. We noted the subtle differences in grain and tone between old and new boards — a reminder of the building’s long history.

Sampling the Perfect Grey

To achieve the right tone for the Hampton look, we prepared several grey wash samples directly on the client’s floor. The goal was to balance the natural yellow undertones of aged Baltic Pine with cooler, neutral greys.

Interestingly, when mixed with the natural warmth of the old timber, the cooler greys produced a soft, light oak effect — gentle, warm, and refined without appearing cold or blue. The client selected the lightest sample of the set, which provided the most balanced look against their grey carpets and whitewashed furniture.

Sanding and Finishing

The sanding process revealed the beautiful raw pine grain beneath the aged coating. Once the correct tone was achieved, we sealed the floors with Loba 2K water-based polyurethane in a matt sheen finish — a choice that kept the colour subtle and elegant while enhancing durability for everyday use.

The matt finish helped maintain a natural timber texture, avoiding any gloss that might interfere with the soft, coastal Hampton aesthetic.

Final Result

The completed floors now sit beautifully within the apartment’s interior, harmonising with the client’s modern Hampton furnishings. The once-orange Baltic Pine has been transformed into a calm, pale grey timber that complements the light and airy atmosphere of the space.

This envisioned interior is bright and welcoming. Rendering completed with Ai assisted tool.

Disclaimer

While colour blending and grey washing can significantly change the overall tone of aged timbers, variations in grain, age, and natural oils can cause slight differences in tone across boards. These nuances add authenticity and character — particularly in heritage-age Baltic Pine floors.

BLWB