Welcome to the home inspired by the light, nature, and nostalgia of the grandparents’ home. Guoda and Laimis took on the challenge of creating their living space with only technical building advice and assistance. Their newly built minimalistic and modern house in the Klaipeda region, Lithuania, is a result of their hands-on approach. They prioritized quality and longevity with features like engineered wood floors and solid oak doors and focused on a non-toxic, sustainable design approach.
Choosing Ecowood Oak Floors and Doors
According to Guoda, their choice of Ecowood oak floors and doors came after carefully researching quality and materials. Every interior designer and architect advised them to get the foundation right. “Everything else – furniture, curtains, and other interior elements – we can change, but investing in a solid foundation like wood flooring is crucial,” Guoda explained. “High-quality wood floors, doors, and windows were our priority. We want them to last for decades with minimal maintenance.”
For the home’s surfaces, oak flooring in White Transparent colour was chosen, along with 100% solid oak panelled style doors in white. The natural oil finish on both the floors and doors ensures a perfectly consistent match throughout the house.
Durability, Maintenance, and Practicality of Oak Floors
Both Guoda and Laimis grew up in small villages, and they say that the decision to go for oak floors was inspired by their grandparents’ home, where solid wood floors lasted from generation to generation.
Durability and ease of maintenance of the flooring were very important factors. The couple, who love having family and friends around and hosting dinner parties, chose Ecowood oak floors that showcase resilience. The kitchen, often a battleground for spills, is proof of the practicality of their choice. Cleaning is effortless, and the White Transparent wood floor colour easily conceals minor dust.
Natural wood floors are also pet-friendly and perfect for their playful miniature poodle, Gazas.
The home is embraced in comfort whatever the weather. Guoda points out, “Our heating expenses are relatively minimal because natural wood effectively retains warmth and adjusts to the climate. We chose flooring that works well with underfloor heating because Lithuania can get quite chilly.”
Guoda, a branding and design creative director, frequently works from home. “I almost didn’t buy furniture because working with my laptop on the oak floor is so enjoyable,” she jokes. The wood floors stand out as the most cosy and striking feature.”
Practical and Creative Ideas
Building their dream home was full of practical and also creative ideas. They carefully planned for natural light, even considering the sun’s movements throughout the day.
“Our interior designer created a 3D model showing how our house would look in different seasons,” Guoda remembers. “Using that, I adjusted the placement of windows in the living room to capture the most sunlight and enjoy sunrises and sunsets to the fullest.”
The couple’s home celebrates natural elements, with its light oak floors, white doors, and large windows as the focal points. Painted in soothing earthy and neutral tones, the space is complemented by natural fabrics and surfaces that add the perfect finishing touches. “When I crave colour,” Guoda reflects, “I bring in a vibrant bouquet of flowers. It breathes life into the space whenever I need it.”
Home Building Challenges and Advice
Building their dream home had its challenges. “Planning the electricity was tricky,” Guoda recalls. “And we had to redo the windows, which took a lot of patience and time.”
Their advice for anyone starting a house-building or renovation project is straightforward: trust your instincts. “If something doesn’t feel right, speak up,” Guoda advises. Most importantly, choose reliable craftsmen and materials.”
