1 This is the "floating wall" effect that is throughout the apartment. As you can see, it's far from perfect. I think it's best to just cover it up.
2 Another view. It's pretty bad.
3 Here is the inspiration image that my friend William from MR Architecture + Décor showed me for the gallery reveal style floor molding.
4 This is another image from William from World of Interiors, December 1997, photographed by Ivan Terestchenko. See how the base molding matches the floor finish.
5 This is a straight on view of the 3/4" Wenge sample that Craig made for me. I really like fact that it just blends into the floor.
6 Close up view of the 3/4" Wenge sample.
7 The 3/4" Wenge sample shot overhead.
8 Here is the 3/4" primed sample. If I choose this one, it will be painted the same color as the wall.
9 The 3/4" primed sample close up.
10 The 3/4" primed sample next to the 3/4" Wenge sample. Each one would give a totally different look to the apartment.
11 The 1/2" primed from above. A little less substantial than the 3/4" sample. I worry that it wouldn't provide enough protection for the wall when vacuuming. I'm pretty crazy with a the vacuum.
12 The 1/2" primed sample close up.
13 I placed the 3/4" primed sample and the 1/2" primed sample at a corner for comparison. I'm really leaning towards the 3/4" size.
14 Another corner view.
15 An overhead view of the 1/2" primed sample next to the 3/4" primed sample. It's just a 1/4" difference but it really changes the look.
16 The 3/4" and 1/2" Wenge samples on a corner.
17 The 3/4" and 1/2" Wenge samples from overhead.
18 The 1/2" primed and Wenge samples side by side.
Now that my floor is done and looks fantastic, it's time to think about base molding. While the apartment's floating walls create a more modern aesthetic, the edges have not been wearing well and dirt has been getting trapped in the gap. It's a problem and I want to eliminate it. I called my friend, William Clukies, who works at the firm MR Architecture + Décor here in New York. Check out their website, www.mrarch.com to see some of their work. I asked his advice as I have always admired his clean, modern look. He suggested trying a detail that they have used before at the firm that approximates a “gallery reveal”. It's simply a ¾” by ¾” square toe bead. He said they usually try to match the toe bead to the floor finish so it is made from the same wood as the floor. In my case, Wenge. However, a paint grade wood could also be used to create different look. William also recommended having a few pieces of the molding mocked up first to see if I liked the proportions. I contacted Craig, my flooring expert at Haywood-Berk, and asked him to make up some samples of molding in a few different sizes, both paint-able and in the same finish as the floor. I decided to try the 3/4" x 3/4" size as well as a 1/2" x 3/4" size. Now, I just have to decide which one works best.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Dawn | 9/2/09 at 8:33 am
Without question........3/4" Wenge finish! It just looks so much more polished and "seamless".
From: Wayne M | 9/2/09 at 8:48 pm
Another vote for the 3/4" Wenge (not that you asked!)
But I guess it depends a little bit on the wall color. Are they to remain white?
From: Dorothy | 9/2/09 at 10:01 pm
It sounds like it will be hard to nail to the wall or floor, will they use glue? I also will like to know which finish you use on the base molding.
Next time I'm at a gallery or museum I will look down at the floor to see how their gap is handled and, look up at the art.
From: liisamarja | 9/3/09 at 4:04 am
i'm with dawn here, definitely the 3/4" wenge, the primed molding looks, sorry, bland...
From: Eric | 9/3/09 at 9:32 am
Kevin, I recently moved to NY form Texas and stumbled on your blog. I am excited to see how your apartment develops and all the other things you plan to share with us. Your off to a great start with your decision on the floors. MR Architecture used what looked to be a ½” x 2” on the East Side Residence and East Side Townhouse featured on their website. Did you happen to see what a taller molding might look like? If you go with the stained finish, I like the one you showed in your pictures. If you go with a painted version I’d like to see what a ½ x 2(or 1.5)” looks like (perhaps you already tried this). Thanks for sharing your design process with us !
From: Mary | 9/3/09 at 1:44 pm
A good idea.
If you're mad with the vacuum, you're going to need to go with the molding that matches the floor. (though I would personally preferred a molding to match the wall color) A painted molding would should more wear if you were to hit anything against it.
From: Sonja Mandt | 9/3/09 at 5:34 pm
Hi Kevin. Love the blog. I like the 3/4" wenge stain. Painted wood will chip and scratch. It will become a nightmare. Love what you have shown us so far on your new home. I hope you are not storing you sweaters in the oven! Hope you had Alexis' closet guy build you out a spectacular closet.
From: Jan Erickson | 9/5/09 at 12:06 am
Hi Kevin, Sorry I haven't commented until now but I seem to run out of time. I'm sure you know how that goes as busy as you are. Anyway, I enjoy reading your very inspiring blogs and find your photos to be very stunning. Thank you for sharing. Have a nice Lablr Day weekend. Jan
From: Sonia | 9/8/09 at 3:37 pm
The one that matches the floor looks clean.
From: catherine | 1/20/10 at 10:29 pm
K: you may want to go with something that is not as deep as 3/4 inch. Baseboards collect so much dust and dirt and a 3/4 inch edge is alot to clean off.
Cat