It is so easy to ignore the floor and ceilings of spaces, but during my visit to The Hermitage (in St. Petersburg) I couldn’t help but notice how much attention had been placed on these two things. The impact that a floor or ceiling can have, is incredible.

How beautiful are all of these patterns? The geometric patterns and detail in the wood inlay floors had me tripping over my own feet. As for the ceiling, the gilded and colorful panels were distracting they were so beautiful. There just is not enough attention paid to these details in new architecture. Yes some of the gold might be a bit tacky now, but those floors? They would be incredible anywhere.