Why limit yourselves to walls?
You could have a map, stenciled patterns, a reproduction of a Matisse sketch… anything… on your floor.

As a mural artist and decorative painter I am always looking for new ways to brighten and personalize my client’s homes. I have recently discovered floorcloths. I am currently working on one in my Denver studio and was researching edging techniques when I found a few things that I wanted to share. This is a great technique for making them. I love the idea of stretching the canvas onto a frame and thus being able to flip it from back to front over and over again without loosing the tension you achieve when you first pull the canvas. Of course this only works with fairly small cloths but it is brilliant just the same.

Second, I love the idea of finding patterns anywhere that are reproducible on the floor. Maybe a enlarged segment of your curtain fabric, the print on your favorite dress, a painting of your wedding flowers… anything.
Floorcloths (when made properly) are extremely washable and will last far longer than most rugs. They just wipe down and will protect your wood floors from so muc damage.
I have plans for three for my own home (birds eye view of our neighborhood for Charlie’s play area, a large native native american pattern for the living room and a small something silly for in front of the sink). What could I paint for your house?