Why do folks do this crazy stuff with something as expensive as flooring? Painting over floors, especially in a high traffic area, is going to be disappointing. Depending upon the material of the flooring, you might be able to sand and refinish the lighter color to a darker color to match the circles, although as you say, the pattern would still be there, but won't be nearly as noticeable. If it is laminate, refinishing may not work, depending upon the thickness of the wood veneer. Covering over the floor may be your only option, because even if you try to weave in the lighter or darker color with some new flooring to remove the circle pattern, the results may still be troubling.

I think stained one color, you'd see the outlines of the pattern but it would not be overly noticeable. I would assume you are also going to use some rugs and runners and have furniture. The only option to eliminate it completely is to replace the floors.

can you work with dark circles and place a round area rug in the circle closest to the door and possible put a round pedestal table in the further one (with a tall floral arrangement in the center?

I would put down a beautifully designed rug by CFA Voysey and ignore the wood floor. If anyone asks about the wood, tell them "its to make little boys ask questions" and give them another drink.

I think feathering in new flooring in selected areas, if matching flooring could be found, would be more expensive than taking it all out and putting down new floors. It's kind of like when you get to a certain point it makes sense to gut renovated certain rooms or houses once the work reaches a certain extent. I could be wrong, but I think that's how it would go in my area.

I would also be more concerned about the blue door.

Maybe if you added more circle it could become self explanatory.

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If the circles blend somewhat with the style of the house, work with it?

shawnee · More Info

Contemporary Dining Room · More Info

You were optimistic when you bought that house. Good luck.

Wow, that's a really hard but, interesting design challenge. Its unfortunate but, not impossible to work with. Is it limiting? In a way yes. I think you need to reconcile yourself to the fact that for it to be a pleasing space and feel good, that you will need to go along with the "modern vibe" already set up by the floor design.

I think a good designer can make it all make sense. So, thank you for posting your dilemma. You are a good sport as it seems I am not the only one enjoying myself at your expense! :) In return I extend this design approach for you to consider and use as your "interiors north star".

I liked the comment on feathering into the existing floor that's not round. Other than that if you keep them you need to play up the round shape and repeat it in furnishings.

Work with it by creating a rounded sitting area...

Living Room · More Info

I have some time, so allow me to browse with you - I see simple organic shapes, and distressed modern finishes for example:

Renwil Metallic Forest Square Framed Large Alternative Wall Decor · More Info

Use texture in end tables, etc...Your floor practically has silhouetted circles [not really a pattern as how many are there - 3??] - so the horses are in silhouette [sort of]:

Uttermost Golden Horses Framed Art, Set of 2 · More Info

Round End Table With Glass Top · More Info

something whimsical, if you'd like the nature route/ or should I say try a very few pieces, loved for its uniqueness, to stand out.

Uttermost Regal Rabbits Framed Art · More Info

Repeat something[s] about the flooring [I'm not expert, but trying to help]:

the whimsy/modern nature of the design;

the shape [of circles more or less precisely];

the distressed sort of wood tones - are they chalky?

Uttermost World of Color Modern Art · More Info

He/she is sort of the floor's neutrals:

Framed Art Print 'Dark Eyes' by Lisa Dearing, Outer Size 42"x30" · More Info

Prince AHA Stool, Matte Light Orange · More Info

"why do people do things like this?"

because they are home OWNERS not renters.

Camouflage with large area rugs until you are ready to sand and refinish so that the wood matches or embrace this very modern and unique design.

Email came through so I'll say that if you like art-gallery modern, which showcases a few unique pieces, it could work imo....