The linoleum floor described in "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood serves as a metaphor for neglect and decay. Its ochre-yellow color, once vibrant, now looks dull and stained with dirt, suggesting a lack of care over time. This imagery evokes a sense of deterioration in the environment, which can reflect the emotional state of the characters within the narrative.

The comparison of the dirt stains to "grey pressed flowers" adds a layer of complexity, implying that what once held beauty has now transformed into a reminder of forgotten care. This choice of imagery underscores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, inviting readers to consider the significance of their surroundings as it relates to the characters' lives and experiences.