Tile, Grout, Lights and Floating Shelves

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWzAF4UvzoTxH2LWmpS1FcsfW-YxzWB_8KRK80LFYNTAfdN7FUFwVxSZHJMTMyVx0BqViSJ_WJfoQruqKSizZBSDcUpzHnFnSJs4YHevD7gfD-tlDqCmQAPtU6jznMeYAf8hfA82IHRs/s1600/IMG_3647+tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWzAF4UvzoTxH2LWmpS1FcsfW-YxzWB_8KRK80LFYNTAfdN7FUFwVxSZHJMTMyVx0BqViSJ_WJfoQruqKSizZBSDcUpzHnFnSJs4YHevD7gfD-tlDqCmQAPtU6jznMeYAf8hfA82IHRs/s1600/IMG_3647+tile.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tile I chose is made by Horus Art, the style is Tiffany in Biancho Crackle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a nice soft white...with a little dash of cream.  I thought it was perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But let's talk about your grout feedback.  It was really fun.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo2k1bvzBhoeLu0R6DP6jJmIVroUhY3hNC7BP6NgjPIsyvBbU5IzAGO8N7gHAjEqQA_KWeIPUoxeHHGarkIx0Q70x1jM2TRleZXiE8NyzsA2tNvC3pbPnxp3XNU1IiIISIBV7ma6_w3E/s1600/a5779ab05b469f4087cc67893d2e8467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo2k1bvzBhoeLu0R6DP6jJmIVroUhY3hNC7BP6NgjPIsyvBbU5IzAGO8N7gHAjEqQA_KWeIPUoxeHHGarkIx0Q70x1jM2TRleZXiE8NyzsA2tNvC3pbPnxp3XNU1IiIISIBV7ma6_w3E/s1600/a5779ab05b469f4087cc67893d2e8467.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via SA Decor</td></tr></tbody></table><br />                          According to your feedback about gray grout:<div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Wouldn't look dirty</div><div>                          Con:  Looks dirty</div><div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Looks like your favorite oyster bar</div><div>                          Con:  Looks like a Soviet butcher shop</div><div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Adds interest</div><div>                          Con:  Too distracting<br /><div>                          </div><div>                          Does that clear it up?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were some of you that have used light gray in your bathrooms</div><div style="text-align: center;">and others that wished they had.  Some of you liked both.  And one</div><div style="text-align: center;">anonymous comment said if I used gray, our romance was over.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's pretty serious stuff!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overwhelmingly, though, most of you said white.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNnEozaxT_FXSY3f54vrZxFN8alYWWaCs7N9qAaI2fED0c8a6Nj6a5T_IgY6_2ORqhLOUlOK-HPs_NNP9JRNHFAzqsFQWpHrh99oyNYFTlnVT01FaAxmE_K72FGpJ_oS_tW7yKDw350s/s1600/Mill+Valley+Loft-Style+Kitchen+Remodelista+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNnEozaxT_FXSY3f54vrZxFN8alYWWaCs7N9qAaI2fED0c8a6Nj6a5T_IgY6_2ORqhLOUlOK-HPs_NNP9JRNHFAzqsFQWpHrh99oyNYFTlnVT01FaAxmE_K72FGpJ_oS_tW7yKDw350s/s1600/Mill+Valley+Loft-Style+Kitchen+Remodelista+com.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mill Valley Loft, Remodelista.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm in camp that likes both but I think they each have their place.  I see dark</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grout as being industrial, even restaurant, perfect for a modern, loft-like space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One commenter also suggested it's a vintage look and I can almost see it in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a place like The Breakers kitchen in Newport, Rhode Island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's also a great way to add pattern in space with clean lines.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LSf-920NcHP-6n2j4dfwJQU2stv1VDn7sU_N1OApCS86oF_jAqIDnoba_XjEo4oyn0H982NlaJ4RbcsgtdhT8baTsX0EK8VBldMIA_0g2swVSnz3geQJvX1WKtGQUUp53XnelR2_ABg/s1600/Michelle's+Mill+Valley+Kitchen+Remodelista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LSf-920NcHP-6n2j4dfwJQU2stv1VDn7sU_N1OApCS86oF_jAqIDnoba_XjEo4oyn0H982NlaJ4RbcsgtdhT8baTsX0EK8VBldMIA_0g2swVSnz3geQJvX1WKtGQUUp53XnelR2_ABg/s1600/Michelle's+Mill+Valley+Kitchen+Remodelista.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle's Mill Valley Kitchen, Remodelista.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> I wanted a nice, clean look that didn't detract from some of the other unique details</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've put in the kitchen.  I love a lot of different styles and I'm slowly learning</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't have to cram them all into one room.  So I'm doing white.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX12YSi5c99-3v7wb7hydX6_o1l597PlDB_rHKTVJjhxa7XU8n8wY4Mn1QhaAOQyYnndzMMK04cvqyzvQg_kcUtP8-nxyz9pNO8m8KRGfCIKiMVz1dYOf3-pGmeV0JvQP9rMZTsNE2LeI/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX12YSi5c99-3v7wb7hydX6_o1l597PlDB_rHKTVJjhxa7XU8n8wY4Mn1QhaAOQyYnndzMMK04cvqyzvQg_kcUtP8-nxyz9pNO8m8KRGfCIKiMVz1dYOf3-pGmeV0JvQP9rMZTsNE2LeI/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The light fixtures are all installed.  This is the Circa Milton Road pendant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and in the background is the cutie patootie E.F. Chapman Marine flush mount</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in bronze also from Circa.  I'm not sure yet whether I'll have a table or island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">underneath it.  I'm hoping my dining room table will work so I can turn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the dining room into a keeping room/den/library.  We'll see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32IdclH7OsEX-DHxL856XxU4LBmHP9D-XCJQ8FTxuuAjg2vnYbuQWfkI23KcoYv0ES0d2yU23rnapf179bvtXapiSP5llvlPbwNE4OCZVGlh-LqGY1bKl5njnZ28F5YS5Zv97lWzexkM/s1600/IMG_3623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32IdclH7OsEX-DHxL856XxU4LBmHP9D-XCJQ8FTxuuAjg2vnYbuQWfkI23KcoYv0ES0d2yU23rnapf179bvtXapiSP5llvlPbwNE4OCZVGlh-LqGY1bKl5njnZ28F5YS5Zv97lWzexkM/s1600/IMG_3623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chose the Milton Road pendant (by Thomas O'Brien) because </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">its flutes beautifully echo the flutes in the columns in the cabinets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelQcNnhtHFoV3uSRkcDftDyzr_AiuVo4EXEv0YTbaeiLylxcwDwZKgFTeBUp__UGCEqR0Jo_U1emZU2ZnlGSfoRlR-vEk9gzEyjTCdvgtk6jo-g9OhBDwPs5kfC9MHG1JrfbX3r1ZLUM/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelQcNnhtHFoV3uSRkcDftDyzr_AiuVo4EXEv0YTbaeiLylxcwDwZKgFTeBUp__UGCEqR0Jo_U1emZU2ZnlGSfoRlR-vEk9gzEyjTCdvgtk6jo-g9OhBDwPs5kfC9MHG1JrfbX3r1ZLUM/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ordered another light from Circa for over the sink but it was very</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">backordered so I bought a backup which is the Franklin light from</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Schoolhouse Electric.  I'm not in love with it and, yes, it's crooked.  I'm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pretty sure it's the shade, which incidentally fits horribly into the bronze</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ring, so Schoolhouse is sending me a new shade.  Stay tuned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNA1ucGYE58I_ActBaM2-8lkc6nvgdSIyfdxRX7H4aum6vlB6D8HsUCz7WjLtRM5NZu0hte-L74zMeKWfuTScr3vwK2zRPIQl_ThkdfKLwLOlbL-Yku2OrMnOn-nZJ_ojOBEPus1sh6w/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNA1ucGYE58I_ActBaM2-8lkc6nvgdSIyfdxRX7H4aum6vlB6D8HsUCz7WjLtRM5NZu0hte-L74zMeKWfuTScr3vwK2zRPIQl_ThkdfKLwLOlbL-Yku2OrMnOn-nZJ_ojOBEPus1sh6w/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the last post, and a few photos back, you'll remember the blue tape</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put up to mark where floating shelves would go.  I wanted to show you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">how those were made.  Holes were bored into the studs just slightly smaller</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">than the diameter of the 3/4 inch rebar.  And then the rebar is banged in to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the holes.  It's extremely solid. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmm5xMVQLxQutzFv0943I7CY9uq5PPWOmhUTOUxDAVtf9ubMw4z-TjKQW621gS1uzv7_fiYOiYnvS23nRgFo_xcLzjQ_-3PauDDRnpmL9jgAqU4WPoRa61tHNhIQ7XTFbsE4AQsTKWY/s1600/IMG_3682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmm5xMVQLxQutzFv0943I7CY9uq5PPWOmhUTOUxDAVtf9ubMw4z-TjKQW621gS1uzv7_fiYOiYnvS23nRgFo_xcLzjQ_-3PauDDRnpmL9jgAqU4WPoRa61tHNhIQ7XTFbsE4AQsTKWY/s1600/IMG_3682.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shelf planks also have holes bored, just slightly larger so</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">they slide on easier but are still fairly snug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGZ2tVe-zm1hktgH2Xh-JuEk2lstXeZRULIGiHM9UFL725VZBg2Bkrq2Ms6uUfQwKePEFhUpQv6oLmtbzll5KzxrXcjU23-72NmxdUniBOwi0dP3JtOR_Nk9m_c0Q5qLJW7PJms9iQK8/s1600/IMG_3683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGZ2tVe-zm1hktgH2Xh-JuEk2lstXeZRULIGiHM9UFL725VZBg2Bkrq2Ms6uUfQwKePEFhUpQv6oLmtbzll5KzxrXcjU23-72NmxdUniBOwi0dP3JtOR_Nk9m_c0Q5qLJW7PJms9iQK8/s1600/IMG_3683.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These will be painted either white or light gray, I'll have to experiment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Should I do white or gray?  I'm just kidding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm off to pick up my tile and white grout.</div></div></div></div>

Tile, Grout, Lights and Floating Shelves

The tile I chose is made by Horus Art, the style is Tiffany in Biancho Crackle. It's a nice soft white...with a little dash of cream.  I...

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New Tile

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxpTO554vN3QEM4mbrQ-3FQAhd9RirTBxBwKiHxvNREWds4VBXqvetKQIIkiTMjYbyO02pyFvnvOmIR2iypnhn2j9aFq9nmaYjz-h0yL6IXDQh3zcSF_yilquOMpXb3vDaWLnoNU7y4Y/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxpTO554vN3QEM4mbrQ-3FQAhd9RirTBxBwKiHxvNREWds4VBXqvetKQIIkiTMjYbyO02pyFvnvOmIR2iypnhn2j9aFq9nmaYjz-h0yL6IXDQh3zcSF_yilquOMpXb3vDaWLnoNU7y4Y/s400/IMG_0451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got new tile today...from Roma Tile in Watertown.  The other tile store wouldn't</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">take back the other floor tile because it was "special order."  That was news to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there's nothing on their invoice to state a special order could not be exchanged</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or returned.  I may pursue it but thankfully the cost isn't a huge deal in the scheme</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of things.  I'll probably donate it to a charity when I donate my kitchen appliances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_bKbuiTsrK30EgsQehkY9rDE6_tc4o1u_gb38mReUkUGseA4IKciuAInxkhwgjILqOzIAaCKXWXLN53dcDDgRv6JcbjsAfwUcvdBOY1gZ52t0hNvsXEh-DEpd_H89uLajRHhyJLRBgY/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_bKbuiTsrK30EgsQehkY9rDE6_tc4o1u_gb38mReUkUGseA4IKciuAInxkhwgjILqOzIAaCKXWXLN53dcDDgRv6JcbjsAfwUcvdBOY1gZ52t0hNvsXEh-DEpd_H89uLajRHhyJLRBgY/s640/IMG_0456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The people at Roma were much more helpful and gave me samples so</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could see everything in my house which makes all the difference in the world.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new floor tile is Sant'Agostino Ferro, a ceramic tile from Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The color is called black but it's a dark gray with subtle striations of lighter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gray and a tiny but of rust.  I got it in 6-inch by 24-inch pieces which I'll</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stack in a grid pattern.  And it was a very reasonable $8.95 per square foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although it could lean to a very modern setting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpfeC239GcmzNWw36f6ozmknmBBA42wKNrHAsLQqHzLPsV-5_BkQeztQT4fuyQiaW_FVsZ6nX39V4vuxG_KqGuJiTeJzTsSiSS9YTXVaWlRKHuLCxjMaJp-Rmah7FQ1UbnjB1I2rAVDw/s1600/grayflannel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpfeC239GcmzNWw36f6ozmknmBBA42wKNrHAsLQqHzLPsV-5_BkQeztQT4fuyQiaW_FVsZ6nX39V4vuxG_KqGuJiTeJzTsSiSS9YTXVaWlRKHuLCxjMaJp-Rmah7FQ1UbnjB1I2rAVDw/s400/grayflannel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...I think it has very traditional soapstone associations.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually also see it as foundation of gray flannel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The white subway tile will be a crisp white cotton shirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And with a Greek key belt.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm much more comfortable with this choice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNT9EHMqj-XDHfoFaD0zi_jsJJ-0NbJl8Fcuwx20PaT5EiWRDU9-L7JUPc6zP6mNKz_YM4BJZDPohQ3H2XmAxgCiwACBy7tjqqgLuasctrQPizRce41tkkBuhXYTYmWsH5ScLVlg3Vpk/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNT9EHMqj-XDHfoFaD0zi_jsJJ-0NbJl8Fcuwx20PaT5EiWRDU9-L7JUPc6zP6mNKz_YM4BJZDPohQ3H2XmAxgCiwACBy7tjqqgLuasctrQPizRce41tkkBuhXYTYmWsH5ScLVlg3Vpk/s640/IMG_0441.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The plumbing and electrical work have begun and I hope to have</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the inspections completed next week so we can start closing up the walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought the beams in the ceiling just outside the bathroom were worth showing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not only are they gorgeous but there's some markings carved into them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not exactly sure what they mean but I think it's some method of keeping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">track of which beams go where or some kind of checks-and-balances system to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ensure that all joists were pegged in to the main beams.  There are very </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">few of these big major beams and as much as I love them, their placement</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just didn't make sense leaving them exposed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Bah_70t8xHLY8M6JFuRoYmlRkxcnhDbSbkTE9yKfl79qka7mkN_jB27kGiyTKWqOHzW5ALx2AtHhPuqde4VjcHR4jgp6wgqxzhv-w8XDSi-1BfoWDWojW4aFXwFlBqVzGp56P01Pk7E/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Bah_70t8xHLY8M6JFuRoYmlRkxcnhDbSbkTE9yKfl79qka7mkN_jB27kGiyTKWqOHzW5ALx2AtHhPuqde4VjcHR4jgp6wgqxzhv-w8XDSi-1BfoWDWojW4aFXwFlBqVzGp56P01Pk7E/s640/IMG_0448.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, finally, thank you all for your well wishes for Angus!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He just had his follow-up visit to the ophthalmologist and he's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">healed very well.  The surgery cost about the same as a </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shaw sink and Rohl bridge faucet but it was well worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the happy boy this morning.  He's one handsome dude.</div></div>

New Tile

I got new tile today...from Roma Tile in Watertown.  The other tile store wouldn't take back the other floor tile because it was "s...

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DIY Kitchen Remodel | $40 Subway Tile Counter Tops

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAYAq_pEayizdYfg8RrvuOYZ-hMslEqy_5T0JrtQkyGgbFK3JcjNRwUHWG4fP4zgpbdJfqnzZTqt5w_Qtx5OkpXo2UmAN5PFTV9EZDPH_vd1QnQc2NrBA-CoknQKey-ATLpmm17Rapgr6/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAYAq_pEayizdYfg8RrvuOYZ-hMslEqy_5T0JrtQkyGgbFK3JcjNRwUHWG4fP4zgpbdJfqnzZTqt5w_Qtx5OkpXo2UmAN5PFTV9EZDPH_vd1QnQc2NrBA-CoknQKey-ATLpmm17Rapgr6/s640/IMG_0841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I've mentioned (but for those of you that are new...), we are planning to do a major addition in the near future, but in the meantime, I wanted to do a DIY refresher on our kitchen to make it lighter, brighter and more functional (and tolerable).<br /><br />We started by ripping out the upper cabinets and old tile backsplash, then replacing them with painted wood paneling and open shelving.  The next step was to address the counter tops.<br /><br />I didn't want to spend much money, as we'll be ripping it out in a year or two, but I wanted it to feel brighter and happier.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-home-tour-our-house.html" target="_blank">In our first home, we had a charming country kitchen that sported a combo of butcher block and white tile counter tops.</a>  As I had learned to tile while re-doing our old bathroom and entryway, I thought adding bright white subway tiles would be the perfect solution for our temporary counter tops.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeSxUxgTgwFR2ekTMzQowGych61rN_LVoyaNbt4oeN6rW-5_vnV59UmeyEG3-LA_0HIqaeTVag-3DCUTDIfqLsyYjDoWhYWfY21DcuuhZ_VEhjDv7G2RlGgw7_cEfn5YAHqE-SbsoaKXH/s1600/IMG_2895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeSxUxgTgwFR2ekTMzQowGych61rN_LVoyaNbt4oeN6rW-5_vnV59UmeyEG3-LA_0HIqaeTVag-3DCUTDIfqLsyYjDoWhYWfY21DcuuhZ_VEhjDv7G2RlGgw7_cEfn5YAHqE-SbsoaKXH/s640/IMG_2895.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />This is the BEFORE.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIepAFGF-zl8dKl2zzcVx-HtXdjWdZVUep9MkcVhTuvxkobmje5ELuv5b8tv6q_VUFKmiDN8lgy5lbiMAbPynNnOKMEfjeO-nC1EShmH2mHLzW6ml5PPceiHk-gtTkY6Z02ATlhSptt6m/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIepAFGF-zl8dKl2zzcVx-HtXdjWdZVUep9MkcVhTuvxkobmje5ELuv5b8tv6q_VUFKmiDN8lgy5lbiMAbPynNnOKMEfjeO-nC1EShmH2mHLzW6ml5PPceiHk-gtTkY6Z02ATlhSptt6m/s640/IMG_9517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As you can see, I just laid white 2 x 6 subway tiles directly over our laminate counter tops.  I used a pre-mixed combo grout and adhesive that I purchased from Home Depot.  It took me all of an afternoon and $40 to do the entire thing. <br /><br />I recommend you watch a couple of YouTube videos if you're going to do some tiling.  I had done our old bathroom and entryway, so I was comfortable just slapping this together.  Here is the basic method I used. <br /><br />Step 1 : Lay out tile in pattern.<br />Step 2 : Cut all pieces with a tile cutter (I used a manual tile cutter vs. electric wet saw) to fit. <br />Step 3 : Spread layer of grout/adhesive with tile. <br />Step 4 : Butter the back of each tile with adhesive and set into place, using spacers if necessary.<br />Step 5 : Set all tiles in place.  Let dry.<br />Step 6 : Grout. <br /><br />Again, this is not a great guide, but gives you an idea - be sure to consult a real resource before you do your own!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3py2kRISAF8PoUHA2z4F1CyEfQxgq5Z2h9GiS-6cb_80GyuyamylrkHY5JpszfLvO932OlagkYr9uGp4E4Prtwf9oGJSxaphFki7OR8RdWAggY_pPK0WS7a9BTzF2nse_vHxl6_74MhI/s1600/IMG_0841_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3py2kRISAF8PoUHA2z4F1CyEfQxgq5Z2h9GiS-6cb_80GyuyamylrkHY5JpszfLvO932OlagkYr9uGp4E4Prtwf9oGJSxaphFki7OR8RdWAggY_pPK0WS7a9BTzF2nse_vHxl6_74MhI/s640/IMG_0841_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I used 'bullnose' tiles for the sides - you can see they have a rounded top for a finished look. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbC6Z9B134b9P6sQsZeD7xR5W5E1RAZlLw_xMoUTWAkVbMtQab0pCDAnFQrcLfapNpMy0oAykb-FZqKlBKr3h2199O2D82303gjNt2S75bi-PgWT_rso4TOc6jyCv39QQoROJXyhGR-eX/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbC6Z9B134b9P6sQsZeD7xR5W5E1RAZlLw_xMoUTWAkVbMtQab0pCDAnFQrcLfapNpMy0oAykb-FZqKlBKr3h2199O2D82303gjNt2S75bi-PgWT_rso4TOc6jyCv39QQoROJXyhGR-eX/s640/IMG_2986.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To see my post about ripping out our upper cabinets and replacing them with a <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-kitchen-dyi-remodel-new-open.html" target="_blank">painted paneling back splash and open shelving, click here</a>. <br /><br />For more information about the new <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-kitchen-remodel-new-verona-range.html" target="_blank">Verona Range, click here</a>!

DIY Kitchen Remodel | $40 Subway Tile Counter Tops

As I've mentioned (but for those of you that are new...), we are planning to do a major addition in the near future, but in the meantime...

Read more »