Hi Everyone!
Happy Thursday friends. I really wish I had an awesome update today filled with awesome pics of our awesome new tile and other awesomeness…but I don’t. Todays post is not awesome. As a matter of fact, todays post is the opposite of awesome. Today’s post, my friends, sucks.
At my last kitchen update we had FINALLY chosen a backsplash tile, were contemplating over an island, and were ready to begin the next phase of the remodel. Then our contractor dropped a bomb on us. He advised us to consider a different tile option. The cement tile is not only thick, but also really, really heavy. So much so that its probably not the best idea for our walls. It would require lots of extra support during installation, so it would have to be reinforced using the lathe and mortar method that was common back in the day. This was the same stuff we demo’d when we first moved into the bungalow.
Lets just saaaay momma wasn’t happy. But its not the end of the world. It just means I have to reset and come up with a plan B. I then suggested we use the tile on the floor instead. Let me just back up a sec and say the checkered floors are on the chopping block. I know, I know. I was hell bent on keeping them, BUT, these things are a DISAAAAASTER! They are SO MUCH maintenance. We’ve lived with them for just about a year now and they are so hard to keep clean. They are like a magnet for dirt and grime. Add in the dog and we are at our wits end with them. Naomi has never been a fan, but I was too stubborn to let em go. But as the chief maintenance officer around these parts Im so far over mopping them every other day. So they go.
Ok back to the tiles. I suggested we use them on the floor instead, and while it could be done, the thickness could pose a problem with raising the floor and creating issues with the transitions. Again, momma wasn’t happy. And again, not the end of the world. The good news is I hadn’t yet ordered the rest of the tile, so I saved myself a boatload of money and a major headache. The other good news is we have a backup plan for the cement tiles.
That being said Im back to the drawing board on not only backsplash tile selection, but also floor tile. Im still determined to incorporate patterned tiles in this kitchen, and now that we are changing out the floors Im thinking of using them there, rather than on the backsplash. I absolutely love the impact of patterned tile floors, but they weren’t on the table before. I recently discovered this ceramic tile from Home Depot that im digging
It comes in several different patterns and colorways, and its a great option because its ceramic which means the thickness isn’t an issue, it wont need to be sealed, and it costs much much less than the cement tiles. So now Im leaning toward a patterned floor/subway tile backsplash combo as a plan B. It combines classic cottage with a bit of boho, which is totally up my alley.
Aah the joys of renovation. Have I mentioned Im so over it, yet? Until next time friends…
Xo-Shavonda
sherry hart says
This back up plan is a winner. Can’t believe you found that tile at HD…..it will definitely add a little magic to the kitchen!
Shavonda says
Thanks babes. Im loving the plan B slightly more than plan A now!
Kimberly Duran says
Absolutely LOVE your back up plan – hey when life hands you lemons, find someone who’s life has handed them gin and you have a f**king party, right? 😉 Ya know, I’ve been thinking of ripping off my subway tiles in my own kitchen but I just know Wayne would think I was mental… hmmm I haven’t brought it up yet but it’s seriously weighing on me because I’m just ‘over’ them! I can’t wait to see what you decide but those pattern tiles from HD? ALL KINDS OF YESSSSS. xxx
Nataya says
SEE !! I told my MR that I was not crazy for wanted to pull up tile after only a year or so !! I mean I liked it then…now not so much
Pamala says
You are down, but not out, my friend. I am of the opinion that every thing happens for a reason and often times, plan B is the better plan. So looking forward to the end result.
Shavonda says
Thank you. And I completely agree!!
Corinna - For My Love Of says
Just dive for those gorgeous HD tiles! Do it so I can live vicariously through you. My home value hasn’t risen enough for me to do what I want and screw future buyers 🙁
Jacinta says
Hi Shavonda, I am a newcomer to your site – I first saw your home on the summer homes tour. I reaaaally love the backsplash you initially chose but oh well, life happens even in the design world. I am a renter currently, but I would love to have a patterned tile floor or backsplash. I look forward to seeing what you choose. Jacinta
Shavonda says
HiJacinta!! Welcome back and thanks so much for chiming in. Ive still got something up my sleeve for that tile friend;)
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Love that tile from HD! Great plan B 🙂 These frustrations are such a pain in the butt though!
Shavonda says
A massive pain. Why cant things just always work out the way we want:)
Abi says
I was just thinking today about how hard it is to keep my checkered kitchen floor clean! I rent though, so there’s no getting rid of it.
It’s too bad that your original plan fell through, but I’m digging the floor tile!
Megan says
Love the idea of the new flooring option with subway tile. Maybe your could do both black and white in the backsplash (white with a band of black or something simple) to tie in but not compete with the flooring?
We are redoing our bath and have hit some road blocks. Nothing super major but enough that this remodel is taking a bit longer than expected. Luckily my dad is free labor though so that’s one major plus!!
Shavonda says
OOOh dad labor! I soo wish that was the case here:) I feel your frustrations sweet friend.
Gretchen says
RIP checkered floors :(. But I understand! Practicality and not mopping constantly totally wins. Loving the Home Depot tile, and it seems really reasonably priced for something that would make such a big statement.
Shavonda says
It is so well priced, right. I gave the checkered floors the ol’ college try, but I know when its time to let go:)