The Fun Part

My husband and I both really love the design decision part of renovation. Once we selected the tiles we loved for the backsplash, we had to create the detailed design so that we could measure how much to order. When ordering custom-made tiles, you really can't make a mistake and come up short. You want a little left over at the end, but not too much. At the cost of these tiles, you can't afford to pay for a lot of tile you can never use.

So, we got started. With color palette and tile dimensions at hand, we began to put drawings together so we could see our designs. It still takes a little imagination, but this process of drawing out our designs has really helped us agree and make good decisions. It is an advantage that we have. Alan has become quite skilled at Illustrator and he prefers this software over all the other options. I used to be able to operate Illustrator, but it has been a long time. So, here is another good example of where our skill sets work together well.

Here is the chronology of our designs:

The bar area is where we knew we wanted the sticks. The other areas were more up in the air to us in terms of design. We never considered all sticks because it is too much of a good thing and as the cabinets were different in the other parts of the room, the backsplash really needed to support that.

At first, we did not attribute accurate colors, but focused on tile size. This design featured 4 x 4 tiles at the bottom and subway on the top with dark raised pencil separating the two all the way around the bottom. Then, we thought small squares in the same randomly distributed color palette as the sticks would surround the pot-filler, demonstrated here by a simple dot, framed by the same dark raised pencil.

We also considered making a frame with the pencils and the small squares instead of filling the field completely around the pot-filler. Then, in the center, we put more 4 x 4s on a diagonal.

It appeared that a thinner frame of the little squares would be better balanced.

At this point, we moved forward with an estimate. As is always the case, that is an enlightening activity. We knew this tile would be expensive and we had some per square foot pricing on the sticks and the subway tiles, but when we got the estimate we were astounded by how much of the cost was driven by the dark, raised pencil borders. Yikes. Just those were $1,000. We were able to do these cool tiles because we basically traded the installation cost toward the tile purchase and would install ourselves. As I've mentioned before I'm the only person I know that will work for me for free, well, except for Alan.

So, we didn't think all that pencil border was worth the cost, so back to the drawing board, literally.

We considered just removing the pencil border at the top of the 4 x 4s.

Then, we thought maybe if those 4 x 4s were in the dark color instead.

Then, we looked at using the sticks instead of the little squares and how could those be used for a border.

We were liking the sticks framing the pot-filler and tried that with the dark tiles at the bottom.

Then we thought maybe the stick border could be placed differently.

Then, we wondered what it would look like if the bar side had the dark 4 x 4 border at the bottom.

We ultimately decided that the dark 4 x 4 square border at the bottom would look too much the look you'd get from laminate countertops since our counter top was the Tropical Brown granite. That would defeat the purpose of doing the better materials. We also thought repeating the sticks over the range would bring continuity to the design. We also determined that the subway tiles could just fill the whole field and that no additional border really improved the design.

Then, it is subtle, but if you look at this last design and scroll up to an earlier version you will also notice that we determined we had to move the location of the pot-filler. It was too high. This involved some additional plumbing work, but it wasn't that much and Alan could do himself. Absolutely worth it. When you have an eye for design, those little issues of scale, proportion, and things lining up like they should will drive you nuts if you don't take the time and spend the money to do it right. I always consider the cost of those adjustments in terms of percentage rather than raw dollars. If you need to spend less than 5% of the total cost of the item, in this case the entire tile backsplash, then why wouldn't you make it right?

We ordered the tile, which now cost much less than the first estimate, and waited 12 weeks to get it. But, I won't make you wait that long. Here is how the installation went:

Stick tiles were very cool! Couldn't wait to install.

Raised pencil border tile was worth the splurge.

Subway tiles were also fabulous. Love the watercolor and crackle finish.

It took us three weekends to install this tile. We started with the sticks and the framed area around the pot-filler.

Sticks turned out great! This is before grouting.

Looking at it from a little further back to see the entire bar area.

We were also very pleased with this design around the pot-filler.

You can see that the pot-filler is now in the perfect position.

Grouted and subway tiles all installed.

Left of the sink subway tiles.

Installing tiles to the right of the sink. The subway tiles were all individual and had to be placed one at a time.

A tip: Wrap the electrical outlets in electrician's tape to cover where the wires are attached. With wet slippery fingers trying to put tiles as close to the box as possible, it is an electrocution waiting to happen. I got zapped once before we did this. Should have done it first.

Finished and grouted to the right of the sink.

So, the tile backsplash was done and we loved it. Next post I'll talk about the great flood and the process of designing and selecting the glass for the glass bar on the peninsula. You will have to wait for the final reveal on the kitchen. But, not for long as we are nearing completion!