The fancy tiles are up!

This week has been dominated with backsplash and trim.

I'm very excited to see how the focal wall comes out.  We chose the breakfast bar for the panel of fancy tile for a few reasons.

1.  The breakfast bar is shallow and could use some visual interest.
2.  It is opposite from the longest counter with the big windows that draw your attention right away.
3. It would give a custom feeling for not that many square feet of the more expensive tile.

While frames like the one we designed are often put behind cook tops, we don't really want to draw attention to our un-centered stove wall, and there isn't much real estate between the top of the stove and the bottom of the microwave/vent.

After solving some problems (i.e. the pattern so to avoid tiny slivers of tile), and where to place the outlets, Brent is well on his way to having the tile on the wall!

Here is the info on the specific (COST SAVING) tiles we used:

The 1x2 subway tiles were found on amazon.com for only $9.99 a square foot...I have a few left over if anyone wants some :)

The octagonal tiles are from Glasstilestore.com at a savings of over 50% what I was quoted for the EXACT same tile at the tile store.

The frame pieces were also on amazon.  I'm proud to say that we spent approximately 1/3 of what it would have cost to order the tiles from the tile store and have them installed. And I have a feeling my estimation is probably on the low side for labor.  I just love the classic subway tile look with the classic material of marble - an impractical countertop choice, but it is great on the walls!

Next steps - time frame TBD...  seal the marble, then grouting all of it.   Sadly, Brent goes back to his REAL job on Tuesday :(  The vent needs to go through the roof for the stove.  Then it's on to drawer and door fabrication, spraying, and install and I think we'll be pretty much...done!  Stay tuned for my curtain work with Colleen tomorrow!