So the next phase of our bathroom was floor tile. We went to the tile shop by our house, looked around, couldn't agree on anything. We went back a bit later to look again with fresh eyes and we picked out a floor tile by determining what we both could agree on being the least offensive. Not exactly a strong endorsement. After more thought, we both agreed we weren't happy with our selection, so we went looking for options. I'm really not a fan of square tile and I also wasn't particularly enthusiastic for the 12x24 tile that is popular these days. I wanted a narrower, longer tile, ideally a light color to balance the darks in the room, ideally in a matte finish.
We visited a different tile store in the area and found tiles we loved much more almost immediately. We found about 10 different tile sets that we could have gone with and been satisfied with the result--including a Banksy graffiti tile set. I was amused with the tile showing a graffitied face on it and commented on it. Apparently I had the exact same reaction as all the kids had when families came in to pick out tiles. Gail having the aesthetics of a 5-10 year old. Yep, sounds about right.
As the salesperson was showing us options, we found the one. Well, ones. We found a beautifully textured tile that varied from a concrete-like texture to a subtle striation that was interesting but not too marble-like (I'm not a fan of marble). Since we couldn't decide if we liked the white version more or the light gray version more, we decided on BOTH! The salesperson mentioned that in his history of selling tiles, we're the only residential customers that opted for 2 colors of the same tile.
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| I tried a sample arrangement of the two tiles together in an abstract, random pattern. I was happy to find that there was a LOT of variation in the tile designs to resolve the other main concern I was worried about: repeating patterns on two tiles that were side-by-side. I see patterns very easily and this would have driven me batty. |
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| Yes, I did create a mockup of the "random" abstract pattern I wanted. |
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| Tile layout in progress |
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| More tile progress |
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| Shower tile going in. |
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| More progress on the wall tile. |
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| The start of the vanity going in. |
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| A slight snafu with the installation of the wall tile. |
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| Tile work for the shampoo alcove. |
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| Shower tiled and grouted, wall repaired. |
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| Cabinet install continuing |
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| Vanity from one angle |
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| Vanity from the other. |
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| Doesn't the gray tile wrap nicely around the vanity? |
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| Toilet installed. |
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| Heated towel rack installed. It is glorious |
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| Threshold installed. |
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| Counter and sink installed |
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| Eric took photos while I took photos. |
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| The new mirror installed. |
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| The shower door installed. |
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| The bathroom from the window. We'll get the door upgraded as soon as we figure out what we want to do with all the doors in the house. |
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| The shiny glass door. |
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| Scott taking the new tub for a test drive. I think he approves. |
We have a few final details to finish on the bathroom, but it's come very far.
