Tuesday, April 06, 2010

kitchen remodel- part 6

The tile dilemma...


I know what you're thinking...
"You're keeping your old 12" Italian tile!" Why yes I am.
"But it is so 1994." I like vintage.
"But you can't even buy it any more." So I'll find something that compliments the old.

And that is exactly what I did.


So I started looking everywhere, to no avail. I finally woke up one morning and told my husband that I was going to Tiles for Less in Mesa. (where we bought our old tile 16 years ago) I walked in, saw the tile of my dreams, bought what they had and drove home. All within a half hour. The easiest sale they've ever made. And by a woman no less!


You see, I have always dreamed of having brick pavers as flooring. I saw the look many years ago. We had Vacation Bible School in backyard homes each summer and this particular home was in the Encanto Historic Neighborhood. The story goes that when the very first gorilla arrived at the Phoenix Zoo back in the 60's, the zoo was not ready for the big fella. So they actually housed the gorilla in one of the rooms in this massive home for a few days. Years later the owners installed brick pavers in what was lovingly dubbed the gorilla room. Over the years I would tell my husband that I wanted flooring like the gorilla room.
Ok, so I don't have actual brick pavers, but I found tile that resembles the look... and so much easier to care for. I love my gorilla room look!


Our kitchen designer then told us to find a tile that would marry the two tiles... that would merge the two looks. And this is where I thought I'd lose my mind. I don't know why, maybe because it was the final decision in this whole kitchen project. All I know is that I labored more than all other decisions put together. Seriously, I had no problem deciding on the cabinets, the style, the counter tops, etc. But THIS was torture. I questioned my choice even up to installation day.


But I could not be more pleased. I LOVE IT!


And you guys, tomorrow the cabinets will be installed and by the end of the week the counter & sink. I know! I can hardly believe that I am only days away from having my kitchen back!
Feel free to follow along on the remodel in the March archives~ kitchen remodel- parts 1-5.


I am linking to-
~ Metamorphosis Monday
~ Toot Your Horn Tuesday
~ SHOW AND SHARE DAY
~ TRANSFORMATION THURSDAY
~ SHOW AND TELL

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful tile!

Linda, I have a question about something you mentioned a while ago about Handi Wipes. You said you use them because you don't like a stinky dishrag. I have the same issue, so I bought some Handi Wipes, but I saw that they are reusable, so my question is--do you reuse them and wash them like a rag, or do you toss them? Silly question, I know, but I'm curious!

Cara@HomespunKitchen said...

Wow, that looks AMAZING!!! Great job!!

Cara

Lisa said...

I LOVE your tile! And good for you keeping the "old" tile! If you love it, then it is timeless, right!
I am excited to see your finished kitchen.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love the tile and I cannot wait to see the finished kitchen!!

Nicole T said...

I almost like the new tile better than the old tile! Maybe you guys should re-tile the whole house!

Lana said...

I just want to tell you that I LOVE EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of this tile story, from you wanting to keep your "vintage" ones to the Gorilla Room to finding the tile to tie your new and old tile together.....wonderful!

And it LOOKS AMAZING!!!

Seriously!! And it is so unique and YOURS because of all the effort and individuality you put into it!

MANY blessings to you,
Lana

Jess said...

Can't wait to see it with furniture! Looks great!