Main Bathroom

Choosing Floor Tile for A Bathroom Remodel

October 27, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

The tile for the floor of our bathroom ended up being a point for us to save some money. With so many beautiful yet inexpensive tile options (especially for flooring!), it became the easy choice to scale back. I thought it would be fun to explore with you today what my wish list was, alternatives I found to coveted tiles and which tiles I eventually came down to deciding between. Choosing tile doesn’t have to be hard. Know what you want, check out what’s available and narrow it down until you’ve decided.

I had my heart set out on cement tiles. I still want encaustic tiles because they’re beautiful, interesting and reminiscent of tiles you’d find in places like India, Mexico, Morocco and more. I just didn’t feel like that element was essential to developing the global aspect for the theme of the space.

I toyed around a lot with the idea of going with a cement tile look alike. I found several from Home Depot that I really loved. The first one I found (shown below middle) was the closest thing available months ago when I first started looking. It seemed so dark and I didn’t feel like I’d get the vibe from it that I truly wanted. But recently I’ve found the Archivo Ornate tile (below right) and it’s very close to what I wanted. But the price tag kept tugging, I just knew there was something better suited to our budget.

699179de-70e1-4059-b3af-a1693c318c93_400

206c989a-9ea7-45ee-9f2a-117293647c89_400

And then there’s the aspect of resale value. If I sell my house in 5 years, will the majority of people viewing the house like the choice? Most likely not. So for the sake of practicality, I chose to wipe these options from the playing field.

Early on in this process, I looked at slate tile floors. They’re incredibly beautiful. I have no reason not to like slate tile. It’s an option that I think would appeal to many buyers and the price isn’t outrageous. But I’m not a big fan of using grey in my decor. It wouldn’t follow the color story of the rest of the home so I scraped it.

I finally hunkered down and chose to go with a wood look floor tile. This actually made things even more difficult, would you believe it!? With so many different finishes and “stains” available, it actually made this the most difficult of all the decisions I’ve had to make. My husband agreed that the wood look tile would look good. We actually made the decision and purchased this past weekend. Can you guess which one we went with?

They’re all 6 inch x 24 inch planks. While the one of the far left is oh so dreamy, it came down to whether or not I’d be able to match a stain to our existing wood floors if we were to never have new floors put in. So I’ve got it saved on a Pinterest board for later, but for right now it was between the middle and right one.

I went with the one on the right. 🙂

At 1.78 a piece, that put my total to cover the bathroom floor (with extra for special cuts and mistakes) at $75ish dollars (I have the Lowe’s credit card so there was also a 5% discount).

And I like that it’s a very neutral color. The middle plank is beautiful but very warm. Against all the blue in the space I worried it would look flat out red.

More than anything, I did not want the boring ceramic tile look that you see in every single builder bathroom right now. I literally loathe those things, so any of these would have been such a massive improvement. But the wood tile is especially rustic and inviting and I’m really excited to have chosen it,.

And we bought it, so it’s happening! Can’t wait to pop in again tomorrow with an update on everything in the space. Yesterday I actually shared a small tutorial for leather tassels on a basket. You should check that out next!

I hope you’re having a wonderful day and that you’ve found this insight to my decision making interesting and helpful!

Please remember that this is how I’ve made my decision. Because it doesn’t make sense for me for that reason, it definitely doesn’t mean that you should base your decision on resale value. While I do think that resale value should be considered, it’s up to you what kind of play you want it to have.

How I Made It: Tassels on a Basket

October 26, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

While I have no pretty bathroom to show you just yet, I do have a project for the space to share with you. It may or may not work for your lifestyle to have a laundry basket in the bathroom. But baskets work for a multitude of functions, like storing extra towels! And even outside the bathroom, giving baskets a bit of a facelift can add style to their purpose (like holding little one’s toys!). Today I want to share with you how I created suede tassels to make my basket prettier!

I feel like I’m not the greatest at DIYs. Some things I am super proud of, but most of the time I just want to embellish something to make it fit my style. That’s exactly what I did with this basket. It was in the clearance bin at Michaels for $5. Big baskets rarely show up for that price so I snatched it up. The basket would work really well for a coastal style home, but that’s just not really my design aesthetic. I wanted to add that boho global flair to it and I found a great way to do that with suede ribbon.

How To Make Suede Tassels & Attach Them To A Basket

Supplies:

Suede String in color of choice – My roll was white but the ribbon comes in so many colors!
Scissors – Fiskars are my favorite scissors by far. They cut through the suede like butter!

How To: I hope you’re enjoying the video tutorials. They’re much easier for me to make sure I capture everything versus remembering to take photos of every single step.

And that’s how it goes! Pretty simple but makes a great statement. I can already see in my head that this will be a great addition to our bathroom. I’ll make sure to come back sometime later and update this post with pictures of it in the space, but for now here are a few “glamour shots.”

I hope you’ve found this idea inspiring and helpful! Go put tassels on something, you’ll love it!

Bathroom Accessories + Bathroom Reno Progress

October 21, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey guys!

I’ve mentioned before that the design theme for the space is Global meets boho with craftsman inspired details. It’s tricky to choose accessories for the space because I’m trying to appease many different decor styles at once. One way I’ve decided to approach this is by mixing metallics. Mixing metallics is not only fun and visually interesting, but it’s a good way to marry different styles in one uniform space. The metallics I had chosen to work with were oil rubbed bronze and brass. That’s now changed to copper and oil rubbed bronze (I’ll explain later). There’s a lot of white in the space with pops of blues and teal and the combination of those two metallics will really set the mood for the space.

Because I’m a glutton for punishment, terrible at making decisions, and can’t commit- I have nothing to share today for the Calling It Home One Room Challenge besides purchases (Well… I did clear out the medicine cabinet and the cabinet above the toilet but that’s not exciting and I should have done that months ago).

It was brought to our attention during one of the contractors estimate visits that the faucet to our bathtub is original to the house. And that means it has no scald guard. I had a plan for incorporating them into the new design, but I knew it was the right thing to do upgrade this piece and that’s why we went with MOEN’s Ashville Shower/Tub faucet set. It has a large shower head and that old world feel. I think it’ll balance with some of the modern touches to the space, making it complex but pleasing to the eye.

The way I’m working in the copper element is through smaller pieces. The shelf brackets will be copper (I did start spray painting those, does that count as progress?), the vanity knobs and the cabinet above the toilet’s knobs will be copper. Another small dose of copper I’ve found are these copper bathroom accessories. I picked up this soap dish (I love handmade bar soaps) and this toothbrush holder.

I actually had prepared to admit I was still on the hunt for a mirror, but the Kichler wall mirror from wayfair was breifly back in stock with limited supply (I just so happened to be chcking in to purchase the copper bath accessories- how lucky!) and I pounced with free 2 day shipping- ALL I EVER DO IS WIN WIN WIN NO MATTER WHAT (not at all… but that song came to my head when it all happened). It is now the wrong color (the irony!) for the space, so I’m playing around with ideas for the finish.

Why I switched to copper? It turns out the towel bars and toilet paper holder that we received from MOEN have a hint of copper in the “worn” details. I loved the way it looked against the oil rubbed bronze and it was really that simple.

I also had a chance to do some online shopping at Anthropologie.com. Anthro is easily my latest addiction. I managed to pick up one of the Kana Footed Candles before they became no longer available. The one I picked up is in the scent red berry amber and it’s easily one of the most amazing things I’ve ever smelled! I also picked up one of the Adelaide Kitchenware pieces in the small canister size. The pattern and color will work perfectly for the bathroom. I’m thinking a DIY bath salt may end up being stored in here? And I just couldn’t pass up the Indigo Garland Bathroom Collection’s Tumbler.

I’ve also got a few more bath accessories: shower curtain rod (it’s a double rod and curved- it seems so luxurious since I’ve only ever experienced that in hotels before!), two towel bars to hang on the back of the door (I chose 18 inch bars so the door handle wouldn’t get in the way), curtain rings and toilet paper holder. Moen has provided these items to us for our remodel, but that doesn’t change my honest opinion that they’re beautiful and make me think of nice hotels.

I also took the plunge and ordered the “engineered global” and “threshold paisley” body towels and the “stitched stripe” hand towel from Target I mentioned in my towel decisions post (seriously- Target’s towel game is on fleek!). There seems to be a bit of a problem with the store pick up with my Target so I don’t know when I’ll get them.

Originally I wasn’t going to be replacing the tub, but my dad made a few valid points and it looks like we’re also getting a new bathtub for the space. So that’s a fun change, i.e. $$$. Here’s to hoping this all still happens within 6 weeks!

Part of why I am behind on this is because we decided to switch contractors last minute. My introverted self just learned that my neighbor is a contractor (we’ve lived here 3 years- it’s pathetic). So we’ve gotten a 4th quote from him and it looks like we’re going to work with him instead of the other company we had looked into. I’ll still put together that resource post for those of you who mentioned it would be helpful to know how we found the contractors we spoke with (it’ll just be after the challenge since I have a ton of catching up to do!)

Oh! I almost forgot. I made tassels. Can’t tell you why yet because it’ll spoil an adorable surprise, but I did and they’re cute and that’ll be coming soon! And I chatted about fabrics for DIY shower curtains yesterday! They’re seriously all so beautiful, I highly recommend you check that out!

Target’s Towel Game on Fleek

October 19, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Can someone tell me why the heck I’m just now finding out about the amazing selection of bath towels at Target? Like move over boring bath towels and hello globally decadent bath towels that must get in my bathroom!

I know what you’re thinking, “Uh, that’s cool and all but why are we talking towels when you haven’t shared any progress on the bathroom?” To which I say, girls just want to have fun. #done

I figure the stuff has to get purchased eventually so why not get an early start on the decorative decisions because thus far the only concrete decision I’ve been able to make is that this is happening.

And I don’t want to miss out on any deals so I’m ready to pounce, but I figured if you are like me- then you’ll want to jump on these, too!

Bath Towels

Hand Towels

I’m trying to steer clear of matchy matchy pretty much at all costs with this bathroom design. I’m especially crushing on the “engineered global” towels and the “threshold paisley” towels. But then I’m torn when I see the other towels I came across on my search, too. If you could mix and match from these towels, which towels would you choose?

Making Decisions For A Bathroom Remodel

October 14, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

I’m checking in a week after announcing my participation as a guest One Room Challenge participant for Calling It Home‘s challenge to bring you a few decisions I’ve made thus far for the bathroom. It’s getting harder and harder to choose materials for some parts of the room and I’ve flown through others. Trying to marry global with boho doesn’t appear to be difficult on the surface, but when these changes affect resale value and will cost us big dollars to replace if we change our mind- they become very hard.

bathroomremodeldecisions

Probably the first decision I made for the space is the bath/shower surround tile. I chatted all about the tiles I was considering and why I didn’t choose them versus what I did choose yesterday. Definitely go check that post out because I think it also gives a fun glimpse into the vision developing for the space. The tile I picked is the Jeffrey Court Marrakech wall tile available from Home Depot. There are so many things I love about this tile.

I’ve also picked a vanity. But getting it is looking to be a problem because I can’t order it online and it’s not stocked at my Home Depot. I think I can have the store special order it for me, so I’ll be looking into that next. I’m also keeping an eye on craigslist because if it’s in the stars for one this style to pop up, I want to find it! “Da plan” is to paint it a deep blue-green color, like a teal, emerald or forest green. We’ll see!

Old House VS New House- 11 Reasons why you should buy the OLD House - A Designer At Home

The metallics I’ve chosen to work with in this space are oil rubbed bronze and antique brass. I’m going to do my best mixing those two metals. But it did lead me to this beautiful Tub/Shower faucet set. It’s from Moen’s Ashville collection available at Home Depot. I like the big shower head. I know hubby will like that, too!

I found a bathroom on Pinterest recently and it seriously had me drooling (those floors-amazing!). It’s a dream bathroom for me (especially some of the materials- $$$). But one thing I found in the space that barely fit into the budget I’d set for each piece is the mirror she used. It’s from Wayfair and it’s exactly the shape I’m looking to use. It’s not currently available, sadly, but I’m keeping an eye on it (and craigslist- because I’d love to save some money there, too!).

I’ve started checking out towels because amidst the rubble, it’s fun to look at pretty things. Oh, and I don’t remember if I mentioned this last week, but the vanity is the only main piece we’ll be replacing. We actually replaced our toilet last year some time and the tub functions (though my dad has weighed in and he thinks I should replace it, so maybe the jury is still out on that one, too?). I’m stuck on floors. I really want encaustic cement tiles and I’m trying to convince myself that the Merola tiles at Home Depot would work but they’re too black and not enough white for what I’m yearning for. Realistically I think I’m stuck between slate and wood-look tiles. I think both are fairly timeless and appeal to a broad group of potential buyers. And, they fit within the design I’ve dreamed up for the space.

Essentially, things still look like this-

details-a-designer-at-home-bathroom-renovation

I have actually started on a few projects for the space, a hamper, shelves and a shower curtain idea. But I don’t want to spoil the surprise, nor do I want to reveal too much! It’s part of the fun of this challenge, afterall! If you do want a sneak peek into what I’ve not made decisions on, follow this Pinterest board to see what I’m watching!

Choosing Bathtub Surround Tile

October 13, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

In our “old” bathroom, we had tile on the floor, the tub surround and halfway up all of the walls. It was a lot of tile. It was intense. In the new bathroom design, we’re scaling down the amount of tile used in the space. Only the floors and tub surround will be tiled. The jury is still out on floor tile. That’s just not a decision I want to make right now. But I had a lot of fun choosing the tile for the bathtub surround.

I had the opportunity to work with Jeffrey Court for this part of our remodel so all the tiles I’ll be sharing with you are from their line at Home Depot. It is my honest opinion that the line is gorgeous and I’m head over heels in love with it. While I was provided product, I am not being compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

At first, I really wanted to jump on the hexagon bandwagon. I had set my sights on the Geohex Mosaic Tile. But we weren’t yet sure if we were going to attempt to save the tile from our failed floor tiling adventure and it was a hexagon tile. So as sad as I was to set aside that option at the time, I now know it wouldn’t have worked with the overall design, anyways.

So then I thought, “Go big or go home, right?” I figured if I was going to be doing this, I wanted it to be what I wanted it to be. And I wanted color. Specifically blue. I felt like the Tiffany May Glass Tile would be stunning for the bathtub surround. So reflective and such a pretty blue with the slightest hint of grey. It feels fun yet sophisticated. But the reality of resale value has been hanging in my mind and I wasn’t sure if blue tile would appeal to everyone.

Instead of color I set my sights on interesting. I came across this pretty Dovetail White Mosaic Tile. Such an interesting shape, right? I love the uniqueness of it. It’s a balance between feminine and neutral and I think it would look stunning as a bathtub/shower surround tile. But I’m reminded of my Crushing On Vintage Bathrooms post and I pointed out over and over how I don’t want to deal with a lot of grout cleaning. So as pretty as this tile is, I talked myself out of it.

When browsing further for options, I came across the Xoxo Ceramic Mosaic Tile. This one is also so unique and interesting. I’m such a sucker for using materials and decor that I haven’t seen used elsewhere. I like that it kind of nods to Moroccan but isn’t the traditional tile that comes to mind when I think “Moroccan tile.”. Again, I talked myself out of this one because of the amount of grout.

Then in the tile deciding process I decided to swear off mosaic tile completely. And I found the gorgeous Royal Cream Beveled Wall Tiles. They’re like the classic subway tile, but the beveled edge makes them edgy and interesting. I was seriously so close to pulling the gun on this tile (and I’m thinking I might be regretting it a little!). Maybe something like this will make it’s way into our kitchen remodel when the time comes?

And finally, the tile that I did decide on, the Marrakech Ceramic Mosaic Wall Tile. I ended up going with a mosaic anyways! Seeing them in person, I have to tell you, my grout concerns are completely gone. The individual shapes are actually quite big. So it’s not actually a lot of grout.

And the tile itself is a lot prettier in person. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you have the option of seeing it in person (whether that be in a store or through sample ordering), definitely do it. It worked out for me because this tile is so gosh dang beautiful, but I didn’t realize from the picture that there’s an inverted bevel outlining each tile. It adds a lot of visual interest and I like that it makes this tile stand out from the standard “Moroccan inspired tile.”

And, the really cool part of all of this is that we’re using STAINMASTER Glamour Grout in Turquoise. Isn’t that so fun? I figure the grout is an easy thing to have fun with. I’ve seen grout tints and paints so I think it would be relatively easy to “conceal” this feature if the time were to come to sell the house. And until that time, white tile with turquoise grout sounds like such a pretty combination.

So the whole theme of the design for this space is “Global Craftsman Boho.” I think the Marrakech wall tile paired with the turquoise grout is going to fit this theme perfectly. Marrakech for the global and the blue grout for the boho (I like fun boho).

Please, tell me what you think! Did I choose a terrible tile? Does the reasoning make sense? Which tile would you have chosen? I still have a lot more decisions to make, and progress with the bathroom to share, so make sure you’re following along for updates! You won’t want to miss this after 😉