Monday, February 15, 2010

Well, I'll be ...

Well, with the long weekend, we actually got some chores done around the house, including the install of the final wall of tile. Working together, Scott and I really made great progress on that last wall. So fantastic to finally have that out of the way. But, of course, it isn't all that easy. With it complete, comes the argument, eh hem! discussion, about what color grout we should use. I was finding it hard to choose between white and grey, but Scott was all white - and not budging. In an effort to make me see what he was envisioning, he scoured the Internet to find this beautiful bathroom:


Now, it's interesting that he found this as it is so extremely close to a near perfect example of what the bathroom might feel like after it's finished. A hexagonal floor, with banded trim; white subway tile with white grout; a beautiful porcelain console sink - ours arrives tomorrow!; and panelling (albeit on the ceiling). I nearly fell over when he sat me down to look at it and told me that this is what he wanted. Immediately I was on board! Now, short of winning a powerball - the exact thing ain't happenin! I mean - a barrel ceiling in the bathroom? Oy ve! But the white grout on the subway tile - I can do!

So I started. Now, the best bit of advice that I can share with you when it comes to grouting is this - COVER YOUR TUB! Grouting is messy. It gets all over the place no matter what you try to do, and the best way to save yourself from having any unnecessary clean ups is to cover your tub with a plastic drop cloth ($1.28) and some blue painters tape.

Once I had turned the corner I stepped back and took a good look. FANTASTIC, right? Now, remember - the walls will be a lighter shade of blue/green/grey. The wainscoting will cover about 4.5' of wall space and also be white ... so this white on white on white is really going to brighten up the space and give it that 1920's flair Scott wanted with the spa experience I wanted. On a tight budget, of course.


And with most of the work done, it was time to sit and wait for it to harden so that I can clean the haze off of the tiles. When we decided to use the subway tile we asked our contractor how much it would cost for him to do the project. He gave us a quote of $850 in labor plus the cost of materials. As many of you know - that's not a bad deal! But working this reno on the tight budget I have, and really wanting to splurge in other areas, we decided to save the money and do the tiling ourselves. How much did it cost?


Just a little over $300.00. Not bad, considering I can now put that $850 I would have spent in labor toward fantastic fixtures ... like the one I'll show you tomorrow!

22 comments:

  1. The subway tiles are fantastic! I can relate to the grout problem. During building and renovation projects, I wanted to tear out my hair. Those subtle shades of white and cream really do matter. I love your choice. You and Scott are to be congratulated.

    Thank you so much for visiting--I have missed you.
    XX00

    ReplyDelete
  2. fantastic.... so happy to have found your blog.. pam

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent, gorgeous...job well done. ; ) Trina

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, I remember that discussion with my husband. He thought I was nuts wanting white grout, but it is gorgeous! Great job Artie
    xoxo Pattie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful job! and as for your inspiration pic.......wow....that barrel ceiling is awesome.......

    ReplyDelete
  6. Woot woot! You're getting there, Artie! Waaaa... I wanna see which fixtures you chose!

    Justine :o )

    ReplyDelete
  7. The tiles are perfect -- can't wait to see the finished project!

    ReplyDelete
  8. you did a great job! looks wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  9. YOU'RE HIRED! (I have four bathrooms to do....eeks.)

    The 'white' grout is perrrrrfect! The way you are progressing I don't see why you can't do a "barrel ceiling"....winks.

    Love the way it is all coming together and keeping with the character of the home. IF you are looking for additional tips, here are a few extra for you: 1a) Wait at least 10 days before applying the 'grout sealer'. b) In the mean time keep the bathroom humidity free. 2a) In the areas you require 'caulking' consider using a "paintable" one. ie: Particularly around recessed fixtures. b) When caulking around the bathtub; fill the tub first with water so it is heavy enough to pull away from the tiles. Then caulk. c) If/when smoothing the caulking, the application of soap to your finger helps. (These are a few tips that I remember while observing a Master craftsman when we were renovating our first home.) -Brenda mrsben-

    P.S: Artie I don't know if anyone else is having a problem, but it took me several attempts to post this comment. 'Anonymous' only worked.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The tile looks just gorgeous. I love the white grout, so fresh looking. Beautiful work. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love it!
    We're doing subway tiles in our tub/shower area too (with white grout ha ha).
    You can take the girl out of New York...
    xo xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Artie,
    Your bathroom is going to be perfect. Love the white grout! They make it look so EASY on HGTV.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fabulous! You did a great job Artie! I love the white on white. I also like the cost savings. I am almost tempted to do mine myself but am not yet sure I am that brave!

    ~ Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  14. I left you a message on the Day 2 post...but I just wanted to say yep, that's the project. LOL I'm torn between painting over the swatches or going full bore & repainting. LOL It'll have to wait till spring so I can ventilate the dungeon, though.

    I bought the silk plaid draperies at country curtains.com. They have the heft and polish of custom made--all lengths and 3 colors. I like them much,much better than the bedroom draperies from Horchow (which seem skimpy in comparison. Maybe it's the lining?).

    ReplyDelete
  15. So you went with white! Sometimes it's all about compromise, isn't it! :)

    It looks stunning - and for $300?! Amazing. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Looking great Artie!
    Love the tile!!
    L.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Artie, thanks so much for visiting and leaving birthday wishes for Allie. She gets so excited to read them. We ALWAYS talk food and there will be decor and tablescaping as we get into this-we're having a blast! By the way, we moved here from the Hudson valley in NY and your posts always take me home. Thanks again
    xoxo Pattie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello Artie!
    Just getting ready to start doing this - so thanks for the great tip on covering the bathtub! Good work - it looks great so far! Glad you liked the spread on Hound Hill on my blog - thanks for support - means the world to me!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Scott found a great inspiration picture.
    The tile is beautiful and classic. You can't go wrong with white subway tiles. We used them in all of our bathrooms. And your sink? Perfection. Fantastic job, Artie!

    xo
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  20. This looks great. You have inspired me to think that maybe my husband really can do this. I've been afraid for him to try. I love the sink...everything is turning out beautifully.

    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  21. Artie, this looks great! You did a fantastic job, and I cannot believe the cost.

    ReplyDelete