Tile Martyr.

Number of tile stores I have been to: 12
States I have looked in: 3
Times I have been surprised at how snooty some tile salespeople are: 8
Stress level compared to the time I was tied to the roof: high.
Miles from my house where I found the final contestant: 12
Why I did not go to the winning store two months ago when Paul suggested it: because it looked crappy.

Peronda Museum, 18×18, polished, porcelain, bianca carrara:

Peronda Museum tile. Marble lookalike, large polished-porcelain, bath tile, Bianca carrara:

The crappy little store? Had the tile in stock. And let me take home two boxes of it. Not two tiles, two BOXES.

I would like to edit my previous advice about choosing tile (Tile Saga). And say that the best way to know if a tile works for you, is to cover half your floor.

The photo emphasizes the pattern—it’s not actually that prominent. From afar, it’s brighter and more neutral. Could it be a little larger? Yes. Would I like a little less pattern? Yes. A little more something? Yes. But? I’m done looking. And this weekend we will get a floor.

Compromise—when you’re just too tired to care anymore.

I am going to yet another tile store. I have no more enthusiasm for this slogging around.

UPDATE: here is my tile installed and grouted!

I want a vintage-style bath, but with a sleek, clean modern design. Trying to marry these two aesthetics seems to hinge on the choice of floor tile. At this point, I am thinking I am going to need to compromise. My least favorite idea.

This is Pilar Guzman’s bath, (Martha Stewart’s editor). Her home was featured in one of last summer’s magazines. And is worth checking out for some really gorgeous design. (Her kitchen is outstanding.)

What I love about her bath is the authentic, Victorian feel—subway tile, claw foot tub… but it’s clean and modern at the same time. However, she has small floor-tile. And, I assume a cleaning lady to go with it.

Wow. This is totally fascinating… keep reading.

May 1, 2012 By Victoria Elizabeth Barnes in Hall Bath 8 Comments Tags: bathroom inspiration, Big Project, Carrara marble hexagon, Decor, Fixtures, Grout, Hall Bath, House, Pilar Guzman, Planning, Tile, Vintage

Ongoing Tile Saga.

Having ruled out small tile, I am not finding it any easier to choose a large one.
I want a tile that looks like marble. A subdued, neutral, marble lookalike. This is the tile in the master bath— the feeling I’m looking to recreate, but with a large tile.