Friday, February 7, 2014

Tile, Grout, Lights and Floating Shelves


The tile I chose is made by Horus Art, the style is Tiffany in Biancho Crackle.
It's a nice soft white...with a little dash of cream.  I thought it was perfect.

But let's talk about your grout feedback.  It was really fun.

via SA Decor

                          According to your feedback about gray grout:

                          Pro:  Wouldn't look dirty
                          Con:  Looks dirty

                          Pro:  Looks like your favorite oyster bar
                          Con:  Looks like a Soviet butcher shop

                          Pro:  Adds interest
                          Con:  Too distracting
                          
                          Does that clear it up?

There were some of you that have used light gray in your bathrooms
and others that wished they had.  Some of you liked both.  And one
anonymous comment said if I used gray, our romance was over.
That's pretty serious stuff!

Overwhelmingly, though, most of you said white.

Mill Valley Loft, Remodelista.com
I'm in camp that likes both but I think they each have their place.  I see dark
grout as being industrial, even restaurant, perfect for a modern, loft-like space.
One commenter also suggested it's a vintage look and I can almost see it in
a place like The Breakers kitchen in Newport, Rhode Island.

It's also a great way to add pattern in space with clean lines.

Michelle's Mill Valley Kitchen, Remodelista.com
 I wanted a nice, clean look that didn't detract from some of the other unique details
I've put in the kitchen.  I love a lot of different styles and I'm slowly learning
I don't have to cram them all into one room.  So I'm doing white.



The light fixtures are all installed.  This is the Circa Milton Road pendant
and in the background is the cutie patootie E.F. Chapman Marine flush mount
in bronze also from Circa.  I'm not sure yet whether I'll have a table or island
underneath it.  I'm hoping my dining room table will work so I can turn
the dining room into a keeping room/den/library.  We'll see.



I chose the Milton Road pendant (by Thomas O'Brien) because 
its flutes beautifully echo the flutes in the columns in the cabinets.



I ordered another light from Circa for over the sink but it was very
backordered so I bought a backup which is the Franklin light from
Schoolhouse Electric.  I'm not in love with it and, yes, it's crooked.  I'm
pretty sure it's the shade, which incidentally fits horribly into the bronze
ring, so Schoolhouse is sending me a new shade.  Stay tuned.



In the last post, and a few photos back, you'll remember the blue tape
I put up to mark where floating shelves would go.  I wanted to show you
how those were made.  Holes were bored into the studs just slightly smaller
than the diameter of the 3/4 inch rebar.  And then the rebar is banged in to
the holes.  It's extremely solid. 


The shelf planks also have holes bored, just slightly larger so
they slide on easier but are still fairly snug.



These will be painted either white or light gray, I'll have to experiment.
Should I do white or gray?  I'm just kidding.

I'm off to pick up my tile and white grout.

69 comments:

  1. I like the white grout choice for the wall. I'd go gray on the floors because there are some things that just never come out of grout lines short of using a bomb. I LOVE the open shelving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kerry. I love the shelving too. The bottom one will be very utilitarian: salt, pepper, oil, etc. and the upper one can either hold some plates and bowls that I use every day or just decorative pieces, depends how much I can fit in the armoire.

      Delete
  2. Oh thank God you chose white grout, I didn't want to have to break up with you. I just would have been forced to if dark had been your choice for all the obvious reasons. It would have meant we were no longer in synchrony. End of romance.

    Your kitchen shows intelligent esthetic decisions, each one headed in the right direction. For me, I walk into a room not be bowled over but to be subtly surrounded by beauty and comfort. Surely you are achieving that. And it has been such a pleasure to take the journey with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad you chose the white grout (I kept my opinion to myself), but the gray would have looked fantastic too. Thanks for posting the technique for the floating shelves. I've always wondered what keeps these types of shelves afloat, so to speak. Your kitchen is looking great! How nice too, that it is a very personal space suited to your taste and not something out of a catalog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never be shy, Deborah. Differences of opinion is what keeps things interesting. Thanks for this comment too. This wasn't the easiest route to take when you can't see what it's going to look like in a showroom...and at times questioned myself for taking this path.

      Delete
  4. I had to laugh at the comment breakdown on white vs. gray grout. Your fans are nothing if not opinionated, but by no means united. Except, probably, in our confidence that your final choice will be perfect. (But I'm glad it's white!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I got a big kick out of reading the comments. They were fun.

      Delete
  5. As a member of Team White I'm glad you picked that! The shelves are great. I have 3 in my kitchen and think what you've got planned to put on them makes a lot sense (saw your reply to Kerry) Too funny about the romance is over comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, things on those shelves do get dirty so it's best to have things that you use all the time.

      Delete
  6. I guess I'm Team White Grout, too, but hesitantly. I have white subway/white grout. But I recall when the tile was first set, before the grout was applied, and you could see the outline of each tile that mimicked what gray grout would look like. For 24 hours, I was convinced I had to have gray grout. I ended up with white grout, but I think the best part is, you can't go wrong either way! Both are fabulous, classic looks. And I have floating shelves similar to yours--the combination is just so pleasing.

    Great pendant, btw!
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, neither would be wrong. Just different looks.

      Delete
  7. Just had to share because great minds think alike: ;) In the client bathroom I just did, I used Deep Creek for the exterior of the antique clawfoot tub and Horus crackle in bianco for the shower tile (horus crackle biscuit for the kitchen). I also had a hard time deciding between dark and light grout and sort of went in between with a very light warm gray. It's almost white but gives a hint of an outline. I absolutely adore what you are doing with your base cabs. Gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the tile and think the white grout will be perfect with it. I am in absolute love with everything you have done with this room thus far, but that light above the sink has got to go!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yay, good choice! I agree that gray looks amazing in restaurants. The General Muir in Atlanta comes immediately to mind.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Grout pros and cons are hilarious! And so helpful. :)

    Love your tile and everything else you have going on in your aweseome new kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am late to the vote but I like white. Then again, I am too OCD and so alot of lines bother me. Striped rugs make me feel uneasy and I like a home to feel calm because it is our haven. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I used "Silverado" grey grout on my 1in mosaic marble floor but white on the subway in the shower. The Silverado is barely grey and just enough to keep the marble from the punctuation that white would have given it (I think). Love both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you Niisei on a gray for marble. Its background color isn't very white at all.

      Delete
  13. The tile and light fixtures are so pretty! What a great shelving solution, can't wait to see the end result!
    E+J

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so loving all of your choices so far! It's going to be an amazing kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, Steve,

    I'm so glad you went with white! Your kitchen has so many great details that you certainly won't need to accentuate the tile. In fact, I'm looking at the image of the range and the Milton Road pendant, and thinking that you're creating an altar in your kitchen. It's where your dinner guests will come to worship.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Even thought I went with gray I know white will look absolutely beautiful. I like the tile you chose very much and love the pendant lamp. I always like the fluted design and love milk glass. I like the idea of the table in the kitchen, if mine were big enough I would love a wood farmer's table, makes it so homey.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The tile is absolutely beautiful....white, hint of cream, crackle....so simple, but elegant! Rest of the kitchen looks beautiful. I love hearing all the little details!
    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wish I could offer a decision, but I know you are going to pick what's best for your home. I'm loving how it is all coming together and I'm really jealous of the plank ceiling.

    ReplyDelete
  19. So now the next question-how much of a grout line are you lookin' at? LOL Decisions decisions!
    Yea Team White and darker cabinet paint. Love the floating shelves-I had one in TX and two in OR, so I figure I should be up to three here in CA, but we really only have room for one ( with a pot rail).
    I think you should have a grand unveiling via SKYPE or at least a video your-you too can be a vlogger! Maybe a virtual dinner party with all your online pals :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. The tile is going to light up the room and it's going to be so pretty with the marble. Very glad you chose white. Can't wait to see the finished project

    ReplyDelete
  21. White on white...so easy on the palate. Simply divine.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Did I not vote? I bet I would have gone for grey cause it's a hipper choice...or so I would think, but I would have secretly voted for white.

    So my candidate wins without me even casting an official vote.

    Grey, white, what done of us are saying is that we are all peagreen with envy.

    xo J

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love love love all the choices you've made so far - but I'd say don't paint the floating shelves. Oil and/or a clear coating will protect them and bring out the natural color. The rest of the surfaces are white/grey/silvery and a black armoire. The little bit of shelf edge in natural wood might be a visual break, almost sculptural. ( and I like Susan's idea for you to have a video unveiling! That'd be wicked cool!)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Very pleased you chose white. As you said, you have enough detail going on already. I love the fluted light you chose to go with the fluted columns. Perfect detail. It is all looking very exciting.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Though I don't have ceramic tile and picked white carrara marble for my kitchen back splash and for my master bath floor and shower/bath surround I went through the same agonizing over the grout! I eventually picked a light dove grey and am so glad I did! Easy to keep clean and it looks beautiful. Here's a pic, http://www.daiseyjayne.com/2012/12/27/testing-testing/ . This is a personal decision though and I know yours is going to look stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  26. wonderful post. so much fun to read - love your humor.

    remember how I'm jealous of your refrige? ...add the shelves in there, too.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You have a wonderful sense of humor! You kitchen is beautiful. It is really coming together. I like the comment about not painting the shelves, perhaps using an oil or stain. I think it would be a nice contrast. Have fun with your grout/tile pickup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, consider leaving the shelves in a natural color--nice contrast and a touch of warmth.

      Delete
  28. Hey, wait a minute. Piling on! The supposed white team folks look like they are out-numbering the people who actually voted. Voter fraud! Ballot rigging! Changing sides after the vote!

    Oh, guess it's not really a democracy. I like the floating shelves a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think the white grout will look best particularly with your shelving (ya, sorry, late opinion party). Finding the right light can be so difficult. We're still looking for the right ones for our dining room. Yours are perfect.

    I was wondering how you were going to have "floating" shelves. That's a great idea and the right look for your kitchen. Now I know how they are installed. Color?

    ReplyDelete
  30. White grout, good choice. Enjoyed the wrap-up of feedback you received. I'm with you on the Schoolhouse fixture. It just doesn't have the rich look of your other fixture or the other elements in your kitchen. Maybe you should wait on the first fixture you chose. Love the marble countertop, range and fridge!
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  31. The crackling on the tiles is a really nice subtle way of avoiding the slickness of non-crackled ones. I love the Milton Road pendant, and the way its fluting picks up that on the columns is a brilliant choice on your part.

    I hope your table fits, because your dining room would make a wonderful library/study/keeping room.

    If I ever redo another kitchen I'm going to consult with you!

    ReplyDelete
  32. "Soviet butcher shop". So funny. I didn't comment because I thought either one would be nice, but now I've got to go back and read the comments. I LOVE the subway tile you chose, and the light fixtures too. So far, all beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. So glad you chose white :-) loving keeping up with your kitchen, and love the last comment about the shelves, cant wait to see the end result
    Annie

    ReplyDelete
  34. I guess I was the bathroom comment! Glad you're going for white.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for explaining about the floating shelves!
    I have a "sloping" shelf and I've been frustrated as how to solve that problem. So, Thanks!
    Love how you have the flutes echoing.
    I'm holding my breath on that shade though...
    I'm also liking the idea of you using your dining room area as more of a den/library room.
    It's all looking Marvelous!
    (I'm off now to Google "keeping room")

    ReplyDelete
  36. I like you. You crack me up. And you're smart. I could learn a lot about design from you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I vote for you staining the shelves...

    ReplyDelete
  38. I knew you'd go white. I think white for the shelves too.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Funny. Everyone has such different opinions. You opened a can of worms! Love how it's shaping up. That pendant fixture is perfect! (Not to stir the pot, but I was a fan of the dark grout for you.:-)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Looking good there, Steve! I have always used bracket supports for open shelves, so this is a great alternative. Thanks for sharing the install detail.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Soviet butcher shop? I laughed out loud and found that to be perfection!! Gray is great in some settings, for sure, but I love the white. Now c'mon and keep this all moving quickly so we can see the finished kitchen!! Dying.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I have to chime in here because for some reason I personally have a really negative reaction to the dark grout look. I have a very similar lovely crackle tile backsplash in my kitchen, installed three years ago. I love it so much. I think mine is just a little creamier than yours, with creamy off white grout, and I don't have any problem with staining/dirtiness, even behind the cook top.

    The dark grouts that I see look automatically dirty, even if they are brand new and perfectly clean. They remind me of moldy old grout, I just have this visceral "ew" reaction. I know it's silly but there it is. My secondary reaction to them is the brick thing. They remind me of my attempts to draw houses when I was six years old, that's how my chimneys would look, in black and red crayon. I don't know why that would be a negative association to me but I guess it's the ham handed clunkiness of the look to me. Just not elegant or subtle at all, for me.

    So I am another follower happy over your grout choice. Love your home, thanks for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I just love to following this kitchen reno. Love your tile and thanks for explaining your floating shelves...brilliant. Hope youre having a great weekend. xo Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wonderful progress! So thrilled to see...lovely choices all. I am in love with Thomas O'Brien and his fluted lamp is not bad either (love). I also like the cutie patootie.

    The floating shelves are heavenly...and just think how much time you'll have for dusting now that your renovation is almost done! ;)

    Oh and so happy with your grout choice and that it doesn't look like a pizzeria in there. Instead it looks P E R F E C T!! xox
    xo

    xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  45. Looks amazing! Because the tiles have slight color/crackle/interest, the white grout won't make it a blinding white wall. Good choice! Call me crazy, but I think the same gray at the trim for the shelves. Is that Cape May Cobblestone just like cabs? Can't wait to see the next post about this gorgeous kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin,
      The cabinets are Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray. The Cape May Cobblestone proved to be too lavender and I wanted something with a little more heft. Right now that window casing is Farrow & Ball Lamp Room Gray. I wasn't sure if I was going to lighten the Chelsea Gray for the trim or do the casings the same as the wall but paint the window sashes and mullions the same as the cabinets. It's a tough decision.

      Delete
  46. Hello and I'm not the anonymous who said the romance was possibly over! Had quite a chuckle over that! Love the way that you presented this study and loved reading the results. Truly a difficult decision but in the end the correct choice. Can I tell you that waiting for the completed project is like pining for Downton Abbey's return?

    ReplyDelete
  47. It looks amazing and LOVE your choices...dying to see it all together!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is coming along nicely. Very inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Haha…I love the feedback you got! Love your choices, can't wait to see it!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Fabulous light fixtures...had to pin them.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Steve,
    This is so great....ask a question and get whatever answer you are looking for! Loving your kitchen, every inch of it!
    annie

    ReplyDelete
  52. Steve,
    I'm from Mill Valley and believe me there are very few lofts. I bet your ocd just doesn't let you sleep at night with that crooked lamp, does your eye go there when you walk in the room? Be honest. There is a new bread store in town here in Italy that reminds me of this whole discussion before that you brought up about warm wood.

    ReplyDelete
  53. If you weren't so nice I would really hate you cause of this great kitchen....I know...don't be jealous....but I can't help it. It's just me...I want what you have. It is looking pretty damn fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Your kitchen is looking great!. I like the tile you chose very much. Hanging shelf like simple and so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete