Kitchen Update: Subway Tile!

I feel like there have been more exclamation points used in these last few kitchen posts than possibly in this entire blog, combined. But that just goes to show you how excited I am that the finish line is drawing near!

It feels like every piece that gets done, completely transforms the look of the space. The cabinets, the flooring, the counters - each one was more exciting than the next. But now that we're on tile, it's beginning to feel really finished, and that has me using more exclamation points than ever!!

One thing (the only thing) that I was actually sad to rip out of the old kitchen was this luxuriously thick subway tile, on the old backsplash. I considered keeping what I could, and trying to find a match for the rest, but have you ever priced out that vintage tile? They're like $6 a piece!

Instead, I went with the same look for a whole lot less. Home Depot quality subway tile will have to do.

I have no complaints though, I think it looks pretty spiffy! And with a little sweet-talking and eyelash batting (and careful explaining), I managed to get Martin to do a herringbone pattern on the recessed vent hood. It was quite the brain teaser, but he did a bang-up job!

The ceiling plaster is also complete! As you can see in that picture, we left it a little rough and rustic. All the better to hide the cracks and dips, my dear!

We're really on the tail end of things now, projected to be finished by this weekend. I can't even tell you how ready I am to have my house (and my life) back. Not to mention ready to get my fridge out of my living room!

Tile Coasters

It's craft night again! This time we're making tile coasters, inspired by Curbly.com. They used paper napkins, which may or may not have proved easier than using stiff craft paper, as we did. But it is hard to imagine anything being easier than this simple craft.

Just cut squares of your paper to the size of your tile (available at your local hardware store for about 14 cents each), and apply with Mod Podge. Now, this part is important: before putting on your top coat of Mod Podge, put your coasters under something heavy (the phone book works great -- it's basically the only reason I haven't recycled it yet) and let them dry thoroughly.

Once they're dry and free of bubbles, apply top coats of the Podge, letting it dry in between. Then add a felt footy to each corner of the underside of the tile, and you're done! Now I have six coordinating coasters that can also double as trivets in a pinch. Neat!