So many readers have sent emails over the past few weeks … and then I was sidetracked by the hacker … that my new #1 goal for the site is to make my way through them. There are questions… suggestions… photos, tons of great stuff. So look forward to the blitz!
First up — Remember Bill from Lawrence, Kansas, and his gorgeous split level? He has a few questions:
Hi Pam,
Greetings from Lawrence. An update on our modest bathroom renovation project. Last time I contacted you I was planning to tackle the bathroom flooring in our main bathroom, leaving our master bedroom bathroom for another day. After consulting with contractors, however, I’ve decided to replace the flooring in both since the way the bathrooms are laid out in the floor plan they are actually adjacent to each other. (You would never guess this walking around the house.) In fact, they both share the same subfloor. So this is the most efficient way to go.
But the problem about which tile to choose remains and is a vexing one. Thanks to your enthusiasm about Daltile, I ordered their “Design a Room” software so that I could better visualize what their various tile combinations would look like in our bathrooms. Unfortunately, after many phone calls and emails to this company, and much hand wringing, I cannot get it to work. So I’m back to making making a decision based on what I can see on a web site, mostly.
Anyway, there are worse problems to have in life, so I’m not going to worry about this state of affairs too much. But I would like to have you have a look at the bathroom that’s attached to our master bedroom, which I didn’t show you last time. It’s tiny–I mean, it’s smaller than some bathrooms I’ve seen in Japan. But it is quite efficient and is charming in a way. Right now it has a carpet floor, which is not good. I’d like to install a tile that stands out but yet is complementary with the original brown tile, which is in excellent condition.
Again, any suggestions? I’ve also attached another pic of the main bathroom to give you an idea of what I’m dealing with in total. Really, just floors. Getting back to your original suggestions, I like the American Olean pinwheel design (I even got samples), but I think I could do better. And as much as I like Daltile mosaic, I’d also like more color than they provide. So as you can see, I’m wracked with indecision.
Have you seen the modwalls stuff? Here’s a link to their custom blender page: http://www.modwallsblender.com/blender.html
I like what I see there, but it’s pricey. Have you had any experience with this tile or know anyone else who has?
I’ve also included a couple shots of the vanity in the “master” bathroom because I think you’d enjoy seeing the style. It’s pretty neat, although the chrome needs cleaning and I’ve got a few repair issues.
As always, thanks for your great help.
Bill
Wracked by indecision. I know know the feeling well. Here are some more thoughts, Bill. And I certainly encourage other readers to contribute!
#1 — Regarding the tile floor, though, I think that you may have been on your naval tour when we did this post about Alice’s house. How about flooring like this:
Palm Springs Stephan says that you can have Dal-tile make similar designs up for you in sheets. The key is getting the pieces in the colors, sizes and finishes (satin glazed or unglazed) you want. (I understand your frustration with the online planner, though.) Make sure to read all the comments in the two Alice posts:
- And see her mint green bathoom including floor in this post
#2 — On the Modwalls…I am not crazy about the glass tile idea, personally. I think the stuff will look dated in no time flat.
#3 — My other idea — get yourself to the very biggest tile retailer you can find within 150 miles. I am not an expert, but it is my sense that there are lots and lots of regional players in this business – including some that make old-fashioned designs. S.J. Masters is such a company in my neck of the woods. You may also find someone who has a direct link into Daltile/American Olean in terms of getting custom designs made up for you. Here are some of their mosaics:
Good luck, Bill — let us know what you decide !