I literally spent 12 hours tiling yesterday and I’m done with the backsplash! I’m sore all over but am so glad to be finished. I took the hood down twice last week thinking I was ready to tile — I was overly excited to get it done. I sketched out several layout options and had you all cast your vote. I had made a decision on which pattern I wanted to do and I was raring to go! But then I remembered my plan to have some floating shelves on the wall and realized that I needed to put the hood back on the wall so I could get the shelf placement just right. I installed the cleats that the shelves will hang on and pulled the electrical through and THEN — I really was ready to tile.
But the thing is…with the hood AND the shelves on the wall, the wall is really broken up and I decided that I didn’t want to do any of the patterns I had drawn and went with a completely different option.
I taped off my cooktop in an effort to keep it somewhat clean and covered everything with towels to protect both the countertops and the tile in case I dropped one.
I had contemplated using a tile setting adhesive tape kind of product I saw at the home improvement center but didn’t feel confident about going that route so I stuck with the tried and true method. It’s messy but it works
And then I started installing my tile…
Surprised? Me too! I had every intention of doing the …basket weave pattern! But I changed my mind. I’ve changed my mind A LOT throughout this kitchen remodel and I don’t mind. It’s really fun to have complete control and the ability to change directions on a whim. Of course I put a lot of thought into it before I follow my whims before I follow them.
The tile I selected is a LARGE subway tile. It’s 4″x10″! So it’s BIG. I loved the idea of using a non standard size tile because I always want an element of “different” but I also always consider longevity. I don’t want my hard work looking dated before I even finish remodeling the house.
When all is said and done, there will be a lot going on (visually) in the kitchen so I don’t need any one element to be really complicated busy. So I ended up with a classic layout after all that planning and I’m really happy with it.
I have to wait a day to grout and thank heaven for that because I AM SORE! But there’s no rest for the weary because I have 10000000099 other things on my to-do list and I need to press on.
Forward and upward my peeps! Forward and upward!
Courtney says
Looks WONDERFUL!
Heather says
Look great, I think you mad a great decision with what you chose!!! Love following your blog, but never comment! I had to relate today though, because I spent 6 hours tiling a floor in a small bathroom yesterday and I am sore too! My husband had to make fun of me of course! It was my first time using a wet saw and it was phenomenal to use! Hope to grout later today!
Jantre says
What color grout are you using? I really like the simple pattern choice….when you put up your 4 options before, I was like “Why not offset?” I know you had a vision, but I love your choice!
Sarah says
It’s gorgeous! I’m a huge sucker for the traditional layout, so I am delighted with it. Hopefully you can find some tasks today that are lower key? Between this and the hall closet you are on a roll!
Ronda Batchelor says
love it! I hear keeping it simple!
Jake's a Girl says
My favorite. The running bond. That’s why I didn’t vote on one of the three. For a small space a pattern is good but for large spaces I’d always choose the running bond. I love that backsplash! Classic. 🙂
I’m so excited for you.
Guerrina says
Classic and beautiful!
Andrea says
I love it! I’m glad you went with a traditional pattern – that way it will be more timeless and harder to get sick of.
kristin says
I like the idea of the BIG tile for your kitchen. Really smart move. You have a HUGE kitchen, HUGE island, and to have the standard sized tiles would look dwarfed with all your other HUGE stuff–like that mammoth fridge. Looks great!
Deb-IL says
HA!!! My previous vote was K.I.S.S. and I feel vindicated! That’s one of the things I love about what you do – everything has detail and interest but is never over the top and so your elements always work together. Can’t wait to see what you do with the shelves.
bryan patterson says
nice job it looks like all the hard work was worth it!!! 🙂
kim massa says
That is A LOT of work, well done, looks great. What next?
Mary R says
I love it! I have marble subway tile in same pattern in my kitchen very classic and timeless. Looks awesome. Can’t wait to see shelves installed.
Feral Turtle says
Gorgeous! Cheers to a fantastic job Sandra!
jd says
Hi Sandra, It looks wonderful. I really admire your talent. Take care of your back! I’ve had that surgery. Remember the turtle won the race! jd
Kim Lewis says
That is so awesome! I love subway tiles and those big ones are way cool! I’m both amazed and inspired by what you are doing! Love it!
Sheila says
Sandra, you are soooo AMAZING !!! What a project … and an absolutely wonderful job I might add 🙂 I love the big tiles you picked. Makes the wall work with all the shelves and stove fan thingy going in later. It is calm. Good choice. I can hardly wait to see what else you do with it girl. Onward and upward !!!
Sheila
stargzrblog says
Looks absolutely stunning, Sandra!! I knew it would 😉 Great job laying all those tiles!
Becky says
Looks great. Do you have a tutorial showing the details/how to for filing the backsplash?
Becky says
Tiling. Lol. Shoulda spell checked that.
Sandra says
LOL I think I knew what you meant! I don’t think I do have a tutorial. I have even taught classes…Next time I tile a backsplash I’ll create a tute.