Please Help Me Select My Bathroom Floor Tile!

Hi Everyone,

Can you believe that in the 14th month of the renovation, I’m still designing and making decisions about things like the bathroom floor tile? Although, I must say, that “bathroom floor tile” is music to my ears.

I daresay this was one of the most intense weeks of the renovation.

And, it’s super hot and humid, to boot.

So, what else has been happening?

This will be a quick update.

The painters, usually a team of 3 and sometimes 4, have worked tirelessly on the living room prep. They just finished day 5 with about 2 or 3 more days. If you recall, my fired painter insisted he was nearly finished with the living room prep. I don’t know what this guy’s mental impairment is. However, it’s quite substantial.

The stairs, including the railing and tread finishing, are done. The treads received their final coat of poly early this afternoon.

On a Saturday, Laurel?

Yes, and not only that, but by the owner of Sequoia Wood Flooring, Gary Dessert.

In fact, Gary and Chris, the owner of Painting by Design, were here for nearly two hours this morning.

These two were absolutely heaven sent and I’m grateful.

However, we’re having a bitch of a time with the white stain on the white oak floor.

Please understand that the oak floor in the bedroom and hallway to the bathroom has to be white for many compelling reasons.

However, this post isn’t about the hardwood floor finish downstairs but only highlights what’s going on; it’s all connected.

Thursday was an incredibly intense day with meetings with Gary, Chris, Bob, the electrician, Mark from Kenneally Steelworks, and finally, a delightful and exceedingly knowledgeable new tiler from Jose Tile.

Since I need to get that order going, the new bathroom floor tile is the topic of this post.

Okay, let’s look at the new bathroom design again.

If you recall, a couple of weeks ago, I found a floor mat from Spicher and Co. and could use their app to put it in my room. And then I added the mirror and sconces. They are both on their way.

So, I know I want a 1″ hex tile floor. However, when I tried out this design, it looked too busy.

Still, at the very least, I want a border. One reason is the shower tile is Carrara marble in the 1″ brick pattern.

I’m not changing it. It’s not worth it. But still, I don’t want to overwhelm these small spaces.

I found a fantastic company, American Restoration Tile, from which I stole their ideas. I’d order their tile, too, but the lead time is too long. Plus, they do the design, which adds more time.

As I often do, I used Google to locate 1″ hex tiles and came up with a good source, Stone Center Online, with several different marbles with coordinating shapes. So, I ordered six colors: white, gray, darker gray, muted green, and black. The company contacted me immediately, which is always a good sign.

The tiles arrived about five days later. Also terrific.

I was all set to love the Carrara, however, the Thassos feels more retro in this case. I got the polished version and love the reflection it gives off.

In addition, I was sure I would love my original design, an adaptation of one of American Restoration Tile’s designs. I like it a lot, but I feel it might compete too much with the harlequin pattern in the entry. It’s not that you see them at the same time. If you do, it’s only a sliver of the entry.

In order to get this shot, I had to plaster myself against the double closet doors. As I said, you barely see both floors at the same time, if at all.

Okay, let’s look at my original idea for the bathroom floor tile.

I still like it a lot, but after some reflection feel the large motif competes a bit with the large harlequin diamonds in the entry. Therefore, I did another design.

This is an adaptation of a design by Restoration Tile.

It combines a field of hex tiles and then four rows of square tiles with interlocking Key corners. Around the perimeter, we could either do four more rows of the 3/4″ square tiles or the leftover dolomite 3″ x 12″ tiles from the new shower wall. I have a lot left over.

Finally, I put back some of the design of the original pattern. While I love this one, I think it might be too much. I think I prefer the simplicity of the border with the key pattern. I do think it needs something, or it will look a bit odd at the end of the embrasure hall.

What do y’all think?

Oh, wait! Hold on. Wait! I have one more.

As much as I love the key borders, I think they are too much. However, I covered them up and came up with this interesting, elegant and more subtle design. There does need to be some black. The black marble is Nero Marquina, which I love.

In the meantime, the floor stain for downstairs, which will also be going in the kitchen and upstairs entry, is coming along. Tomorrow, I have to add a sealer and topcoat. I am crossing my fingers the lower level will be ready for its stain on Tuesday.

Incidentally, did a little makeover of Chris Loves Julia’s front door facade after making a comment on their Instagram page. Someone wanted a little photoshop of what that might look like. So, in the spirit of procrastination for other tasks, I had fun with their front door. Please check it out here, and make a comment if you feel like it.

xo,

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