I had wanted to do a big, splashy reveal post for our new flooring. But summer has arrived and it is in full swing. If I waited until everything was cleaned and decorated and the house was empty of teenage boys… well, it would be a good month or two maybe never for that post to be possible. So here is a summer snapshot, our new flooring.
So a good summer snapshot of the renovated spaces will have to suffice.
Let’s get the product details out of the way first.
After months of indecision, we finally settled on “Geneseo Porcelain Tile” in the new 12” x 23” size. It was purchased at Lowe’s but no longer available. It was laid in an offset brick pattern.
The grout lines were created at 1/8”, the thinnest possible. Warm Gray tile grout with sealer was used.
Now here is where I am honest and say that in my heart of hearts if our budget would have allowed it I would have selected a natural stone installed in a chevron pattern like this:
But we had to be realistic in that this is not our forever home. We plan on moving in three years. We also have a kid to put through college. The floor above would have been about $15,000. So, after scouring several stores we settled on what we felt was the best choice for our budget of $5,000. For the 600 square feet, we needed to cover that was a GREAT price.
The demo and installation was done by two very capable and talented gentlemen. They knew what they were doing, had all the right tools and it still took them almost a week of 10 hour days. I shudder to think that it would have been at least a month, without a kitchen, if Mr. Decor and I had attempted this massive undertaking ourselves. #knowyourlimits.
Because Storybook Cottage is an older home and Texas comes with shifting soil the challenges, twists and turns were numerous.
I actually had to go to bat for the workers as their boss tried to insist it was “taking too long”. I had to play the snooty interior designer and tell him that I had overseen countless installs in my career and they were right on track for the condition of the home.
It is always very important that workers are treated fairly and the impossible is not expected in our “I want it now!” society. It just adds stress which is not good for the worker, the client or the project.
A positive working environment is so beneficial. I was happy to hear the men singing along to their favorite music and enjoying the lunch and snacks that I provided. They truly thanked me with a job well done.
In addition to the kitchen and breakfast nook, the pantry, family room, a 1/2 bath, and the small entry all received new flooring. We are delighted with the results.
I hope you are enjoying the summer snapshot series.
Laura
You might also enjoy:
Summer Snapshot Guest Bedroom
Summer Snapshot Slipcovered Antique French Chairs
That looks amazing!! It's definitely updated and such a perfect neutral background. Love it!
I enjoyed the working people who built our house too. They are so kind and proud. I was proud of them!
Beautiful!
Oh, I love the new floors, they look wonderful and I am sure cleaning is so much easier now. Great choice.
Your new kitchen floor looks so beautiful! Loving the colour. It can be so stressful to have worker in your home and the mess and upset it involves seems to make every day seem like an eternity, but how wonderful when its all done. And the workers really appreciate those little extras, like a yummy snack and a calm place to sit and relax on their breaks. Your home is their workplace after all, and while most are so respectful of the fact that it is your home, they need to feel like they are respected as well and welcome to do their job while they are there. How good of you to let them and their boss know they were doing the job professionally and in good time. Some people would be trying to rush them or whining about the cost. I have worked in construction and been on the other end and getting work done and mutual respect is always the key to a job well done!
Thank you for sharing your 'Summer snapshots' of your beautiful home. 🙂
I love your new floors! So suitable for a southern clime, and a lovely neutral background for your beautiful decor. And, you proved the worth of your innumerable courses and your brand-spanking new degree by being able to cite your professional qualifications. Congratulations. Love the Ravenna Mosaic style sandals, too!
I love your tile choice! (And your cottage). It's so nice to hear you talk about treating these hard workers with respect and kindness. As you mentioned, not everyone remembers to do that. Enjoy the new floors! Mary in az
That turned out beautiful! I know you are loving it and are glad that the messy part is behind you. You were very wise to hire that out!
That looks beautiful, Laura!
I love the tiles you chose. It's light and so it opens up the space and it looks like it has subtul colour variations in it, so it'll be easier to keep clean. I wanted natural stone for my cottage floor as well and for similar reasons as yours I finally chose tiles…
Lovely – so fresh and clean and light.
It looks fabulous, Laura. And the price was definitely right. Rick did an install of tile like that once. Never again. As you know, it takes a long time and it's no fun on the back, either! You aced it!
Quite a big project! So glad it's done – it looks nice. BTW, I love your dining area curtains.
Your new floors are gorgeous. And, you are so right about taking care of those working in your home.
Such a great choice. It looks great!
Laura, your new floor looks fabulous. I love it!
Looks lovely.. so bright and airy.
I'm also loving your sandals and nails!
So beautiful! We have had tile removed and tile installed. Neither were a fun time. But the results are all that matters! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Oh Laura… it looks gorgeous! I know you went through a lot, but it looks like it was really worth it. I'll bet you walk in that room just to look at it over and over. I know I would 😉
xoxo,
rue
Gorgeous. Good for you going to bat for your workers. I bet your house is a wonderful hang out for teenage boys. Have a blessed day.
Hi Laura, your new flooring is gorgeous. I know the work involved here and it does take time to do the job correctly. Good for you going to bat for the workman. They did an amazing job. Have a great week my talented friend.xo
Oh, how beautiful! Well worth all the dust and grime you had to go through 🙂
Amalia
xo
Beautiful choice. Happy workers and politeness are key to a job well done.