Kitchen Chronicles: Stacked stone bar wall & DIY floating shelves

How about a brand new bar wall to start your week?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRctH12QRXmk3fTcKqd5T9in4a2J8Wc21zc3FkOJ4v7Bft9oYc9G-2RgRlfUen2bNui-xQrNM9YlChbluG_H1fxdoN1_LBVgIgpHHhfdPK5kNXjc8SshjKRjeJugNa3daFA2L5ekcJS9ku/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRctH12QRXmk3fTcKqd5T9in4a2J8Wc21zc3FkOJ4v7Bft9oYc9G-2RgRlfUen2bNui-xQrNM9YlChbluG_H1fxdoN1_LBVgIgpHHhfdPK5kNXjc8SshjKRjeJugNa3daFA2L5ekcJS9ku/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />As a reminder, here's what it looked like Friday:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" /></a></div><br />Let me start by saying this project was not a happy one. The tile install itself wasn't so bad—there were just a number of small setbacks and frustrations that made this drag on for over ten hours and wear our patience thin. Renovation has its ups and downs... this was definitely a low point.<br /><br />Just need to keep it real once and a while and let you guys know that this DIY stuff is not all sunshine and rainbows :)<br /><br />On that note, let's start at the beginning!<br /><br />I mentioned a bit in my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-diy-subway-tile.html">subway tile post</a> about wanting to use stone on the backsplash. That didn't happen, but I knew I could at least incorporate it into the bar wall. I've always obsessed over stacked stone and now was my chance to use it.<br /><br />I found <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_354393-93840-20-616_4294735483__?productId=3477519&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=">these quartz ledgestones</a> at Lowe's for $4/ea:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/d37b3122b0a911e38e671220bc4e24d2_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/d37b3122b0a911e38e671220bc4e24d2_8.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign"><i>via Instagram</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table>We bought 80 pieces but ended up using only 62 of them (+ we had a 10% off coupon), for a total of around $240.<br /><br />I also wanted to make the wall functional with shelving. On our Ikea trip, I bought a couple of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ekby-jarpen-ekby-bjarnum-wall-shelf__0096542_PE236323_S4.JPG">these...</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ekby-jarpen-ekby-bjarnum-wall-shelf__0096542_PE236323_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ekby-jarpen-ekby-bjarnum-wall-shelf__0096542_PE236323_S4.JPG" /></a></div>But the brackets ended up creating a problem. We couldn't install the shelves on top of the stone because it was an uneven surface, and we couldn't tile right over the brackets without notching them because they had a slight curve at the back. And you can't really notch quartz stone anyway because they don't break off easily like porcelain or ceramic tile.<br /><br />So I had to come up with a plan B quick.... and that's when I spotted these unused desks from the old studio...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyajQ7c2PdMmigoGtqJTHN3sicSVsJUQvbaBZViNfeDfp_4dZs3NljSd_k8ArKMme5MAINfBCQSnwwz4QHuw4ARLArsO4K4OkrdjcM-r9yZSxGnC9n7KJOBDNKC8byEFZPu1dwDQbRkKqi/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyajQ7c2PdMmigoGtqJTHN3sicSVsJUQvbaBZViNfeDfp_4dZs3NljSd_k8ArKMme5MAINfBCQSnwwz4QHuw4ARLArsO4K4OkrdjcM-r9yZSxGnC9n7KJOBDNKC8byEFZPu1dwDQbRkKqi/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />They certainly weren't the right depth, but the length was perfect, and they were lightweight. I could make them floating shelves!<br /><br />First I patched and sanded the small holes where you attach the legs:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHB174MqwFAhmmPU4Mg2QvLCSTUJ_K2knBwsSIn2dyTKO8O_Emf9nH7VUxPwIHT3iW8yewaEdcxgmwSN3UgeSToPm68mHCfa3Rq-NT6aRsrK1RQZCgAM-gY_h2m-4gJqYoEO2dp1eGBY/s1600/IMG_2365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkHB174MqwFAhmmPU4Mg2QvLCSTUJ_K2knBwsSIn2dyTKO8O_Emf9nH7VUxPwIHT3iW8yewaEdcxgmwSN3UgeSToPm68mHCfa3Rq-NT6aRsrK1RQZCgAM-gY_h2m-4gJqYoEO2dp1eGBY/s1600/IMG_2365.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then we ripped them down to 11" on the table saw. They have this paper/cardboard filler inside of them that can be easily pushed down...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDbWyLZhPLs24uelbxWbT1MzSfSG7mXQZKe4iNzqjdy2am53fwWqQWA_fKi7fjKa_8_FaWLblfV1d2wLgVRvbdozVhwUEpch5oqgIkS3xCSCRveH1rmvxDi7m5rPnj1CgLJcP0QIn-5KV/s1600/IMG_2367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDbWyLZhPLs24uelbxWbT1MzSfSG7mXQZKe4iNzqjdy2am53fwWqQWA_fKi7fjKa_8_FaWLblfV1d2wLgVRvbdozVhwUEpch5oqgIkS3xCSCRveH1rmvxDi7m5rPnj1CgLJcP0QIn-5KV/s1600/IMG_2367.jpg" /></a></div><br />It makes the perfect pocket to insert a cleat.<br /><br />For the cleats, we ripped down some spare 2x4's to 1.75" by 1" to fit snugly inside the shelf opening. Here's the cleat going into the shelf on the left:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKeBVC_o5dqTkqs2aoQ0Sai9B207WBvnUF-7fSrm3Zu_vEZz6CAqk3arEW_vG4Fpn9634Hy38Cgya7olJc6LQpvcHmCx40onoziP8HUBMj705s59C7Yu_CITbnhq8Znawj6dnJAG8H8m-/s1600/IMG_2368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKeBVC_o5dqTkqs2aoQ0Sai9B207WBvnUF-7fSrm3Zu_vEZz6CAqk3arEW_vG4Fpn9634Hy38Cgya7olJc6LQpvcHmCx40onoziP8HUBMj705s59C7Yu_CITbnhq8Znawj6dnJAG8H8m-/s1600/IMG_2368.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Now that we had that part figured out, it was time to start tiling!<br /><br />Originally we thought we would need a cement board backer, but I discovered that the manufacturer says it's only necessary for walls 10' tall or more. Whew! Drywall it is.<br /><br />We used the same Type 1 mastic we had used for the backsplash tile (the guy at Lowe's said it would be fine). We just made sure to use a lot more to get into all of the grooves and hold it (these tiles are heavy!) and we buttered the backs of each piece.<br /><br />The pieces fit together quite nicely...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR2m7N4Go1XNmG6N9htwWmpXORXtRCsRf35fPxEmyVEkgmH0sUhG5m4GoGss4FrdswFz4qYZKmUQHnydGcV4DNoRlTkprXxQUEfZ_nm6kS0IvCj3NLrgjga8iCyKWmvl3WZcj-e1y7yqX/s1600/IMG_2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR2m7N4Go1XNmG6N9htwWmpXORXtRCsRf35fPxEmyVEkgmH0sUhG5m4GoGss4FrdswFz4qYZKmUQHnydGcV4DNoRlTkprXxQUEfZ_nm6kS0IvCj3NLrgjga8iCyKWmvl3WZcj-e1y7yqX/s1600/IMG_2374.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's something else we had to deal with—this outlet. I really didn't want it breaking up a wall of tile. In hindsight we should have rewired it to the side of the cabinet before we installed the bar but it was too late for that.<br /><br />I have to give credit to my dad—he came up with pretty genius solution: hide it behind a removable piece of stone, James Bond style.<br /><br />To do this, we first had to position a piece over it and trace it so we wouldn't get mastic on that area. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphenVKeUfZqOmSK_3c91PuGjr9b2d0BBZvINy80y6BcghxTwraXiuF-eEYE-lmlk1D7rcILmrUffXF2VhqYHcfdqGzNDlHevovgSA7OX9UlQs4kNKPRzPK3smkKWULSTP2NT2sJZ4GVngY/s1600/IMG_2370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphenVKeUfZqOmSK_3c91PuGjr9b2d0BBZvINy80y6BcghxTwraXiuF-eEYE-lmlk1D7rcILmrUffXF2VhqYHcfdqGzNDlHevovgSA7OX9UlQs4kNKPRzPK3smkKWULSTP2NT2sJZ4GVngY/s1600/IMG_2370.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGQxvOeBoNly4NSTv5bdEvPrpK5EVBf-yv-F0S0iGlVxX1Q4iy_UXG__hMOZR_tXEv-2Xq1n11-As3DHLVVPHqX0JulexqO6xMhyJRW04phRSKpMemgYqSx8PA7fRTkGQyy2TnrHqfvNz/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Then we tiled around it as normal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGQxvOeBoNly4NSTv5bdEvPrpK5EVBf-yv-F0S0iGlVxX1Q4iy_UXG__hMOZR_tXEv-2Xq1n11-As3DHLVVPHqX0JulexqO6xMhyJRW04phRSKpMemgYqSx8PA7fRTkGQyy2TnrHqfvNz/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGQxvOeBoNly4NSTv5bdEvPrpK5EVBf-yv-F0S0iGlVxX1Q4iy_UXG__hMOZR_tXEv-2Xq1n11-As3DHLVVPHqX0JulexqO6xMhyJRW04phRSKpMemgYqSx8PA7fRTkGQyy2TnrHqfvNz/s1600/IMG_2371.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphenVKeUfZqOmSK_3c91PuGjr9b2d0BBZvINy80y6BcghxTwraXiuF-eEYE-lmlk1D7rcILmrUffXF2VhqYHcfdqGzNDlHevovgSA7OX9UlQs4kNKPRzPK3smkKWULSTP2NT2sJZ4GVngY/s1600/IMG_2370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>The secret stone was done last so we'll come back to it—back to the rest of the wall.<br /><br />We used the same wet tile saw from our backsplash and it worked great. It was a little trickier to maneuver since there wasn't a flat surface to hold the tile down, so it was difficult to get straight cuts sometimes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cy45aaWI2P9jLpsERG5gkd-de748qEgRs9K4hCgWRn0HyP6ek68QMKVwtPj1PNCqK6J5-UsrfQm2pLx_7BdS5K-6kWQEwPWDMP8L7b1MnzBoBdp-IDQ6t25DZWCCrl3ixk-X8Dimria_/s1600/IMG_2380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cy45aaWI2P9jLpsERG5gkd-de748qEgRs9K4hCgWRn0HyP6ek68QMKVwtPj1PNCqK6J5-UsrfQm2pLx_7BdS5K-6kWQEwPWDMP8L7b1MnzBoBdp-IDQ6t25DZWCCrl3ixk-X8Dimria_/s1600/IMG_2380.jpg" /></a></div><br />The two pieces on the left were notched from another tile to fit. The great thing about this stuff is that there are uneven gaps everywhere, so if you mess up a little, it's no big deal!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc37TUen91QP13yDvPyn49CnjloNJVgctBf2itSCE8e7dmoT9l6okJ-qgY5fx9syYi_S9xbGWg93S662oHhNRUXu3vkugJ5N-lwcfQ8tpvqaakgm5CbwOUN8ZNV3W4i8OeUf3aY7QH42Eb/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc37TUen91QP13yDvPyn49CnjloNJVgctBf2itSCE8e7dmoT9l6okJ-qgY5fx9syYi_S9xbGWg93S662oHhNRUXu3vkugJ5N-lwcfQ8tpvqaakgm5CbwOUN8ZNV3W4i8OeUf3aY7QH42Eb/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg" /></a></div><br />Some of the gaps are bigger than others, naturally, and you end up with parts like this...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyFPPAASNNrLg2dT91flzS9JvqLtEyunRekjeuEAbw1HjPb-SHYbVNt8lauHPUUWAI-LY-XzTw5ntW_3DPHZdepKHwhiUZnvhp8XX_a1f0kSkWn0VAr5YkXvkP_lRvkgUilYFElnuBEAC/s1600/IMG_2403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyFPPAASNNrLg2dT91flzS9JvqLtEyunRekjeuEAbw1HjPb-SHYbVNt8lauHPUUWAI-LY-XzTw5ntW_3DPHZdepKHwhiUZnvhp8XX_a1f0kSkWn0VAr5YkXvkP_lRvkgUilYFElnuBEAC/s1600/IMG_2403.jpg" /></a></div><br />It all blends together when you step back, but I could always go back in and add some colored caulk.<br /><br />After our second row was complete, it was time to start planning out our first shelf.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtFRVR59jwNgpzTytaNORk_tyoGbnzspnDws04KljddTatT9wpNHeQhLp9UiHahfap5t5XSQvD_qILVYYBSH_g-xXJwNLqMOl-KsnWmESMtbqBERJowEgu2Ey4GjwohuqTKml5M3a-KBx/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtFRVR59jwNgpzTytaNORk_tyoGbnzspnDws04KljddTatT9wpNHeQhLp9UiHahfap5t5XSQvD_qILVYYBSH_g-xXJwNLqMOl-KsnWmESMtbqBERJowEgu2Ey4GjwohuqTKml5M3a-KBx/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" /></a></div><br />We marked the studs and drilled our first cleat into them using 4" decking screws (making sure it was 100% level—this part is essential!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-quvic0BMhJCLSInqTewIUO0k0kTONoXHJ30N8CEdDimEZ-mwCmuFlbRs5l4jh8yQ3U7RMn8ruLy69-iRar3gliIblOAtvXX9U4oggD-_a2ovJh8zwLwya7qULIcz60Vd46RX7JDGIhn6/s1600/IMG_2385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-quvic0BMhJCLSInqTewIUO0k0kTONoXHJ30N8CEdDimEZ-mwCmuFlbRs5l4jh8yQ3U7RMn8ruLy69-iRar3gliIblOAtvXX9U4oggD-_a2ovJh8zwLwya7qULIcz60Vd46RX7JDGIhn6/s1600/IMG_2385.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then we slipped the shelf over it and secured it from the top using screws every 8" or so.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1RW1nk4GTecUzatsirrccmD-GsBX3FBVmQqpX_gEy3J4FcSq0yGZsAV5dxOED2z7mOqThWCCeifuNNKa-W8_Ob2p-xf1X7PAG-Btga6G1xzS4nOOstKhQic3BIlsE4ghkKuOH8YQIth5/s1600/IMG_2387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1RW1nk4GTecUzatsirrccmD-GsBX3FBVmQqpX_gEy3J4FcSq0yGZsAV5dxOED2z7mOqThWCCeifuNNKa-W8_Ob2p-xf1X7PAG-Btga6G1xzS4nOOstKhQic3BIlsE4ghkKuOH8YQIth5/s1600/IMG_2387.jpg" /></a></div><br />For those of you who want to try this at home, it's worth nothing that this method won't support a ton of weight. We're only using this for lightweight items so it will suit our needs, but I wouldn't use it as a bookshelf or anything.<br /><br />After the shelf was up, we tiled around the bottom... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl3gYujYZhQCLiyU4YE2vDydkdIy1ZeH77p9KmNUbKHo3_s87Bo2vaV4Oh-s0IyNDmsATkc82arYq6f7_PomeNyrHw3W98KyRHOm4NvF57f385EXAfRTPc6NawpBH8Hjwl4PbomSdRcOA/s1600/IMG_2392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl3gYujYZhQCLiyU4YE2vDydkdIy1ZeH77p9KmNUbKHo3_s87Bo2vaV4Oh-s0IyNDmsATkc82arYq6f7_PomeNyrHw3W98KyRHOm4NvF57f385EXAfRTPc6NawpBH8Hjwl4PbomSdRcOA/s1600/IMG_2392.jpg" /></a></div><br />And up to the edge so we would have a level surface for the next row.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRxT-2-gAzfn_VhNy08wt_nhWssfy8ZPhhjth0VA2Jvc8DqoTwC0_D7C84W4pV5O9qZkSENtcDocbUK2asn9uBGi8WYNbGc8cUNkBvcXy_gUBN0s22_9dHlN2VIC0DhdvQBDl_X4KzMF_/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRxT-2-gAzfn_VhNy08wt_nhWssfy8ZPhhjth0VA2Jvc8DqoTwC0_D7C84W4pV5O9qZkSENtcDocbUK2asn9uBGi8WYNbGc8cUNkBvcXy_gUBN0s22_9dHlN2VIC0DhdvQBDl_X4KzMF_/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the tiling continued...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH7pikEjUog06QkWxBBUkGvAOj1D-fqgdrOhkLxqT6j19GYE_z0Am7d_zGmbsR4ZfAgmuuboP9wIL3tCy4hb4Avv8oCVVEGJfQW3d6kn4PiWFmEPUuSwnz_dValnAlqK93U7_1HeI_vBb/s1600/IMG_2391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH7pikEjUog06QkWxBBUkGvAOj1D-fqgdrOhkLxqT6j19GYE_z0Am7d_zGmbsR4ZfAgmuuboP9wIL3tCy4hb4Avv8oCVVEGJfQW3d6kn4PiWFmEPUuSwnz_dValnAlqK93U7_1HeI_vBb/s1600/IMG_2391.jpg" /></a></div><br />3 rows later and it was time to install our second cleat. The first board we had was bowed a little too much (it was actually a 2x4" we saved from our kitchen demo, so it was almost 50 years old and a little worn down), so we had to rip the shelf out and start over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDGtF-WHbfoNxKXqUxsBmbuRy05RXPob65jpQ7FE36X56X-0QihlPP7ji5MiA25-HTqEmiY4-TrJ-ke2-vJTMcBkws1VVXSnpYcKZFUAPTHj0U8MF03t5RzYAOwFKGG0TzJY6MsQTJJ4/s1600/IMG_2398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDGtF-WHbfoNxKXqUxsBmbuRy05RXPob65jpQ7FE36X56X-0QihlPP7ji5MiA25-HTqEmiY4-TrJ-ke2-vJTMcBkws1VVXSnpYcKZFUAPTHj0U8MF03t5RzYAOwFKGG0TzJY6MsQTJJ4/s1600/IMG_2398.jpg" /></a></div><br />The second time around worked out though. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuoIXnZZNp-usI4HKhcF5X1JuRGtiw1Aw1usKH8puCa2lud1DFrts4lQD6Akaw-gVkjEpZfOgt_-brag4ymA4B124gx9qB48rH2tYdgvbAGyzGRkpZ1RNerlSTYP3D4Krl7dOJQEf0JG6/s1600/IMG_2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuoIXnZZNp-usI4HKhcF5X1JuRGtiw1Aw1usKH8puCa2lud1DFrts4lQD6Akaw-gVkjEpZfOgt_-brag4ymA4B124gx9qB48rH2tYdgvbAGyzGRkpZ1RNerlSTYP3D4Krl7dOJQEf0JG6/s1600/IMG_2400.jpg" /></a></div><br />And it was about this time late on Saturday night that I started hating life and called it quits.<br /><br />I should also take this moment to thank my husband for putting up with all of these projects I throw at him, especially lately. Renovation is not his passion or hobby, it's mine, and he'd much rather be doing something else every weekend (and most nights). But he always agrees to help me and goes along with whatever new plan I throw at him (I think after three houses he's finally trusting my vision!) So Brad, thank you, seriously, for everything <3<br /><br />The next morning we came back (somewhat) refreshed, ready to finish the job. First we had to deal with a teeny angled slivered cut to fit under the second shelf...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTFmuD5KwR2Ggw0mJN4sz5HUgKwKMYLILmYQZe_vZorrU27taRmoFLjY_BBVXhRz_ATMCRddk3SROL8uNncpN6R91Rqm9Y7BidGq1c5y9hDTFzHtPoqKaXTMEHI2Wf-roGKf_eCYY13s4/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTFmuD5KwR2Ggw0mJN4sz5HUgKwKMYLILmYQZe_vZorrU27taRmoFLjY_BBVXhRz_ATMCRddk3SROL8uNncpN6R91Rqm9Y7BidGq1c5y9hDTFzHtPoqKaXTMEHI2Wf-roGKf_eCYY13s4/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" /></a></div><br />Stone likes to do its own thing and will just break off sometimes if it wants. We had fun trying to piece this one back together. There were several slivery cuts on the top half. Each time something cracked or chipped off or was cut wrong it was another $4 down the drain (stressful!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzHv6upup49tcioyn8quWnm497w8BJm09MuIdRnqhXa_5dFSH9gNLMZSdX5uaoJWpu4HL81h5J5YpA_9vnBtSpWwEmiFuLvAVA6BKseTqm-_ONSQHQezaasPkEbmFkPZpFhwtlq75yTWg/s1600/IMG_2402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzHv6upup49tcioyn8quWnm497w8BJm09MuIdRnqhXa_5dFSH9gNLMZSdX5uaoJWpu4HL81h5J5YpA_9vnBtSpWwEmiFuLvAVA6BKseTqm-_ONSQHQezaasPkEbmFkPZpFhwtlq75yTWg/s1600/IMG_2402.jpg" /></a></div><br />But we forged on and<i> finally</i> made it to the top...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bgoaLQF4WJOiNTQfIB5jVQNUCt6geyOo3J5yq16v_N1csC7r4nHHmhMf50dce0zvxg1LpX9KORV1qGN80-jPjQNANPjPyaXTvNpjESwbvjx5gaKRzBbeb38m4R7kgwpmDIi_FnM1CzT2/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bgoaLQF4WJOiNTQfIB5jVQNUCt6geyOo3J5yq16v_N1csC7r4nHHmhMf50dce0zvxg1LpX9KORV1qGN80-jPjQNANPjPyaXTvNpjESwbvjx5gaKRzBbeb38m4R7kgwpmDIi_FnM1CzT2/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hallelujah.<br /><br />Now to deal with this outlet...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24pNkNKN3pa-hjanHj1Ibe4yyypnqswYoZYdXwzOfbKIv6HYZvrkGqejt15FST6VvdHja-5U6EJkEDEjnAcG93KMvLHo_F6ddZGBvYzLtnQW-IiQLsO_8bwp06NhOHEz1AxCoj3e44w3D/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24pNkNKN3pa-hjanHj1Ibe4yyypnqswYoZYdXwzOfbKIv6HYZvrkGqejt15FST6VvdHja-5U6EJkEDEjnAcG93KMvLHo_F6ddZGBvYzLtnQW-IiQLsO_8bwp06NhOHEz1AxCoj3e44w3D/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" /></a></div><br />Both the receptacle and plate cover had to be recessed so the stone would sit flush. Brad cut the drywall out around the edge to do this. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySZgR4T92f3AbUv0oBDVqFy7UD95Jh-K-J6Mj22KonHfa1IWXLfihGpJ4i1F7LruAquOFbl7wP23wHF8hMWm3UCJoNYTt3Atw96ycjAP-d_VYmhLr2iAC3JzE2jol9kmUpubr_YerRmxX/s1600/IMG_2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySZgR4T92f3AbUv0oBDVqFy7UD95Jh-K-J6Mj22KonHfa1IWXLfihGpJ4i1F7LruAquOFbl7wP23wHF8hMWm3UCJoNYTt3Atw96ycjAP-d_VYmhLr2iAC3JzE2jol9kmUpubr_YerRmxX/s1600/IMG_2405.jpg" /></a></div><br />But that left us with a not very clean look, so we made a template using a jigsaw and a scrap piece of wood...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivRjND4LubDy42mEc6P2qNC2vT26THOAs0hIly8Tea5yJNBLvmJhkHdzuxxfr_X1NbFcGZVEojrQ6KkKFyPaqmr9bq4UrRSmVHCzpIecRqyM-JBBufTNcm4rFCScb9wrNogrTNzBPgeol/s1600/IMG_2407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivRjND4LubDy42mEc6P2qNC2vT26THOAs0hIly8Tea5yJNBLvmJhkHdzuxxfr_X1NbFcGZVEojrQ6KkKFyPaqmr9bq4UrRSmVHCzpIecRqyM-JBBufTNcm4rFCScb9wrNogrTNzBPgeol/s1600/IMG_2407.jpg" /></a></div><br />I painted it white and used mastic to adhere it to the wall, then cut my ledgestone into thirds, secured the two outside pieces around the outlet and caulked them in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRIid9PO8TzHmrM1uzaZ63jHZ7XCsGn9DJnX9AOHzlJ3F0HwNamrTMwheqUOTGULb2fDQU0vHGPR1E9Hv7tDnTOBsPzEUQaUM8bHSudqYis72A9sBYrt6j7ADy9EWZ5DTlLavuHQSbt0z/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRIid9PO8TzHmrM1uzaZ63jHZ7XCsGn9DJnX9AOHzlJ3F0HwNamrTMwheqUOTGULb2fDQU0vHGPR1E9Hv7tDnTOBsPzEUQaUM8bHSudqYis72A9sBYrt6j7ADy9EWZ5DTlLavuHQSbt0z/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" /></a></div><br />The center piece kept wanting to fall out, so we hot glued some velcro to the stone and the wood to keep it in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhYPt6PgAoeOdz9-fQrdX_ieIJbHqjtJQto2Hv7czetEN47OQmhbkWfi5exVywlquFYDBLCENQ7lDHMBwQ0vjCVk7Hfik9vTV_glhLsqzvH0eWJdH_hqS9rkXm7GRuliM1TsxzmRlohUv/s1600/IMG_2425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhYPt6PgAoeOdz9-fQrdX_ieIJbHqjtJQto2Hv7czetEN47OQmhbkWfi5exVywlquFYDBLCENQ7lDHMBwQ0vjCVk7Hfik9vTV_glhLsqzvH0eWJdH_hqS9rkXm7GRuliM1TsxzmRlohUv/s1600/IMG_2425.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />You can see it if you look closely, but that's okay. Much better than a white square box!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-renH5y8FUcf8W0C5ogGH7VVJJM58ZdN7VaWomNXvKHUVv23cZJyN6nM2s6dq-P1rEaYUZoxIIqiF-OZppWyd0BBuqhlhU_xIlLqf5BGx6mBrArev9ieOiOuzlnxZkrGuUPWTrLcGuMs/s1600/IMG_2437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-renH5y8FUcf8W0C5ogGH7VVJJM58ZdN7VaWomNXvKHUVv23cZJyN6nM2s6dq-P1rEaYUZoxIIqiF-OZppWyd0BBuqhlhU_xIlLqf5BGx6mBrArev9ieOiOuzlnxZkrGuUPWTrLcGuMs/s1600/IMG_2437.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm not sure if I'm going to do anything to hide the edges. They really don't bother me at this point, but depending on what I do with the wall on the opposite side (the foyer) I may add a trim piece to cover it. Thoughts?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WDTb6LiZNU-ycAWNcqddBp8Yd1f-2EftEQZ0r7E1kGuyS9x6MktKfSGHQ8dZYSbEysN25lwYtj605acq0yflZuqFc8uuIjuLqIo36qT5SRvorC7Pil_p-3Rs4NBK8gzV6XBVgeWtVwh5/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WDTb6LiZNU-ycAWNcqddBp8Yd1f-2EftEQZ0r7E1kGuyS9x6MktKfSGHQ8dZYSbEysN25lwYtj605acq0yflZuqFc8uuIjuLqIo36qT5SRvorC7Pil_p-3Rs4NBK8gzV6XBVgeWtVwh5/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love the warmth it brings to the room and that it breaks up all the gray. Once I get the jute rug in there, it should really tie it all together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXA0PXs8W5G91x3Ylo1hgmrFOOZYfd1S65YxgQWICmAY5AqdzRjB33UQV5oPNyfWyt50k1RTnpsaDH-UGholUU0XAnbTzTtjzzlVspOHH0sRS3ubaMWJv0mgPw31plA1T9fbqRkZlPnxs/s1600/IMG_2430-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXA0PXs8W5G91x3Ylo1hgmrFOOZYfd1S65YxgQWICmAY5AqdzRjB33UQV5oPNyfWyt50k1RTnpsaDH-UGholUU0XAnbTzTtjzzlVspOHH0sRS3ubaMWJv0mgPw31plA1T9fbqRkZlPnxs/s1600/IMG_2430-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />These shelves were begging to be accessorized, so of course as soon as I set down the camera I stocked it all up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQievKNtjHwtZQV-ScZdZyneR4fpAycuKtGD5isEQe6GN4BWQH9VaQieqQYWc7H5pgIcPpzfvhNdOnxFZNqqcwUbeupAWXjR0qECtvAjCdeJcxJB6O7KXSxhyphenhyphen20meKrup5bbG58WbAEOd/s1600/IMG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQievKNtjHwtZQV-ScZdZyneR4fpAycuKtGD5isEQe6GN4BWQH9VaQieqQYWc7H5pgIcPpzfvhNdOnxFZNqqcwUbeupAWXjR0qECtvAjCdeJcxJB6O7KXSxhyphenhyphen20meKrup5bbG58WbAEOd/s1600/IMG_2433.jpg" /></a></div><br />But you'll have to wait until the final reveal to see what I did!<br /><br />Can you believe Brad wanted to keep this originally?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3yJ1RMWKlgCX6KBolnobufyuXAlPk-4UyirgHTbGMMS9RdL6HXXwfotmpuhRMMDjSHF7oIaLS8xBuJbT9yshylS62PloHhaHnp55R0sFOR47GadnndoENFYRdFnNt2AxzAFN_IEFhBRX/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3yJ1RMWKlgCX6KBolnobufyuXAlPk-4UyirgHTbGMMS9RdL6HXXwfotmpuhRMMDjSHF7oIaLS8xBuJbT9yshylS62PloHhaHnp55R0sFOR47GadnndoENFYRdFnNt2AxzAFN_IEFhBRX/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This week I'll attempt to build more floating shelves for the backsplash wall. Check back in a few days to see how that turns out...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: Stacked stone bar wall & DIY floating shelves

How about a brand new bar wall to start your week? As a reminder, here's what it looked like Friday: Let me start by saying this project...

Read more »

Kitchen Chronicles: A DIY Subway Tile Backsplash, Part 2

On Monday I left off with a recap of how we <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-diy-subway-tile.html">installed our subway tile</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpEH6ftt1V4DWA7qaP20Z-vaLIb2FCcuk3XHFuDhIECvrnhZPsR_LFCW5rlYKE8JzVa4_AKfjEeXeMSJ713-aXTNvxjAQDAzC3cPnxzfsQJNi4V3Q-6eU2jhyphenhyphen8SzesC3COiaEEzA6tszH/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpEH6ftt1V4DWA7qaP20Z-vaLIb2FCcuk3XHFuDhIECvrnhZPsR_LFCW5rlYKE8JzVa4_AKfjEeXeMSJ713-aXTNvxjAQDAzC3cPnxzfsQJNi4V3Q-6eU2jhyphenhyphen8SzesC3COiaEEzA6tszH/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" /></a></div><br />A few hours after that post, we started on the grout. Here's what we used:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wghfbPDNIYKc3bAyJBXqtadYqEbL2AbFG2h-SIoSUlLsU5SyxBinvWuKZnOKYR50dqALYiF87ztIyPdJRok_u_bWXuPTZj5qADvH2VhYPiU28o4YrqU2wq0FdL35srt-1bl-AXpSUXKI/s1600/IMG_2291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wghfbPDNIYKc3bAyJBXqtadYqEbL2AbFG2h-SIoSUlLsU5SyxBinvWuKZnOKYR50dqALYiF87ztIyPdJRok_u_bWXuPTZj5qADvH2VhYPiU28o4YrqU2wq0FdL35srt-1bl-AXpSUXKI/s1600/IMG_2291.jpg" /></a></div><br /> I went with an unsanded grout to be safe (Mapei's Warm Gray), because some of the seams were less than a 1/8" (you'd normally use sanded grout on 1/8" or larger seams, unless the tile is easily scratched like glass). I'm sure I would have been fine either way though.<br /><br />I mixed the grout by eye, making sure it was peanut butter consistency...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82GpR8PVubWKojCLnigL8s6nGmKINj2Or4Neaf2eQ5Whk7sItYROc-WQsE1TCmtfeSPzTVM97U0xLvvk9ZVP3MHCq1z_X0ZNG5sYZVVb2Fm0dCgivaWBxi1Omo5jGavdr7JQcIlI1-vuj/s1600/IMG_2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82GpR8PVubWKojCLnigL8s6nGmKINj2Or4Neaf2eQ5Whk7sItYROc-WQsE1TCmtfeSPzTVM97U0xLvvk9ZVP3MHCq1z_X0ZNG5sYZVVb2Fm0dCgivaWBxi1Omo5jGavdr7JQcIlI1-vuj/s1600/IMG_2301.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's said to have a "working time" of around 25-30 minutes, so I mixed it in small batches. Then we just plopped it on and spreaded it into the seams, moving at different angles to make sure it was in there good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaG7PMSqX3NEGbqK0OVj3Z4fk2m-okt90YqyZ5fThXIc_Ot329DsUNkG-MAV1FJ4Edx_uZ3XGGhuTavyh1LqGFuP4Cd6l8P2mxAzR7s15HZp7MaigS5wonu9W5dHYuTEwym-b34dsykAO/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaG7PMSqX3NEGbqK0OVj3Z4fk2m-okt90YqyZ5fThXIc_Ot329DsUNkG-MAV1FJ4Edx_uZ3XGGhuTavyh1LqGFuP4Cd6l8P2mxAzR7s15HZp7MaigS5wonu9W5dHYuTEwym-b34dsykAO/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" /></a></div><br />Sidenote: grout floats with handles like these suck. Horrible design. Get the kind with the handles on the center.<br /><br />It actually would have been somewhat enjoyable if my arm didn't start to ache after a while. I like activities that involve small details. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemNAZk2uyliOdcCBXI9jA2alj-9i1leAZtLv35PBsJFaj5mep2sKsXeThZN7Aqlc_ruaqCZRt6vTauvagBI8HExEA0N4mcmVF12mqFOWMFNMTvBEWGuVpwgdpG9R9i-SxoyIjSaK_LqX2/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemNAZk2uyliOdcCBXI9jA2alj-9i1leAZtLv35PBsJFaj5mep2sKsXeThZN7Aqlc_ruaqCZRt6vTauvagBI8HExEA0N4mcmVF12mqFOWMFNMTvBEWGuVpwgdpG9R9i-SxoyIjSaK_LqX2/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's the big wall, you can see the difference between the ungrouted tiles (top) and the grouted tiles below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeJ0NH629oB87CUotC3CViY_A2rbKBXdhctZyH5geXJ9bZ7dlqKFskXf63CCwCqLt-A_I_yf8gm_Bm43pxyfihLAg6BRTjLPC5MvHkObg13V0NKQyuCXKYGKSKNLt4VAxpb_GwolpWIOo/s1600/IMG_2296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeJ0NH629oB87CUotC3CViY_A2rbKBXdhctZyH5geXJ9bZ7dlqKFskXf63CCwCqLt-A_I_yf8gm_Bm43pxyfihLAg6BRTjLPC5MvHkObg13V0NKQyuCXKYGKSKNLt4VAxpb_GwolpWIOo/s1600/IMG_2296.jpg" /></a></div><br />Brad followed behind me with a damp sponge (after letting the grout set for about 10 minutes) to scrub any excess off.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgydB1CjiXrXRMPuarRg9xH82_4R2Qf5xRSWz5N0_6Kt541-Mt_oeBHuebjJm1YbYN3nlb5HnnKyCLBvEqa83VEprATITzeWapGQqmKd5XJiApI7LD9qEkmnAVL0GxfWm3TmFswiQM-aR/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgydB1CjiXrXRMPuarRg9xH82_4R2Qf5xRSWz5N0_6Kt541-Mt_oeBHuebjJm1YbYN3nlb5HnnKyCLBvEqa83VEprATITzeWapGQqmKd5XJiApI7LD9qEkmnAVL0GxfWm3TmFswiQM-aR/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's the same wall after the grout has been wiped down at the bottom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE0mjXGjVN8weLEQg9UoY2PP0A-C6Q8oz3kXLyN3GO_nZCJAwyxg2VuIafOsq2GI5T0g849OL_ltQ4yizUFbzbBDmAgB4S9fu_e9FwTcgEn4jRKAQRs8y_TNd43FQxfh10jJwhtX1TDz9/s1600/IMG_2300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE0mjXGjVN8weLEQg9UoY2PP0A-C6Q8oz3kXLyN3GO_nZCJAwyxg2VuIafOsq2GI5T0g849OL_ltQ4yizUFbzbBDmAgB4S9fu_e9FwTcgEn4jRKAQRs8y_TNd43FQxfh10jJwhtX1TDz9/s1600/IMG_2300.jpg" /></a></div><br />We made sure not to grout where the tiles met the counter, in the corner, window sills, etc because I'll be using color matched caulk for that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxSasVUluu8uD1j63JVHGXNUjCN0n_ayT-5_CfRXX0_NwN74vlwlzKFIvvJiIbL6NGNCddFKT5W6a8opCAS5HviTYYaEqmSU6fBMtSm75kqEp0z49WGelaG7ktKofheQ7YUuRY89VdoGA/s1600/IMG_2328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxSasVUluu8uD1j63JVHGXNUjCN0n_ayT-5_CfRXX0_NwN74vlwlzKFIvvJiIbL6NGNCddFKT5W6a8opCAS5HviTYYaEqmSU6fBMtSm75kqEp0z49WGelaG7ktKofheQ7YUuRY89VdoGA/s1600/IMG_2328.jpg" /></a></div><br />The whole process took more than a couple hours (for ~65 sq ft for reference). It requires more time than you would think!<br /><br />But again, worth it when you see the results of your hard work.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8CKiiVqrmH32Sf2xOv7NaBGr4UzgS6sdTslZjZQl10NOX-vs3i572COMko1s9xYoH381E7pQCxZsHy06mI5kLxPp8EZd7T1TSyJO4AOfr0pOcS3W2FNjQToNEJeUbTgELP78N5v78N-4/s1600/IMG_2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8CKiiVqrmH32Sf2xOv7NaBGr4UzgS6sdTslZjZQl10NOX-vs3i572COMko1s9xYoH381E7pQCxZsHy06mI5kLxPp8EZd7T1TSyJO4AOfr0pOcS3W2FNjQToNEJeUbTgELP78N5v78N-4/s1600/IMG_2304.jpg" /></a></div><br />The one issue we had that I didn't read about anyone else having was lots of "gunk" left behind after grouting...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBOAN3uyRANJBZ_2ILOqntG0hvMTqE_cfCD861lmppkk3dPJoQfrIwdzRYyGeQ7sM-AA4CQLechyyBsgbiidZN-tCAB6v7tn5LoW4B7j2qvQ_stDXPIFJq4GY5X-1j8V66NhDguHaKEiY/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBOAN3uyRANJBZ_2ILOqntG0hvMTqE_cfCD861lmppkk3dPJoQfrIwdzRYyGeQ7sM-AA4CQLechyyBsgbiidZN-tCAB6v7tn5LoW4B7j2qvQ_stDXPIFJq4GY5X-1j8V66NhDguHaKEiY/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm pretty sure it's mastic residue that wasn't wiped up, and the grout made it more visible. We tried to wipe it off as best as we could, but man... it's hard to get all of it when your hands and everything around you is covered in it!<br /><br />So I spent another couple hours just scrubbing with a damp brillo pad. Sometimes I had to scrape it off with a putty knife.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO6LUVHKHjBn7ttlEpTeGrCCTCgRCnVp6WlQ-4gOWRh-ZJFx1UJbbRQgXBc3bt2Jg5t1wx3uJnME4T62iFR258QGdwWSJ2h7UMUC_jVEhnX2dB6Vvc81DHXL9kS0CaMqycOGPMs2rYcIO/s1600/IMG_2306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO6LUVHKHjBn7ttlEpTeGrCCTCgRCnVp6WlQ-4gOWRh-ZJFx1UJbbRQgXBc3bt2Jg5t1wx3uJnME4T62iFR258QGdwWSJ2h7UMUC_jVEhnX2dB6Vvc81DHXL9kS0CaMqycOGPMs2rYcIO/s1600/IMG_2306.jpg" /></a></div><br />My forearm hurts just thinking about it.<br /><br />Anyway, we're now ready to seal the grout. As of today it has been 72 hours (the recommended waiting time) so we can get started tonight. I had read about people mixing a sealer additive in their grout (in place of water) to save the extra step of sealing afterwards, but I passed when I saw that it was $40 for a container... and now I'm totally regretting that decision. I'm ready to just be done with this tile already!<br /><br />Here's a shot of the quarter round installation:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzix7eaJEBbrpb1Fi_zm7i_bJDJrlj_KJe07W4bj8-3-T2tcIUu9GU4FF-6UnRwalhr0u8-6Qo1dL9ZKkfYTRTl8v14NxqmqIUrh13DY-B5CIKL1JkVCcm-xYV3D_2tPTdYR5_EgIH0Qx/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzix7eaJEBbrpb1Fi_zm7i_bJDJrlj_KJe07W4bj8-3-T2tcIUu9GU4FF-6UnRwalhr0u8-6Qo1dL9ZKkfYTRTl8v14NxqmqIUrh13DY-B5CIKL1JkVCcm-xYV3D_2tPTdYR5_EgIH0Qx/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg" /></a></div><br />All along the ceiling, too...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRdj19dKIExlc9RMgqCcLbksbKQGRBAp7q9DZ2vi2O8GVjATLQhU6sETjGTTnM9gfjmqd9fRrZNjcXNcCNH0J3hC1lkZUBZzrXR8J815cJkrCk4fsHCBBMouaa6gZ01VplSLlz9oRL5gH/s1600/IMG_2310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRdj19dKIExlc9RMgqCcLbksbKQGRBAp7q9DZ2vi2O8GVjATLQhU6sETjGTTnM9gfjmqd9fRrZNjcXNcCNH0J3hC1lkZUBZzrXR8J815cJkrCk4fsHCBBMouaa6gZ01VplSLlz9oRL5gH/s1600/IMG_2310.jpg" /></a></div><br />I used some leftover cabinet trim for the sides of the cabinets:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWzEsHS141goOew4RMcm3KKTokO6PclvMF429MxQU_hR9WZSIz_Bh6nujIBKRQS1i1gahphoMjcQXngiUIFvnZChoR3B_TPMQmPTH1wJojFOO_Yz1ZzrHZDBQdYU3R20tSDT-aHFHxg2Z/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWzEsHS141goOew4RMcm3KKTokO6PclvMF429MxQU_hR9WZSIz_Bh6nujIBKRQS1i1gahphoMjcQXngiUIFvnZChoR3B_TPMQmPTH1wJojFOO_Yz1ZzrHZDBQdYU3R20tSDT-aHFHxg2Z/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Yesterday I got everything caulked and painted, and this is where we're at now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLcK9yyA5Ii62ej5SwGQ1XGmoJamuAhr9e6S3jCXBkrNjaPbHEgCcCFQvTJ8ZH1PGsn1dTX5Vlc-KhCLwTGrziWbuYlempd_NL2N3zmZPjvfk_ogeyNZ9stmSl1vJqCQraMSyTpc5Mxh-/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLcK9yyA5Ii62ej5SwGQ1XGmoJamuAhr9e6S3jCXBkrNjaPbHEgCcCFQvTJ8ZH1PGsn1dTX5Vlc-KhCLwTGrziWbuYlempd_NL2N3zmZPjvfk_ogeyNZ9stmSl1vJqCQraMSyTpc5Mxh-/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nPxPjc-PyL8TIKlbLoyCHwGKZKwu_0wDRi7jw_JeAH-QNMwNtHswpFPQ2H8Ev99suRoypurhhMqPwyfgv6JoIr9Fa-cmrrCkcTswHlX5yhzKfad6tNCPbjH7jb6K0vwywouEZ4cTsyPm/s1600/IMG_2320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nPxPjc-PyL8TIKlbLoyCHwGKZKwu_0wDRi7jw_JeAH-QNMwNtHswpFPQ2H8Ev99suRoypurhhMqPwyfgv6JoIr9Fa-cmrrCkcTswHlX5yhzKfad6tNCPbjH7jb6K0vwywouEZ4cTsyPm/s1600/IMG_2320.jpg" /></a></div><br />Wowza, that's a lot of white.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b5L9-qX6LCw1rPkmztqON3AvqLFUPgM7a1dVpZXi8wdM9-J2A-GL40VOqU1D4on6X9ZMCo12XRd0ZXSP0fOATliWVSfzm_xtxcD9il7mJVBwuQ1EGHNvhA5_b7wggIrGjoQS51-jexVi/s1600/IMG_2319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b5L9-qX6LCw1rPkmztqON3AvqLFUPgM7a1dVpZXi8wdM9-J2A-GL40VOqU1D4on6X9ZMCo12XRd0ZXSP0fOATliWVSfzm_xtxcD9il7mJVBwuQ1EGHNvhA5_b7wggIrGjoQS51-jexVi/s1600/IMG_2319.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0ZuDUm-Tzg0qKrCk0qcb-a09LH4TAMVtaLte4J15CLjYUHdK6G1MP_dlVz6WoH4cTE2qtdnYcoWEpEmwwjFMEGkWiqHGVVEsNJiK5AC2Th3OKzoXUgrZwOSYxMpGtNxwG50TEX5_9LKj/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0ZuDUm-Tzg0qKrCk0qcb-a09LH4TAMVtaLte4J15CLjYUHdK6G1MP_dlVz6WoH4cTE2qtdnYcoWEpEmwwjFMEGkWiqHGVVEsNJiK5AC2Th3OKzoXUgrZwOSYxMpGtNxwG50TEX5_9LKj/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg" /></a></div><br />After some caulk & sealing, this project will finally be over!<br /><br />Meanwhile, we have a couple other things going down.<br /><br />Our hinges finally arrived from Ikea, and now our bench seat has all its doors!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVadORfnmBtG-t-Kb7_PlIU5CseAkf0Uw1Uj8VmrTwFpoW7Tp2z3StT4CMKjK6mNMy5UqSH0z_53CEt5Xc3Ardq7Ykof63yJywFeBc-CmV5unFWffb7lsd5QCyIHUznS-ffuRaDB5IvSZ1/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVadORfnmBtG-t-Kb7_PlIU5CseAkf0Uw1Uj8VmrTwFpoW7Tp2z3StT4CMKjK6mNMy5UqSH0z_53CEt5Xc3Ardq7Ykof63yJywFeBc-CmV5unFWffb7lsd5QCyIHUznS-ffuRaDB5IvSZ1/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Yes, that's foam you see sitting on top. A cushion DIY post will be in the near future.<br /><br />I have to say, the gaps between the doors didn't bother me quite as much after they were all on. But I still wanted to test it out. I cut a scrap piece of wood and taped it up there to get a rough visual:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nfQ6x28yjGXHlyeXQqatHLdXDDOvBJo0OAMwm6JJjB3uH3Cpc660v6tZxUnFHRjm-LnvZMvLenTWBG9VuVxKvxg3Yv7ViwbYOln-ktE30qbL63j1FxX1IXR6x0ZYEzV_397wmCz7ElXl/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nfQ6x28yjGXHlyeXQqatHLdXDDOvBJo0OAMwm6JJjB3uH3Cpc660v6tZxUnFHRjm-LnvZMvLenTWBG9VuVxKvxg3Yv7ViwbYOln-ktE30qbL63j1FxX1IXR6x0ZYEzV_397wmCz7ElXl/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" /></a></div><br />What do you think? I think I like it slightly better than the empty gap, so I'm going to pick up some wood at Lowe's tonight to fill them in (and probably a test pot of paint color matched to the doors).<br /><br />In other bench news, we started on the back of the island seating!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zD9q01g83lrQNFrW3mrrV5Lzw1NynniunnTrA5AZYdpUws9kkymQDof1YQkVEc98HKa9I-6px5tosrZyUR7scwREIY1dx1EHbwz0541VRAkiM202VZRf_dEFxjCWLxLYrAflShFjZBvD/s1600/IMG_2333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zD9q01g83lrQNFrW3mrrV5Lzw1NynniunnTrA5AZYdpUws9kkymQDof1YQkVEc98HKa9I-6px5tosrZyUR7scwREIY1dx1EHbwz0541VRAkiM202VZRf_dEFxjCWLxLYrAflShFjZBvD/s1600/IMG_2333.jpg" /></a></div><br />We're building this one the exact same way—except with 3 36" cabinets instead of 4 30" cabinets.<br /><br />First I had to build the base.<br /><br />I measured and cut my 2x4's and laid them out...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwDfqyT250fD-iqwUKTgfaHgWDMKjdrptCtbWAfVwLSDknCuQEPLmLq_NfLIenuyaeIwQNHRzM4VuCzmK9586yjem2uYH_35DbkS0tVpeyd_aZdhi8HvA_YIkcvtKQuvP-JPeBUBZKJRn/s1600/IMG_2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwDfqyT250fD-iqwUKTgfaHgWDMKjdrptCtbWAfVwLSDknCuQEPLmLq_NfLIenuyaeIwQNHRzM4VuCzmK9586yjem2uYH_35DbkS0tVpeyd_aZdhi8HvA_YIkcvtKQuvP-JPeBUBZKJRn/s1600/IMG_2334.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then screwed the pieces together...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTMU0wY9NEdw4jmGIWIhA8f_TAuNqLfFN968sI-0OqGv5We38xjNDgrYJFBttxCYSfaRold86R1I97BIiMf481RuIvQVWB4boFVh7cyRA5Onl-fif1VI98ARQ0Jbiv7zp-2mzpOftwBcL/s1600/IMG_2336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTMU0wY9NEdw4jmGIWIhA8f_TAuNqLfFN968sI-0OqGv5We38xjNDgrYJFBttxCYSfaRold86R1I97BIiMf481RuIvQVWB4boFVh7cyRA5Onl-fif1VI98ARQ0Jbiv7zp-2mzpOftwBcL/s1600/IMG_2336.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then we secured it to the back of the island.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST_BBwfNLRFDdaAwrrJPCSpjPr_-cvDswEkCobykVXdDktKCzjFSm9cuIZklJfYfvowtUtofKGwvjA4NXIj1LD30B0UPivdWHdU489j9phNGLBpybwuuK0SHrrJnxVFd-m17mjGL5VOAj/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST_BBwfNLRFDdaAwrrJPCSpjPr_-cvDswEkCobykVXdDktKCzjFSm9cuIZklJfYfvowtUtofKGwvjA4NXIj1LD30B0UPivdWHdU489j9phNGLBpybwuuK0SHrrJnxVFd-m17mjGL5VOAj/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now I just need to finish painting the cabinets and set them on top. I primed them yesterday, but ran out of foam rollers so I couldn't paint them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJYCSK34rKGQ_I1-BlzoFeuc0we_91IWQ1HRNoseOQ1FaacNYDCNYifyrSof-zPPUWXkGWnR0eKHj5tcgDqeRvmDlX869_ciMWNVsZDu3BXzjJTi59850BlA1wYWYkE1-qUgeTWS-m3z2/s1600/IMG_2338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJYCSK34rKGQ_I1-BlzoFeuc0we_91IWQ1HRNoseOQ1FaacNYDCNYifyrSof-zPPUWXkGWnR0eKHj5tcgDqeRvmDlX869_ciMWNVsZDu3BXzjJTi59850BlA1wYWYkE1-qUgeTWS-m3z2/s1600/IMG_2338.jpg" /></a></div><br />We plan on getting these installed this weekend, along with tiling our bar wall (!) so I should have some pretty fun stuff coming up next week.<br /><br />I also have a very important decision to make. I ordered swatches from <a href="http://justblinds.com/">justblinds.com</a> for the kitchen, dining room and studio windows. I'd like them all to be the same since the rooms are open to each other.<br /><br />I've narrowed it down to these 3...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.ak.instagram.com/f7808082b03a11e3aaff12e553090a3f_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage7.ak.instagram.com/f7808082b03a11e3aaff12e553090a3f_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />I posed the question to <a href="http://instagram.com/p/lxIFk4vQ0C/">instagram</a> this morning and Tibet Oak seems to be the favorite so far.<br /><br />At first I was set on Antigua Natural, after seeing similar styles in kitchens...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/hollymathisinteriorsstinsonsink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/hollymathisinteriorsstinsonsink.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/2014/02/young-houston-familys-home/"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/88/6c/65/886c65ed53371527aa991c8570683c4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/88/6c/65/886c65ed53371527aa991c8570683c4b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/04/02/kitchen-remodel/"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But I'm really drawn to the Tibet Oak. I think it would look lovely in the living room and contrast with the dark wood across from it in the kitchen.<br /><br />But then I wonder if it's too dark and heavy for the kitchen, with the dark beams and bar counter there already, and I wonder if something like Singapore Oak would work better? The medium brown shades will tie in with the jute rug that will be in there soon.<br /><br />I have no idea! I'm trying to order these today so I'm counting on you guys to help me figure this out. WWYD?<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> I just snapped this photo for a better visualization. After reading some comments in favor of the Singapore Oak, I'm leaning that way. It's a very close match to the jute rug I'll be using (which will take up most of the dining area)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOj0tQJO_FUROBrEti7vr1qEkCaDVNiYrmvzQPPaBQHCqU0LnfJ-q2ItFGoo8GFdGiSMGKSYqhAmdkjlQwT_bCIi5CVfxB1SPziBIWKXDYT_Ys5KD9esN7srCNApzxSxJ6l6y8Srm0Dwx/s1600/IMG_2341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOj0tQJO_FUROBrEti7vr1qEkCaDVNiYrmvzQPPaBQHCqU0LnfJ-q2ItFGoo8GFdGiSMGKSYqhAmdkjlQwT_bCIi5CVfxB1SPziBIWKXDYT_Ys5KD9esN7srCNApzxSxJ6l6y8Srm0Dwx/s1600/IMG_2341.jpg" /></a></div><br />Thoughts?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: A DIY Subway Tile Backsplash, Part 2

On Monday I left off with a recap of how we installed our subway tile ... A few hours after that post, we started on the grout. Here's w...

Read more »