Friday, February 12, 2010

Sparkle & Shine – A Mosaic Floor


I have always wanted a patterned mosaic tile floor in my bathroom. Finding a pretty one is easy but narrowing them down to one is really hard – until you do the math….

It almost feels like the movie Groundhogs Day… In each renovation I start here and end up empty handed for the same reason - the cost. This time I was lucky enough to find one that is the perfect gray, a pretty design, sparkles nicely, and the biggest shocker – it’s actually in my price range. Really???

Time to do a few cart wheels….

It’s already down on the floor. Oh-la-la….as pretty as I imagined. And the best – no unexpected surprises color-wise, which can be a challenge with larger pieces and slabs of marble. Remember, you can NEVER trust the showroom sample, but thankfully this one is true to form.

The coordinating shower tile stopped my cart wheeling…

It was supposed to be a contemporary grey and white horizontal mosaic, but even though I had seen the exact lot in photos, in person many of the white pieces were a bit yellowy. I loved the design but the color was a deal breaker.

Time to shop for an alternative…

A traditional subway in marble was flat and boring while a basket weave mosaic missed color-wise . The coordinating tiny mosaic was originally not an option for my contractor, but after some begging he decided to put it up. A sigh of relief…

So now I can say all’s well that ends well....

The sparkle of the tile even at night is like a room full of glittering diamonds. I love the way it catches your eye - absolutely sensational. I’ve waited several renovations to finally get my mosaic, in the end it’s totally worth the trouble - even counting the extra days without a shower.

And now we come to a place where the story ends with..."and from that day forward she showered at home happily ever after…"

9 comments:

Dream Mom said...

That sounds really pretty. I especially love the part about the sparkle. I can imagine it would look beautiful by candlelight as well.

Did you use a white grout? If so, do you use a sealer to keep it white? Just curious. The tile for the shower sounds pretty but I wonder how hard it will be to keep clean? I always prefer really light finishes myself so I'd love to know. From what I've read, some places recommend white grout and others recommend gray grout but I'd love to hear your opinion.

MaryBeth said...

You are killing me with what seems like the most beautiful bathroom on the planet. You seem to have such a talent for the smallest detail. It sounds spectacular and I for one can not wait to see the end product. xo, MB

Dreams of Perfection said...

One blog (thelennoxx) did a post on mosaic bathroom floors. Oh my I tell you the floors looked like the inside of a sea shell. Somany sparkly pearl colors...absolutely beautiful. I am sure your's is nothing short of that. You have such glam taste and talents.

Kelly Giesen said...

Regarding grout, color choice is important. Usually I use light gray grout on floors and white in the shower, but this time I went with all white because the joints are very tight and the white looked far better. With this floor I am less woried about dirt because you will never see it and in fact cleaning should be much easier than with the larger very white white pieces - a plus as well. Time will tell...

I am excited because this bath is shaping up pretty. I think bathrooms are so important because you spend so much time there every day - always getting ready to go somewhere or relaxing in the tub.

I agree I love the pearly variety they are so pretty and glam...also great on a backsplash.

Karen said...

Do the pictures show your actual selection? It's beautiful! Where did you find it?

I've been a fan from afar for quite some time and this apartment sounds like your best yet! Can't wait to see more :)

Kelly Giesen said...

This is not my actual selection but very similar. I loved this one but it was out of the range at $600 per SF - SICIS. My design is a pattern of overlapping circles which works well with my linen closet doors and tub surround - they also contain a circular motif. Mine is from Studium and was a fraction of that.

Karen said...

Thanks Kelly! Not a surprise that this one was a bit on the pricier side ;) A girl can dream!

Kelly Giesen said...

I dream all the time...you never know. It also helps you narrow down what you love so you can look for a great alternative.

Kathy said...

Wow! These mosaic floors looked very elegant and classic. Having floors like this one will make you feel like you live way back in the Roman Empire. I used to dream of having mosaic floors outside and inside our home (if that's possible). Maybe I will look for some shops that has great floor tile(s) (Tampa area) or maybe go to a flooring showroom nearby to see which one will look best for my home.