Hey guys! I finally made a little progress on our combination laundry/bathroom this weekend for the $100 Room Challenge, hosted by Erin from Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry.
*Read the before here, and week 2 progress (or lack thereof) here.*
This week got a little bit crazy as I bounced back and forth between different projects, both in this space and also in Project Andy’s House (I’ll write an update on that next week, but it’s looking so good!)
So I started out tiling the wall with some leftover subway tile from our kitchen backsplash. I had almost an entire box of subway tile left. Because I knew that there was no way that one box would cover the whole wall, I had planned to do a stripe of the marble mosaic tile to add some interest and honestly help with the budget.
When I went to actually add the tile, I got a little worried because the colors of the tile are so different- the subway tile is more off white, and the marble tile is a pure white:
Here’s an affiliate link for the marble tile- it’s amazing quality and super affordable! I love this tile!
I put the dilemma on Insta, and 2/3 of you (that is, two of the three people who responded 😉 said to go for it.
So here’s how it turned out, but with many pieces missing and also (duh) not grouted:
The first picture was taken during the day with my iPhone, and the other two were taken at night with my flash. The iPhone pic gives a better representation of the color- the flash just completely wipes out the subtle color differences between the tile.
So how to deal with the color differences between the tile?
The original plan was to add the shelving at the lines between the tile- so that would be a good dividing line between the tile and would kind of minimize the differences between the off white and pure white shades. But I ran out of the mosaic tile and wasn’t able to do as thick a line as I needed to make functional shelves.
The other design elements of the room- the gray ceiling, white walls (anybody else hear Macklemore whenever you read or type “white walls”? Now I just want to go thrift shopping) will help tie it all together too.
But honestly- it’s okay. I’m not too worried about it. I guess it’s probably the mark of the really amateur designer in me, but once the tiles were up, my perspective changed a bit. I can already tell it’s going to be 1000% better than it was before. I’m not going to obsess about tiny shading differences in tiles that probably nobody else would ever notice. And if they do, as the wonderful Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chic says, they win a cookie 🙂
As far as the shelves, they are really just kind of placeholders right now- I’d say they’re about halfway done. They’re going to be a good bit beefier (you won’t see the supports) and maybe a different finish. I’ll probably wait until I finish the rest of the room to decide.
I ran out of tile. And adhesive. So that halted my progress.
Here’s the list of unfinished projects
What I’ve started that still needs to be completed:
- Tiling/grouting/sealing
- Shelves
What I still need to start:
- Paint the walls, door, ceiling, and trim
- Cut the vinyl pineapples and apply
- Add the wainscoting (may have to cut this project- not sure I have enough lumber now, and I don’t have the budget left to buy more)
- Decorate
Be sure to check out the other bloggers taking on the $100 Room Challenge, below, and thanks again to Erin for hosting this challenge!
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I was curious to see the mixed tile after your instagram post. So far it looks pretty good. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Thanks Patti! Definitely still some work to do, but it’s coming along for sure 🙂 Loved your organizing hacks this week in your space!
Sometimes mistakes end up making things look even cooler. I think it will look amazing when it’s finished. Pretend it was intentional! 😉
Yup, definitely going to run with it! I’ve learned that perfection is totally overrated 😉 I can’t wait to see how your office turns out!
I love Thrifty Decor Chic, and you’re absolutely right -no one will notice or care. It looks awesome so far!!
Thanks so much Molly- it’s finally starting to come along! Sarah is one of the first bloggers I ever found, and I just love her! I love how she keeps it real. Makes me feel a bit better about my “very real” space 😉
I think the tiles look amazing. No difference in color to me. And I don’t think the shelf placement will matter, especially once you style it. Can’t wait to see it!
Wendy, thanks so much! I’m really hoping that once the shelves are styled, the placement will be totally fine. But I’m definitely learning not to sweat the small stuff with this space 😉
Oohhh the tile is so pretty!!! I can’t wait to see the reveal!
Thanks so much Tracy! I love the difference that tile can make in a space!
I completely agree about the tile – It’s all about using what you have and I just know it’s going to look fabulous. I love how it’s coming along so far!
Thanks Melissa! I have to say this has been a fun space to work on so far! I think the trim is going to be color of your craft cabinet-yay!
Ohmygosh I LOVE your tile work. It’s going to look so good together! I think the slight color difference will end up being a contrast. Great job!
Thanks Kim! I think it’s going to be okay- and I love the idea of contrast if it’s not 😉
I think it looks great! You can totally get away with mixing colors and patterns. Nothing like using what you have down to the very last drop!
It’s definitely coming down to the last drop, that’s for sure! This is definitely a challenge! Thanks Meredith!
I agree with what everyone else is saying, once you finish the shelves, and get them styled, no one will even notice the slight difference in color. Speaking of shelves, I’m excited to see what your plans are with those 🙂
Thanks Erin! I’ve got to finally decide what I want to do with those shelves- I have a feeling it will be a last minute decision 🙂
I think the two tiles will be just fine in the end! Good luck on the end!
Thanks so much Kristen! I’m hopeful that it will all come together okay 🙂
The tile is so pretty! Looking forward to seeing the room come together!
Thanks Maria! I do love that marble tile 🙂