LMMondesign's Profile

I plan on using the ceramic tile that looks like wood planks in our basement and install the heated floor mesh underneath so that it isn't too cold underfoot. We have a dog who is 95% housetrained, and I don't want anything other than a ceramic or porcelain tile with the potential for accidents... I know this will be 2 or 3 times more expensive than vinyl planks but it is worth it in the long run for durability and peace of mind.

In responding to your actual question, no, you can't grout over this and you should remove the surrounding grout to get the whole cracked tile out and replace. You should chisel out the grout surrounding the cracked tile. When purchasing your materials to replace the missing tile, go to a tile store (not Home Depot, etc), and see if their staff can recommend a higher-quality thin set that could help prevent breakage. It's not as good as replacing the whole tile job, but it could buy you some time before the tile breaks again / when you can afford to replace the whole floor.

The bathroom redo is awesome, I am currently considering a bathroom redo that incorporates beadboard wainscotting, but don't want it to look too stuffy or cottage-y and you did a great job acieveing a balance. Is the floor in the bathroom cork or tile?

I agree on the gray and white suggestions with color coming from accessories. If you are looking for photos that could inspire you, Candice Olsen from the HGTV show Divine Design seems to do a lot of rooms with dark floors in which she keeps the walls light, but still having it feel cozy and colorful. You can google the show and see some finished rooms that show how you could use some great accent colors that could helpl you hone your search in thrift stores, flea markets, etc. Good luck!

That great area by the windows in the living room could use some side chairs. Check your local thrift stores and better flea markets -- especially since the scale of older/used pieces would probably work better in the space than larger scale new furniture.

If you are prioritizing things to spend $ on, I would do curtains last, unless light control is a problem. The woodwork is great and you wouldn't want to cover it up too much.

Agree with the other suggestions on rugs and pillows. If you want color on the walls without spending a lot, you could use frame a couple coordinating colors of pretty paper or fabric. Then you have time to pick out more permanent art that you really like. Have fun with it!

I agree with the suggestion of painting the paneling the same color as the walls (cream). I did this in my basment and you won't realize how much darker the paneling was making the room until they're painted. And mirrors are definitely your friend in these darker spaces. I would also spruce up the brick fireplace surround either with white/cream paint or slate tile -- both good options depending on your budget and skills. On the built-ins, I think you should save that for after you address the fireplace wall. They may stand on their own or look out of place once the fireplace wall is addressed, you'll know it when you see it. Good luck!!

Another backsplash idea to replace the yellow laminate sheets is faux tin ceiling tiles. Some of the designs aren't as ornate as others and could work in the space. Lowes sells the Armstrong brand tiles for ~ $70 a box (box has forty 12" x 12" tiles). A tin backsplash would pick up on the stainless steel open shelving and new cabinet hardware suggested by others. I would also go for painting the laminate countertop, it gives you some great color options and you can go for the Ikea butcherblock if it doesn't work out. Good luck!