Fromage's Profile

Unless you have a newer house or are absolutely sure you have a more level than most floor (or you're prepared to level it with concrete before tiling) I would highly recommend against it. We live in an area where this type of tile is very common and it cracks very easily. You don't have to drop something on it, it's just notorious for cracking on the sides or grout, or even all the way across. And unfortunately, because your tiles are made in batches when you order them, you'll be unlikely to even be able to use overage pieces from your original order (they age and get a patina fast) and you'll definitely never be able to get a perfect match if you order a few new tiles.

They look gorgeous when they're put in or aged in a house with perfect condition for them.

But they are a huge hassle.

I've bought to the trade (both with a wholesale license and through a designer) and regular, to the public goods and I can say this: sometimes the to the trade goods can be exceptionally made and gorgeous.

SOMETIMES. And more often? What you get that is available to the great, unwashed masses is just as well made and just as lovely.

@katmburke - to the trade is a term that denotes a brand, item or line of furnishings or accessories that are available to the public ONLY through a licensed designer. You can't buy them directly and you have to work with someone that can purchase the item for you. There is some exclusivity involved and usually (but not always) "to the trade" denotes a much higher end product.

It's a clever idea in theory, but 1) mold? and 2) one slip and it's over.

I love this so much! Personally, I like white kitchens. I know they're not for everyone but I love white kitchens (and white plates!) because I feel like they make an amazing backdrop for the beautiful colors and textures of food. It just seems like a great canvas that you add color to with actual cooking. My kitchen is similarly white, but when thing are in full swing, spinach, lemons, peppers, tomatoes and various spices all over the place, it's a color explosion. And yet, it's easy to take care of and looks neat when not in use.

@rural and rueful, I can't speak for the owners of this kitchen, but we don't have pendant lights over our island and the downlights do a great job of lighting everything up. I think it depends on where you place them, though. We had the chance to put in lights when we remodeled, so we put them strategically over the island. I love the variety of pendants out there, but I'm glad we left it more open.

I like the before AND the after but I think the before has more charm. The after just kinda looks like the before, painted silver. It's not really transformative, which is fine, I guess.

I'm more concerned with the miniature dreamcatcher/keychain tacked to the bed. It made me laugh out loud, which means it's is either genius or ridiculous. ;) (And really, there's a fine line between the two that often bleeds over, so I kinda love it!)

I have never felt comfortable having pictures of myself or my family in our more "common" areas like the living room or kitchen. It seems invasive to me if people I don't know are over and see pictures of my family. There's no rhyme or reason to why I feel this, I just do.

So my family and personal photos are all in the more private areas of the home, the bedrooms, hallways upstairs and office.

To each their own. If you want them lining the walls of every room, go for it. If you don't want any personal photos out, go for it.

I get weary of the whole, "right and wrong" of personal objects or photos.

I'm with snowdogmaine. I feel like a lot of the comments on this site are often more about the pretentiousness of the commenter than the expression of like or dislike.

The pictures with the actual couple are warm and sweet, and it seems like a nice property, but the decor was a bit too studenty for my tastes. That said, it's surprisingly charming to me at the same time. I enjoyed this tour.

All I can think of is that 1) it looks freezing, though I know it's probably not and 2) I would have to walk up the stairs with a bottle of glass cleaner and a cloth in my hand. Every. Time. It would drive me batty!

If you truly want to get rid of stuff that's got some value and you don't want to waste money, consider a consignment store. You won't get as much as you paid obviously, but if you have a higher end or not really worn item you can get a good 20-40% of it's value back if you're willing to take the chance of getting it back in 2-4 months if it doesn't sell. I do this with my nicer things and then take a portion of the money and give it to my favorite local charity. It's like donating, but with a bit more control and some money coming back to you at the same time.

If something doesn't sell, I'll donate it to a local shelter that gives men and women clothes for interviews and new jobs.

It helps to keep a good rotation of old and new without feeling like a waste of money.