Easy as subway tile

Subway tile makes a fine backsplash in a kitchen for a few reasons.  First, it’s a classic American look that is as timeless as a Rolex watch (but much cheaper).  Second, it is white, so it complements pretty much any color scheme.  Finally, it’s so easy to install that even a moron like me can do it.  And did.

I ordered my tile from Andy at Magnolia Home and had Dave help me install it.  Dave kept insisting that it was easy enough for me to install by myself, but with no knowledge of how to run a wet saw or spread mastic or anything else related to installing tile, I insisted that he help me.

Between the two of us, we knocked it out in a matter of hours.  I even learned how to use the saw and only almost cut my finger off once!

As you can see from the photos above, the finished product turned out real nice, especially once Dave came back and grouted it this past weekend.  It especially looks nice with the addition of the under cabinet lighting that Dave and his wife Veronica installed as a housewarming gift to me.  They truly are the nicest people on earth.  With the exception of you, of course.

Now to test the backsplash.  Any of you have a recommendation for a kitchen project messy enough to ensure that the subway tile gets splattered?

Old chair, new chair

Sorry I haven’t written lately.  Between the beach and trivia and work, I haven’t accomplished much to report.  I’m still in the unpacking phase, so until I get that completely out of the way, the painting will not commence.

One thing I can report is the sad fact that I have to buy two new chairs for the living room.  I was counting on being able to use two green chairs from my grandparents’ house for my living room, maybe getting them recovered one day down the road.  In my mind they were in good enough condition to use in the meantime one way or the other.

When I moved them in, though, I realized that I was sadly mistaken.  Not only was the upholstery stained and shredded by the claws of my grandfather’s cat B.G., the springs and the “guts” of the chairs had long since given out.  To have them rebound and reupholstered would have cost more than buying new chairs, according to my mom, so the decision was made to get some new ones.

Luckily for me, Malouf Furniture just so happened to be having a mega double blowout bargain basement rock bottom prices sale of the century with twelve months no interest, and while shopping there, I spied a retro-modern style chair that I liked.  After going back and forth on the fabric, I decided to wait until the new swatches come in to custom order the perfect pair for my living room.

The pictures above show the old green chairs I currently have and the new sweeping armchair that I intend to purchase.  They are very similar to a chair I like from West Elm, but much less expensive.

What was that sound, you ask?  It was the sound of more money leaving my wallet.