the floor is done

well, almost. we finished grouting this weekend, but we have some final cleaning and sealing to do (that's the easy stuff).



we also received our backsplash, which hopefully will be installed in two weeks. here's the 50 lb box of tile:



and a finishing touch, we finally put the dangling wires over the sink to use and installed our pendants (we have another pair to go over the bar but they aren't installed yet):



and here's a close-up:

the floor takes shape

we finished laying the tile this weekend, but we still have to grout and seal.



not much of an update - sorry.

labor

is there a better way to celebrate labor day weekend than 3 days of labor? we think not, but we would relish the opportunity to partake in other options. the focus of this holiday weekend was installing the slate floor. after doing some research, we realized it's a good idea to wash slate before installing it. washing 250 12 in by 12 in tiles takes longer than you might expect. after washing and sorting through the tiles, we tackled the layout. the best way to arrange tiles in an odd shaped space takes longer than you might expect (in fact, we've learned that everything takes longer than you might expect). you have to consider how to avoid small cut pieces around the edges, how the tiles butt up against the cabinets, what is centered (a tile or grout line) in entry ways, etc. once we figured out the layout, we used chalk lines to mark the reference lines and hairspray to keep them from disappearing:



on sunday we began installing the floor. we were a bit disheartened that we only laid around 36 sq ft. we regrouped and determined how we could expedite the process, and we were able to lay about 60 sq ft. on monday. we are over half-way done!

the lounge:



the dining room entry to the kitchen: