This job couldn't have started out any worse. I chose marble for the backsplash, and natural stones are not identical to each other, which is what makes them unique. Each has its own qualities and, with this particular type of marble, there are shading differences between the 3 x 12 pieces. Some of the pieces were much darker than the sample I brought home, so the tiler had to hand sort each of them. OK, I asked him to hand sort them. I am so picky, let me say that I would not work for a person like myself if I were a tiler. The photo above is of my tiler, Dave Lorca. I love him to pieces and refer him to all my clients.
But I also chose 1x1's to run two rows above the third row of 3 x 12's. These were an assortment of various tiles and colors such as limestone, travertine, marble and Emperador dark and Emperador light. The tiles that Cortopassi gave to my tile guy did not contain any of the Emperador tile. So, it's a good thing I checked it out before he started cutting the strips.
This delayed the installation because the new 1 x 1's had to be reordered. But Cortopassi was great and requested FedX delivery for the next day. However, then the tiler ran out of the pencils. I don't remember why. At one point, his assistant had polished 16 marble pieces to place inside the window over the sink. However, I did not ask for tiles to be installed on the inside window sill. I wanted them on the bottom only, to provide a shelf where I can place tomatoes to rot, I mean, ripen. It's a good thing I was here to supervise.
I noticed a frayed edge of marble was installed near the corner, resulting in an edge I would always look at and be irritated by, so I asked the tiler to replace it. He was very accommodating, too, even though under his breath I'm sure he was thinking otherwise. But it turned out terrific. Below is a close-up of the marble.
What do you think? I love the color combination; it's soothing and timeless. I am hoping to look at this backsplash in 20 years and still love the design and color. But maybe I'm just partial to marble and quartz counters. Maybe I'll change my mind next year. Oh, noooooo. :) Not likely to happen. My kitchen remodel is finished.
If you are interested in remodeling a home in Land Park, give me a ring. Even if you aren't planning to sell, I can help you connect with the right people to get the job done. Today, I am loving my contractors.
Photos: Home in Land Park, Elizabeth Weintraub
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