Love the dishes - Love the colorful cups and fluted plates on the stainless shelves. Who makes these? Also would love to know the grout color. About to have subway tiles installed and having trouble picking the grout color. Thanks! »
lperna Yes, those are vintage MacKenzie-Childs dishes, bowls and mugs. Unfortunately the new owners have retired the featured patterns that are pictured here.
What color grout was used? - What color grout was used? It is the perfect shade; not too light and not too dark. Could you provide name of grout color and the manufacturer? Thanks! »
Rustica Hardware Looks like it could be a Windsor Drop-in Hand Hammered Copper Sink. It can be dropped in or undermount go to:http://rusticahardware.com/windsor-drop-in-hand-hammered-copper-sink/
lauriebtown Check out Restoration Hardware online. They have pulls that look just like this as well as other similar styles. You can also can them in other finishes.
Matthew MacCaul Turner That looks to be Carrara, a classic and durable stone. I can still stain, so be careful to clean spills quickly, especially acidic juices.
Fine Art Tileworks — Handmade Relief Tile Lauriebtown: As a maker of handmade tile since 1995, I'd say you're lucky if you can get as tight as 1/8" grout lines. I usually figure a .2" grout line (3/16") for standard installations. At the risk of geeking you out, here's why: When creating the original molds, in order for the clay to be able to fall out of it I have to slope all four sides of the mold cavity slightly, this is called the "draft angle." When making a tile, we hand press moist clay into the cavity, then flip the mold over and release the clay onto a catchboard. The clay takes the shape of the mold cavity, including the draft angle. So if you set two handmade tiles face up on a flat surface and push their edges together, the bottom edges will touch and there will be a gap at the top edges due to the mold draft angle. The thicker the tile, the wider the gap will be. (See bisque fired tiles in photo below, note angled edges. Enlarge the photo all the way and you'll see what I mean, esp. at center right.)
One time, and only one time, back in the 90's when I didn't know any better, I agreed to accommodate a customer's insistence on 1/16" grout lines. Well, I had to personally grind off all the draft angles of an entire order...and if you've ever tried to grind twice-fired ceramic you'll know it was no picnic! Lesson learned.
The nature of truly hand-pressed tile simply runs counter to tight grout lines.
Your installer was showing integrity to his craft by trying to steer you away from minuscule grout lines, because part of grout's function is to "cushion" the expansion/contraction of the tile with season changes. No grout, no give, which may lead to cracks years later. Fresh grout can be about the consistency of cookie dough, making it hard to force it very far down into a narrow crevice. And if the grout isn't rooted down into the joint, it is more likely to loosen and fall out eventually. My two cents...
Ritanilesmail and others regarding grout color: Unless someone can track down the actual installer who did the job in the photo, and *if* she/he can remember exactly what they used on that particular day on that particular job, you're not likely to get a definitive answer as to grout brand and color name. BTW, it's not that difficult to mix your own grout color, which lets you fine tune it to your liking. (Just be sure to keep good notes, and/or be sure to mix enough to do the whole job!)
Stainless shelves - Where can I find good quality stainless shelves? They need to have a good finish on the underside as well as the top. Do you know of any that have "under cabinet" lighting? »
In this traditional kitchen by Taste Design, Inc., the subway tile extends from the backsplash up the walls. Paired with classic-looking cabinetry and a chef-grade range, the tile fits in perfectly with this room's sophisticated look.
Finishing touches. If you have taken the traditional-style route, make sure you carry it through. There are some excellent reproduction taps and fittings. And remember, just because you have chosen a Victorian kitchen doesn't mean you can't use modern appliances. Simply hide them away or invest in the huge array of retro styles available.More: Back to the Future of the House