Well that didn't go quite right. But maybe have it polished? I think it might look much brighter and cleaner if it had that sweet glossy finish. Less outdoorsy and more "I meant to flagstone" feel. A thin layer of quickset - tinted or not - overtop can also be polished for a nice, uniform polished concrete floor that will save you gutting the whole bath.

I also love bricks and stones on interior flooring. So I feel compelled to say, though the stone should have been fit together better with less grout than what you would put on an outdoor (open space) project, I strongly believe it is the vanity that makes the space look disjointed. You have a rustic floor, you should have a rustic vanity. Consider changing that before you start from scratch.

and this is why you hire a professional designer.

I would use a nice plush (machine washable) area rug and call it done.

Ouch! Reduce the contrast between the floor and cabinets, perhaps select a mid-gray that will pull the floor and cabinets together. The walls should be a lighter gray, perhaps a hint of green or blue in the light gray, to set off the tub. In this way, your tub becomes the focus, not the floor.

What maison21 said!

And what a big disappointment. I'm sure it's painful, and I feel for you.

Unfortunately, nothing you do is going to solve the problem other than just tear it out, which you obviously realize.

This is *not* really the contractor's fault at all, for anyone who is trying to pass it off on him. A stone floor must be *designed*, with every single piece carefully laid out and the locations, juxtapositions, grout line sizes, etc. decided upon before even starting to lay the mortar bed to set them in, never mind the grout.

And this simply wasn't designed - and contractors aren't designers. He told you up front he didn't think he could do it, and you told him to go ahead anyways, so unfortunately, this is totally on you. Clearly you seem to realize this, for which I commend you, so I'm mentioning it for the edification of others.

The very best tilesetters are more likely to be able to do this, but the average homeowner isn't going to be able to easily find those people, and even the very best of them can't be counted on to ensure that scale, color, etc. works with everything else that is planned in the space. It's just not part of their job or skill set.

You *could* still get the look you want when you redo it, complete with the stone floor - but truthfully, only if you hire someone who actually knows what they are doing to properly design it and coordinate everything. Seriously.

For those who recommend tiling over it, this is not a solution. Tile floors in particular *must* be installed over absolutely level surfaces, or you will be in for a world of trouble, and all the more so in a wet space like a bathroom. In this case, it would also create an even bigger trip hazard in the doorway that is just not acceptable.

Even once you do tear the floor out, I don't think you'll be happy with anything else you put in there because you still have too many other design styles competing in there - and no fewer than *five* separate shades of white, each with different undertones, none of which go together as a result, never mind go with the floor. This only aggravates the ugly grout problem. The tub is too big in scale to work with the vanity, and that particular juxtaposition of modern and classic elements just isn't working.

You've got a decent start, your general instincts are pretty good. It *is* salvageable, and with a little tweaking can still look great, but you really should bite the bullet and hire a good designer to help you finish it up - and *skip* this "design by committee" business on Houzz. You know the old saying about cooks and soup...

The problem really isn't that it's a bathroom vs any other kind of room, but that you simply haven't edited enough, and have tried to do too many things in one space, which can happen in any room of a house.

Interior design is like a symphony - each part of the team knows their own "instrument" (trade) well, but can't play those of the others, or at least not well. And the only way they work together in harmony and produce a beautiful whole is with a good conductor leading them, and keeping each part in balance with the others, always attending to the big picture - and that's the designer and/or architect. Homeowners get into trouble when they expect any one of the musicians to be able to play the instruments of others, or worse, direct the whole thing. And then they make it worse still when they invite the audience in to conduct, most of whom may have zero musical training or aptitude at all to start with!

i've laid a lot of stone here at our farm. built drywalls and barn floors..... laid pathways to ponds and retaining walls around garden areas. it takes a lot of stones...more than you need, AND it takes a lot of time finding the right stones to fit where you need them. it can't be rushed. though the stones are irregularly shaped and of a variety of sizes, the distance between each one and the next needs to be verrrry consistent. ...just like grout in tiles... it works the same way, but a bit more relaxed. your guy was lazy and inept.

i agree with several others who have said that workmanship aside, the floor concept here doesn't jibe with anything else in this room. you can fix that by covering up the floor with a carpet.

AND repaint the cabinet with a yellowish toned white to blend with the wall color.

I wouldn't say he was lazy, eightpondfarm. He just didn't know what he was doing - and I don't think it's all that intuitive for the average person. He's also obviously not a designer of any sort.

And to be fair, he did warn the OP that he *didn't* know anyone who *could* do it right, but she clearly insisted he try it anyways. I commend her for at least recognizing that she herself was the one who made a decision that maybe she shouldn't have.

I don't think that painting the cabinet the way you suggest will resolve the color issue, either. It will just make the countertop look even worse than it already does unless it is also replaced. It will be easier (and cheaper) to go in a more greenish/greyish undertone direction with all the paint, including the walls, which will also pull in the floor and make it look at least marginally less obtrusive. But no matter what, that pinkish tone on the cabinetry has got to go.

OP, if you do put in any kind of carpet or rug, please do make sure it is either rubber-backed or that you lay it on top of a rubber pad to prevent slips and falls.

I haven't read all the comments but I suggest you look for a company who can polish it for you. This will make it look smoother. They can tell you if this can be done on this type of stone, and perhaps they can use a special wax to make it look darker. This is usually done in Europe, and especially in the area of Venice, but I bet you can find someone who can do it in your area. The finish can be shiny or matt, and I am sure it could be amazing. Try to look for a company that work concrete floors, since they use the same machines. The floor will be much more stain resistant, and easy to clean. Good Luck.

bellesum is that all your work posted in your idea book? wonderful work

without reading all the replies, did the OP come to any conclusions about the floor?

blaze777, I'm afraid not. The ideabooks just contain photos I find interesting for one reason or other.

Hi,
1st of all the floor isn't looking bad at all or ugly,
It's just not matching up with d othr elements around, rather then changing d floor, try to add a transition to match it with d wall, I would suggest this if possible, to add d stone walls but just to d lower half of d walls to d height fr where d window starts, m adding a pic which I saw on Houzz,(I hope it's allowed to add d pics)

In 1st pic with d mirror, is wat I would suggest to add to d wall nd in 2nd pic u can see how it can be divided with marbles around it to keep it jst to d lower half part of d wall nd remaining part of d wall to be as how it is at present,

I hope this helps, nd u can decrease d height of d stone walls if u want to cut d budget more,

It's a VERY bad install. If it's possible to chip out the grout/concrete, consider filling in the gaps with the tiny pebble mosaic stones like the photo APRIL above added. You would pull the tiny pebbles off the mesh backing and fill in the pattern. Pick a grout color that is closer to the stone color and seal it all. The rest of your selections are fine. The scale of the stone is a bit "off" from the scale of your bath. Even something as simple as coloring the grout the same color as the stone will make a huge difference for minimal cost.

Norwood Architects - I love you! You have unknowingly saved the day for me (more in next post). And perhaps what you suggested would work for liz8181 as well.
this was a bold move and I applaud your risk taking. now, how to fix things...

There seem to be a couple issues. First - the floor does not seem close to flat. Not only would that bug the crap out of me every time I walked on it, might be a safety issue.
Second, the inspiration pic doesn't work for you, and it's not just about the floor (many have said). It's like taking some sea shells and sisal fabric, throwing them on your sleek, dark granite and being disappointed you don't have that same beachy feel.

Yes, the furniture is dark in the 1rst pic. But IMO painting yours isn't going to work either. Why? The 1rst room is larger (which tames the bold floor, instead of overwhelming; not so crowded so the negative space also tames), a light wall mitigates the dark floor and furniture; and everything is toned Perfectly (color of glass, furniture, light, pic frames have same underlying tone to match the floor). It's actually deceptively simple - that room was put together by a very talented designer (and probably tons of time/money)!

My suggestion(and just that)? You have to address the floor levels for safety and peace of mind. Grinding and/or floating a thin layer. Keep it relatively neutral colored. Then buy the beautiful rug Margo found (way less than $6000) or one like it in a large size and use that for your design. You can see what works and return if it doesn't! The design can also be balanced by a light floor color as a border (there's a reason why animal prints are often paired a solid color border in many rugs - balances colorwise and busy pattern).
And easily changed for evolving taste/money.

I looked at Semco which Norwood Architects referenced. And hope it works for liz8181 if you decide to go that route .
It looks to be the godsend I've been hunting! We have a huge patio of thin, ceramic tiles. The previous owner (did everything else at top end, why not this?!!!) put a partial epoxy/acrylic paint over the entire thing. 2 years later it looked horrible as it was sooo flakey. We couldn't afford to sandblast all the paint off and then stain (over $8000) so we pressure washed all flakes coming off and had to repaint.
It's flaking less than 6 months later. Looks terrible; what a waste of time/money.
But this product looks like it would work! I am giving them a call at store opening! Wow! Some of the finishes are incredible! And I believe you can do this yourself!
I understand it will take a huge amount of time (got that) but I think the result will be stunning!
Probably should first consult a pro designer about colors!

Hi Aja, I found this Houzz link on google. It's all interrior photos from this website. Some are very nicely done. https://www.houzz.com/photos/stone-arch-phbr0lbl-bl~l_143289

https://www.houzz.com/photos/2011-showcase-hillside-retreat-rustic-bathroom-new-york-phvw-vp~375624

Very nice. I love the floor and the long vanity. I'd change the light fixtures, slightly larger with a dimmer switch and pick a different color for the wall paint but that's just me. Maybe bowl sinks would be nice. All together it's a very clean design with lots of possibilities.

This is a nice alternative to a bow sink. In my humble opinion.

I found some different stone floors on houzz. So others have thought it was a great idea too.

This is my all time favorite stone flooring. http://www.getdecorating.com/murals.cfm?master=14179&page=6
I hope you can see it, please reply if you can't. I think you may like this as well.

A home spa sink. It's not for everyone but interesting to look at.

Would it be cheaper to pull up some of the grout and lay in smaller stones to fill it? Maybe even add some glass beads. Just a thought. Or ask a local artist to help you create a one of a kind mosaic.

I agree, glass or glass tiles would look better in the basin especially with some tiles on the wall. I'm not crazy about their choice of fixtures but I do appreciate new ideas.

In my honest opinion I love the floor, especially when you look at the other photos of your home. But in the end it is your home and only you know if you could live with it or not. I still think it is beautiful ties in the nature elements of your home and is really unique. Good luck.

Liz8181 - what did you end up doing? I know it has been a long time, but it would be great to know the end of the story. :)

Get a pro to polish the floor with the polishing machine. It smoothes the concrete wonderfully . and you can also darken it with a brownish stain

I think the problem is the mix of materials being inconsistent. The cabinets don't blend well with such a floor etc. Sorry, but the concept photo is very hard to do well. Plus, such a floor for a bath I would imagine will be a pain to maintain clean. Concrete is very porous, will stain over time and collects dust and dirt.

If it me at this point, depending on budget and what things need to be moved to remove it, I'd do a full removal. Otherwise, it being a very stable base, just overlay it with a wire mess and then a large format tile if you are ok losing a couple inches and butting to cabinets vs going under it. You may have to cut your door etc if you go overlay route.

This kind of reminds of the floors in those French homes on HGTV house hunters international. I see what you mean but it isn't awful. You may want to live with it awhile.

Oops. Old post.

He probably made the grout spaces too big.there are some commercial major acrylic sealers that I have seen in hotels. They are thick and have the ability to smooth out the look of the stone and grout leaving a shiny clean surface. It looks like they use many coats to get it. I would buy some of that and apply it yourself...otherwise they charge the earth. See what it looks like...or go to one of the hotels the supplier has installed it in to see if you like it. I think the problem that adds to the discontinuity is that the cabinets are very white and finished looking in contrast with the rugged stone. Cream colour might have worked better. But start with the stone finish.

Having look at it some more, you'll notice that black anchors it all in the scheme with dark cabinets dark vanity top, dark feet on tub, dark trims, dark picture frames etc And the tile was more green toned.

In your design, it's a lot of contrast whites and grey and hence the cold feeling and disjointedness. The floor could have been better install sure, but I don't think that's the main issue. Looking at it again, I would focus on all the other elements in the room as I don't think just a floor redo will make much of a difference unless you go very very light and mix of small stones and large format ones. It's the jewelry and accents that need help.

You could stain the grout way dark and unify it a bit.

Warm Grey out the vanity. Darken the counter. Try a grey brown wall color etc. Oil bronzed light fixtures and faucet and door handles etc. Might end up costing way less and making the room come together.

I don;t think it looks that bad! They could have done a better job and clean up the edges of the rock and the concrete. but I honestly don't think your washroom looks bad at all! Quite unique :)

Please note: this dilemma is from October 2013!

The biggest problem that you have is poor execution of the install. The contractor may not agree with your design choice but it is hard to deny that it is a poor installation. Short of redoing the floor, changing the grout color will make the biggest impact but installed properly your design would come together.

OLD THREAD!

wow, giraffe floor. I'd call a concrete guy. Some stained concrete is really beautiful and they may be able to overlay. Then a couple of rugs to cozy it and you're fixed.

apparently this thread is a zombie that CAN'T BE STOPPED! it keeps coming back...

2 years old...RIP thread.

A stoned zombie too!

I love the floor!

This is the problem with copying inspiration pics...unless you very carefully study all the little details that made the original work and incorporate those you might end up with a disappointing result. Sometimes it's not really even plausible to successfully recreate something that worked in a different space.

Old thread.

I like vintage!

Vintage thread.

I'm vintage. Technically something has to be over 50 to be vintage. Over 100 to be antique.