The entry - in and out

When we moved in one of the things we knew we were going to have to change eventually were the tiles in the entry and kitchen area. They were all the same tile and were ugly with a capital U. They were also dangerous since you could actually slip on them in socks, bare feet, and with shoes. Now, socks makes sense, but bare feet and shoes? What. Ever.

So, the day came when we decided we were going to get started on the home improvements we knew were in our future. We thought we'd start small with the entry. We were happily surprised when the tiles seemed to come up super easy. Many of them just popped right off. And the concrete underneath was in good shape not need to grind, patch or anything. So awesome.

Of course there were a couple tiles that tried our patience and we had to work awhile on some of the little buggers. But we got it all cleared and ready for the new slate tile. Which we then decided to cut into square and rectangles for a random pattern.

The truth is we're really both just frustrated artists. We can't just put the friggin tile down in the square shapes in which they were made. No. We have to jazz it up, make it unique, make it look custom.

We never seem to learn either. It takes longer to do this and inevitably leads to friction because of course we don't agree on the exact shapes or placement of said shapes. And we get really tired, because did I mention it takes a LOT longer?

I think we're destined for a level in hell that will rival Dante's storied intervals. It's called Remodeling With Your Spouse On a Hot Day In a Small Space Over and Over and Over... and the sub level is We Have To Go To The Home Improvement Store AGAIN.

Anyway, we also wanted to tile the exterior entry because it was just a big slab o' concrete. And since we were tiling it after we'd already tiled the interior entry, yes, you guessed it, we used the tiles as nature (or some tile manufacturer) intended. They're full size 12x12 inch shape!

Both came out looking pretty good. So we got that going for us.

P.S. Don't the let the fact that you rarely see me in the photos lead you to think I don't pull my own weight. I'm just the fool who puts down all the tools and runs to get the camera, fire off a couple shots, and then pulls back on the gloves.