Self-sealing grout was easily wiped clean & polished with flannel rags.
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Living in an old house is a constant challenge. Everything in our house has been redone several times. It's perpetual movement. Something always needs to be done.
My kitchen has the same footprint it had when built in 1938. When we moved in, circa '87, this kitchen had linoleum counter tops to match the floor. Charming - Not! Many years ago, we removed all 3 layers of linoleum from both surfaces, the 3/4" plywood - exposing the original pine flooring. We then painted & polyurethaned it all. After all these years it was more than apparent that it was time to retool the space. It had been painted many times following different trends. The neutral colors have been back in this kitchen, but I love a snap of color. I do love the calming affect in other people's homes, but for me, I need something to awaken my crazy senses. It's a curious place, living in historic McKinney. I continue to find "artistic materials" on the curbs of other homes being remodeled. I was able to salvage a huge stack of ship lap from my neighbor last summer. This fall, I scored again. The same neighbor remodeled again and there was the original powder blue paint still on some discarded boards. It's not a color I would normally use, but the potential was calling my name! The previous homeowners are still closely connected to us & I loved the idea their old home would be in our house. I held onto these treasures until the perfect project came along. I was ultimately inspired by a client's guest house. They used original boards removed when remodeling their house creating the ultimate feature wall. That was the moment I knew what to do with my kitchen wall. The big difference - bigger boards and bold colors. My little kitchen was on its way to a face lift! I did have to paint & distress extra salvaged boards before they were cut & nailed into place. It filled the gap where I fell short on the tongue & groove boards. My husband stepped up & helped me get the old tile & counter off. He also cut the boards in his shop to create the countertop. We traced the sink & I used the jigsaw to make the last cuts. We left the nail holes & nails for character. Four coats of food safe oil was applied. Next stop was a white penny tile. I didn't want to make many cuts to the tile and I knew I could work around the faucets with them. Nippers were used when cuts were needed. I placed the tiles on with the mastic. My buddy & blog partner offered to help with the grouting process. We learned through trial & error that those giant grout sponges are too big for womens' hands, half them. We used 2 water buckets - first wipe then clean rinse. It was easy to make the grout too wet. After the first wipe off, we let it set for a few minutes. Then we sponged off with the clean water. Lastly, we used dry flannel pieces to wipe clean & polish. This was the best method for us. It kept the grout from dissolving with too much moisture. The finished product exceeded our expectations. They say "home is where the heart is". I say, "home is how you make it". It takes inspiration, drive and good friends & family to help you find your way through it. |
Salvaged boards with original powder blue paint. Vanity mirrors repurposed in kitchen lighten a tiny kitchen.
Inspired by neighbor's guest house, original boards ingeniously repurposed
We sawed off the legs of a tall cabinet & used shiplap to create counter space.
Penny tile can be cut with tile nippers.
Nail holes, nails & a few spots of old gauze keep it curios. Four coats of food safe oil was applied.
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