Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Shopping at The Tile Shop

On Saturday, Nate and I headed to Des Moines to pick out some tile at The Tile Shop.

The Tile Shop Des Moines

This is our second shopping experience at The Tile Shop.  Our first round of shopping was to pick out tile for our kitchen backsplash.  For the backsplash, we chose the Imperial Bone Gloss 3x6 subway tile. We had a tough time finding tile that would match our not quite white but not quite ivory cabinets.  The Tile Shop came to our rescue.

Subway Tile Backsplash Black Granite Imperial Bone Gloss

This trip was to pick out tile for our master bathroom.  We were super happy with the customer service/quality of tile/selection from our first round of tile shopping that we decided to make the 2 1/2 drive for our next project!

We had a good idea of the type of tile we wanted when we headed into the store but it never hurts to look.  I started by drooling over the display bathrooms in the store.

The Tile Shop Display Bathroom

The Tile Shop Display Bathroom
I loved both of these displays but Nate tried to get me to focus on our bathroom.  Always the voice of reason that husband of mine.
 
I then became obsessed with hex tile.  It’s just so quirky and pretty.  Nate had his work cut out for him.

The Tile Shop Hex Tile

We decided that blogland was clouding my judgment.  That hex tile is b-e-a-utiful but doesn’t fit well with our home’s style.  It’s really easy to get sucked into the trends of blogland and not remember what you actually like versus what is popular amongst home decor bloggers.

We ultimately decided on a super brave and daring option.  The Imperial Blanco Gloss 2x12 subway tile.

Imperial Blanco Gloss 2x12 Subway Tile

Subway tile is such a classic choice. We liked the 2x12 size.  The size was part of our daring side coming out. It’s totally not that traditional 3x6 stuff. Subway tile fits well with the modern/country/industrial hot mess vibe that we have going on in our home.  We chose the dark grout (charcoal) shown at the bottom.  We do have plans to do a little twist with this tile.  I just don’t want to fully commit on decision on the blog because we aren’t sure if it will work.  I told you we were brave and adventurous. 

The manager of the store was super helpful.  He was able to answer questions about what tools and supplies we would need to complete the project.  He pointed out tiles that may work well in our space. The only problem I had with The Tile Shop was that there were too many awesome types of tile to choose from.  I’m glad we went into the store with a good idea of what we wanted because I might still be there.  I wonder if those showers are functioning…

We can’t wait to get started. I need to get to picking out some new mirrors (And possibly lights, if I can convince Nate that they are a need and not a want.) during the long week-end. Sounds like a good way to spend the holiday week-end!

Are you a fan of The Tile Shop?  Are you a subway tile fan or do you prefer that hipster hex stuff?

This is not a sponsored post. The Tile Shop is providing me with free tiles and supplies. They aren’t requiring me to post about their awesomeness.  I’m just a really big fan!

31 comments:

  1. I'm a huge fan of the Hex tile but also love your daring and bold subway tile ;) I wish we'd have a tile shop close to us.

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  2. Huge fan of The Tile Shop... My only beef with them is they don't have a location near me ;)

    I think the subway tile will flow well with the other finishes in your house without being totally awkward. Tbh I love the heck outta marble hex tiles, but I won't be using them until the hipster-craze for them dies down a bit. Remember how subway tile re-exploded into popular decor 5ish years ago? Going from "classic subways tile" to EVERYTHING ON THE INTERWEBZ COVERED IN SUBWAY TILE. Well, that'll be hex tile in a few years ;)

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  3. oh wow! I absolutely love love that hex floor! I totally understand what you mean by getting sucked into blogland or Pinterest - it can definitely cloud our vision, but I love your choice! It's classic! I can't wait to see the finished result!

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  4. I am a big fan of the Tile Shop, actually. I just wish their giant rectangular gray tile wasn't so expensive. Ha!

    If you accidently break a light it would become a need. I mean, I'm just saying. Unless Nate is reading this. Then I didn't say that. (hi Nate!)

    I'm pretty excited about this project! Can't wait to see it come together.

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  5. Nice selection. Can't go wrong with the stretched subway tile. Just found a Tile Shop in Wilmington, DE just across the river from us. Tax free too! I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot of time there in a couple years.. whenever we get around to upgrading our builder grade mess.

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  6. I'm just going to throw it out there - the hex would TOTALLY work in your house. But it's also a pain in the arse to install so I think Nate dodged a bullet. This is going to look amazing. And you totally need lights.

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  7. LOVE those long subway tiles you picked out. I think it will look great in the bathroom. I recently looked it up and found out that there is a Tile Shop near us. I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time in there once we actually buy a house.
    Sarah

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  8. The hex was amazing! But I love the fun scale of the subway stuff. It'll be fab, no question.

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  9. I like the tile you chose - and I think you can have a fun pop of color on the walls since the tile is white :)

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    Replies
    1. Walls are staying their current color (grey) for now because I'm too lazy to paint.

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  10. I love the tile shop so hard. You made a good choice. Yeah TILE!

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  11. i love the hipster stuff, but i am definitely not a hipster, so i think i would go classic subway.... it's always beautiful and timeless.

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  12. I love the tile you picked. It's classic, so you'll be able to incorporate trends in other ways in the bathroom. I think tile and all the "permanent" things in a house are always hard because you want to be trendy but also you don't want to outdate your house in a few years. Such important decisions all the time!! Can't wait to see the master bath come together!

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  13. Love your choice but also really love the hex tile too. You're right, it's so easy to get sucked into trends of the blog world. Good for you for rising above! Can't wait to see the finished project!!!

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  14. Can't wait to see how it turns out! It makes me want to tile something!

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  15. you are right, it is hard to keep your own style and not get lost in the pretties of blogland and other homes, but it's fun to dream! especially in a place like that!!

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  16. I like the subway tile and it is classic. You can change all kinds of things around subway tile and it will still look good.

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  17. I totally hear you on being sucked into blogland and it clouding your judgement. I've recently stepped away for a bit because of just that. I need to gain some perspective again.

    I love your tile choice! The shape and scale is interesting and it's something you can live with for a nice long time.

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  18. Love the tile you selected! Very classic :) xo K

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  19. I love the tile you chose! The skinny subway is perfect for your house. I can't wait to see it installed and grouted :)

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  20. I've never been in a Tile Shop. Maybe someday. I'll be sure to shower right before I go and bring extra deodorant in case I stay and the showers AREN'T functioning. Your choice is pretty!

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  21. I kind of like both but when it comes down to it I think I will always sway more to the subway tile. Clean and classic.

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  22. Yes I love the Tile Shop, one about 45 minutes from me but I have not been inside for years, nothing to tile right now. Soooooo I have never seen the hex tiles, not even on blogs (shocking I know) and I love it. Now I want some.

    Bliss

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  23. sorry but the hex tile has been around for just as long as the subway tile. to me everyone has subway tile why not try it the other way?

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    Replies
    1. We feel like the subway tile fits in better with our classic/traditional style. We could easily be wrong. Just personal preference!

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  24. Oooh the 2x12 is pretty tile!! Very pretty ~ I love both hex & subway tile paired together we are doing this in our bathroom. Looking forward to seeing your project! :)

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    1. If I was redoing the floors, there would be hex! Good luck!

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  25. I like them both, but the larger subway tiles are pretty cool. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

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  26. How fun! I don't think I'd be able to get out of that store either with all those choices. Good thing to have Nate to bring you back to reality. Ha ha. Good luck this weekend. Can't wait to see the end result.

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