This Simple Fix to Popping Tile Needs 2 Things…Utility Knife and Grout.
That’s It.
But first a little History Lesson on this Crazy Bathroom. The Bathroom has seen 60 Years of Home Remodels. All DIYs.
The 1940’s house still retains its original Tub and Toilet. In the 1980’s, before we took ownership, a Vanity Sink and Peach Tile were added. The vanity and floor were also Peach. That’s a lot of Peach.
The 1990’s brings Talavera Wall Tile. Our Spin. This is my feeble attempt to downplay all the Peach without removing the Peach.
On to Early 2000 with River Rock Floor Tile. To bring the “outside” in. I also painted clouds on the ceiling. The bathroom never had a window which drove me nuts.
And Today, a Bring-Back-the-Classics Remodel in Black and White.
Bright White Ceramic Subway Walls. White/Black/Grey Patterned Floor.
Now All the Peach is Gone. No More River Rock Floor. No Talavera Walls.
To save dollars, the original 1940’s tub and toilet stay. Both are still in great condition and work just fine. The vanity also remains. Solid wood. Sturdy. New coat of shiny Black paint keeps it fresh.
Clean. Classic. Black and White. I like it!
BUT. Ahh…there’s Always a Big But..White Grout for the Floor. My thought for the white grout was to allow the floor pattern to shine.
However after 1 week, even with daily Clorax Wipes cleaning, the white grout became dingy. I was sure we were stuck with my less than brilliant design choice of white grout for a high traffic floor.
But then one of my classic Aha Moments…Mr. Doodle always shakes his head…LET’S CHANGE THE WHITE GROUT TO GREY!
Here’s the Simple DIY Fix. Cheap and No Tile Removal Needed!
With a Utility Knife carefully Scratch the Grout Lines. This gives the grout “teeth” to hold the new grout.
Mix the new Grout and Wipe on the Floor. Let the floor set for 1 day.
Hello Pewter!
We used Pewter for a contrast of dark and light.
Can You see the Change?
The Contrast Makes the White Tile Pop.
BEFORE – White Grout. White Tile.
AFTER – Gray Grout. White Tile.
Simple Cheap Fix. Adds Lots of Wows!
And a little bit of Magic!
We All Need a Little Fat Tuesday
As I always say, is there anything you can’t do? The bathroom looks terrific …. love the subway tile with the black stripe, so New York subway! The pewter grout looks sooooo good. My daughter used that floor tile in her farmhouse redo in Virginia … I just love it! Jeannie strikes again!
Hi Suzee – Great minds think/design alike! I now see this tile everywhere but I still like it and it is so much better and easier to clean with the dark grout! 🙂
We did a good team effort to make the bathroom POP.
With some laughs and tears…but it’s all good.