New Kitchen Backsplash with Floor & Decor

This post is sponsored by Floor & Decor, but all opinions are my own.

It’s been six years since we moved into our home. When we were building I wanted to upgrade the kitchen backsplash tile, but did not like the builder’s choices and premiums. So we went with a standard option and planned on doing it after we moved in. Well, life happened and it wasn’t until now that we were ready to do it!

Floor & Decor was the first place that came to mind! I remember going there a few years back with my mom to help her pick out new tile for her kitchen. I remember she had such a positive experience, and to this day still loves her tile from Floor & Decor.

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So I went to the Floor & Decor Store in Plano, Texas, and met with the Pro Sales Manager Shelly. I had so many questions and needed lots of direction. Shelly was so wonderful and showed me around the store. I was grateful for her wealth of knowledge!

Shelly suggested we start by going to the Floor & Decor Inspiration Center. Every store has one located at the front of the store. It’s a showroom full of inspirational ideas to help one see how different materials will look together. Each Inspiration Center is staffed with knowledgeable design consultants. At the Plano store Shelly introduced me to Renee, one of the design consultants. Renee shared with me that there is a design consultant on hand seven days a week, and sometimes two or three available during busy days. Design services are free to all shoppers. And it’s very easy to make an appointment. One can call or request a free consultation online! Renee also let me know Floor & Decor offers financing programs - which is a wonderful option.

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As we were walking away from the Inspiration Center to the decorative tile section, Shelly also told me to always look at the signs and labels on each product because they tell you everything you need to know about the product. It tells you price, if it can be used indoors or outdoors and how it’s laid. Once we were in the decorative tile section, I was amazed at the different shapes, textures, and patterns. Floor & Decor has such a wide range of styles and so many top notch in-stock products to choose from! I was just in awe of the gorgeous tile available. They even had tiles with gold inlays that were waterjet cut!

After looking around, I was drawn to the grey marble mosaic tiles, particularly the Carrara White Brick Marble Mosaic 12x12 . I showed Shelly a photo on my phone of my kitchen, to see if she thought the Carrara White brick tile would work. She thought it was a wonderful choice for my kitchen backsplash. We both agreed it would fit well because of the beautiful mix of gray, white, and cream colors that come through with this natural stone. The mosaic would also compliment my existing gray speckled granite countertops and white cabinets. And as a added bonus, I was so pleased with the price! I had looked at other marble tiles online and at other stores, and Floor & Decor definitely had the best prices around! I picked up a sample to bring home with me, as I wanted to double check that it would work in my kitchen. Plus I needed to go home and measure to determine how much product I would need.

So many options of wood tile planks!

So many options of wood tile planks!

With my kitchen backsplash tile picked out, I was super excited and wanted to explore other parts of the store with Shelly. I was truly amazed by the selection and organization of the store! We looked at different types of flooring options such as wood tile planks, laminate, wood vinyl, engineered hardwood, solid wood, and Bamboo products. (Shelly said Bamboo is so trendy right now because it’s used a lot on TV home decorating shows!) I also learned Floor & Decor offers countertops as well, and they come in a variety of materials; quartz, marble, granite, and even butcher block. Seriously, Floor & Decor is a one stop shop for an entire remodel!

I also learned that Floor & Decor has a Pro Services Department. This department is dedicated to builders, realtors, investors, remodelers, owners of rental properties, or anyone that does remodeling for a living. I learned that if you have an order you need filled, the Floor & Decor team can pull your needed items and store it for you, free, up to fourteen days!  

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After having a great time exploring the store, I went home with the 12x12 sample tile, to measure how many square feet my existing kitchen backsplash was. Once I saw that it was going to work perfect, I then called and scheduled an appointment with Renee - so she could help me pick out the other supplies I needed to get ready for installation. A few days later I went in and sat down with Renee and we discussed the tile lay out, supplies, and if I wanted to add any finishing edge pieces to my new backsplash. She suggested doing a pencil trim in marble to match the mosaic tile. She explained to me that a pencil trim is a thin piece of tile placed along the edges of your mosaic tiles. That sounded great to me and together we selected the Carrara White Marble Pencil ½ x 12 to go along with the Carrara White Brick Marble Mosaic 12x12 Mosaic tile I was using. She also helped me choose the grout color, which grout would work best for our space, and how many bags of grout we needed. She knew all the answers to my questions and I felt so confident in my choices. I was ready for the tile to be installed! Having an expert guide me through this process made all the difference! She took the guesswork out of selecting the products and quantities needs.

Carrara White Marble Pencil ½ x 12 used to make the edges look more finished.

Carrara White Marble Pencil ½ x 12 used to make the edges look more finished.

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This before with the old brown tile backsplash and old stove.

This before with the old brown tile backsplash and old stove.

This is the new updated backsplash using the Carrara White Brick Marble Mosaic 12x12 Mosaic tiles and Carrara White Marble Pencil ½ pieces for the finishing edges. I LOVE how it turned out!

This is the new updated backsplash using the Carrara White Brick Marble Mosaic 12x12 Mosaic tiles and Carrara White Marble Pencil ½ pieces for the finishing edges. I LOVE how it turned out!

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After my appointment with Renee, we took home all the boxes of tile and grout, and had the backsplash installed. We couldn't be happier! The tile backsplash looks perfect and changes the entire look of our kitchen! I had the best experience with Floor & Decor and would recommend them to anyone. It made this remodel project go so smoothly!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Floor & Decor. The opinions and text are all mine.

Appliance Shopping Stress Free with Nebraska Furniture Mart

Let’s be honest, when one of your household appliances starts to give out, you probably panic. I know I do! Because having to replace it is not a small cost. And then there’s the comparison shopping, hoping for the best deal, picking out the right brand, and delivery issues. After many years of buying appliances at various stores, I found the perfect solution - Nebraska Furniture Mart! #Sponsored

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I got my dishwasher and microwave from there, so when I was in the market for a new stove, I skipped the other retailer’s websites, and headed straight to NFM.com. Once at their site, I found it very easy to navigate. I started my search for ranges by filtering “slide in stainless steel range”, and based on my current kitchen measurements, I knew I could only fit a 30 inch wide range so I added that to the search criteria. Then I was able to compare brands, appliance options, and price. A list of ranges came up and I fell in love with this wonderful Frigidaire 30'' Slide-In Gas Range. I was able to order it right then and there from the comfort of my home. Although I must say, whenever I get the chance I love physically going to Nebraska's store and wandering aimlessly down the home decor isles. I love looking at all their visual displays.

After the range was ordered and I received a confirmation number and installation date. I couldn’t wait for that day to arrive! I didn’t worry about a thing and Nebraska Furniture Mart’s customer service department called two days prior to delivery just to confirm with me that everything was good to go.

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On the day of installation, I was like a kid on Christmas morning! The installers called ahead to let me know they would be at my home in about 45 minutes. I kept looking out the window for that big white and green truck. They came right when they said they would - right on time! How often does that actually happen? Once the truck pulled up to my driveway two Nebraska Furniture Mart employees jumped out, and let me tell you, these two guys were the nicest installers I’ve ever met! They were so positive and helpful and were great people people. Besides their attitude being so pleasant, they totally knew what they were doing. They disconnected the gas line and removed my old stove and then carefully took my new stainless steel slide in range off the truck and delicately unwrapped it. The men worked together to install it and hook up the new gas line. They also showed me information in the owner’s manual, and taught me all about the features of my new range. They cleaned up all the trash and made sure I was comfortable with everything before they left. Seriously, it was the best installation experience I’ve ever had! And they didn’t even mind posing for pictures!

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The difference between my old and new oven is amazing! I specifically wanted a stainless steel range without a back for a sleek, modern design. My prior oven was all back and I felt it just got grease on it all the time, not to mention being a bit of an eye sore. The black was such a stark contrast against my white kitchen cabinets. I also feel this new range helps to “open up” the kitchen making the space appear a little larger.

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The new oven came with a larger bottom drawer - something I’m in always need of because i have a lot of cookie sheet and cake pans.

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See the faux pink roses on the island - those are from Nebraska Furniture Mart too! I bought them at the store in their home decor section!

See the faux pink roses on the island - those are from Nebraska Furniture Mart too! I bought them at the store in their home decor section!

The entire experience was a exceptional. Nebraska Furniture Mart has definitely figured out how to make a customer happy. The entire process from selection to installation was a breeze! #NFMatHome #NFMStyle

Beddy's is a Game Changer!

Let’s be real, kids are terrible at making their beds. Their top sheet and blankets always just end up on the floor, making the room look messy. This drives me crazy!

As a mother of five children, I am always looking for tips and tricks to help cut down on clean up around the house.

Enter Beddy’s! Where has this been all my life? It has seriously made my life easier. Beddy’s has zippers all the way down both sides and across the bottom so it’s easy for kids to make their beds - all they have to do is zip them up! It’s a game changer!

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Let me tell what makes this product so amazing. First, the ZIPPERS. My younger kids make their beds everyday now because all they have to do is zip them up! No more sheets on the floor, no more blankets thrown in a pile on the bed. It’s made and stays that way! When zipped up it creates a cozy, snuggling feeling. And I have found it’s wonderful in helping little ones stay in their covers. It is also super easy to unzip and remove the top layer for washing and drying.

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Second, the fabric is awesome! Even my 7 year old noticed how soft and comfy it was. He couldn’t wait to sleep in his bed! The minky fabric is extremely soft and 100% polyester. The outer fabric is 100% cotton. That’s important to me because my son gets very hot and cotton is more breathable than other fabrics - which helps keeps his body temperature down during the night. The bottom has an elastic like a fitted sheet so it stays secure to the mattress and off the floor.

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Third, quality! I am very particular about bedding, and the stitching and construction of Beddy’s are top notch. It so well made that I am positive it will last me a long time. My sister came over the other day and was so impressed with the quality that she is now going to order Beddy’s for her three year old.

I have to tell you, and I am not making this up, my 12 and 14 year old boys now want Beddy’s for their beds! If that doesn’t let you know how wonderful this product is I don’t know what will.

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It Feels Like Fall!

I’m so excited to share with you my living room and entry way all decorated for fall! The neutral colors in their signs, tags, and tray - set the tone for the entire look! I mixed and matched different styles and textures of pumpkins that I had from years past, and then bought the small white pumpkins and florals to stick in in between the pumpkins.

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Decorating was made easy because I was able to decorate with gorgeous decor from Krumpetshomedecor.com. The wood signs and tags, wood stand up pumpkins, the tall harvest sign, all came from Krumpets.

Decorating was made easy because I was able to decorate with gorgeous decor from Krumpetshomedecor.com. The wood signs and tags, wood stand up pumpkins, the tall harvest sign, all came from Krumpets.

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To decorate my entry way, I wanted to keep the look of the living room and make the house flow. So I added more neutral colored pumpkins and this Thanksgiving sign from Krumpets.

To decorate my entry way, I wanted to keep the look of the living room and make the house flow. So I added more neutral colored pumpkins and this Thanksgiving sign from Krumpets.

I carried the same neutral colored theme in the dining room using the same pumpkins and florals.

I carried the same neutral colored theme in the dining room using the same pumpkins and florals.

This little cozy corner I changed up from neutral sages and creams and added a few pops of violet and mauve colors to give it a more romantic feel. I wanted to soften the look to match the words on the wood sign. Isn’t the quote on this sign the swe…

This little cozy corner I changed up from neutral sages and creams and added a few pops of violet and mauve colors to give it a more romantic feel. I wanted to soften the look to match the words on the wood sign. Isn’t the quote on this sign the sweetest? It’s by Devanie Adams, who made the sign.

Sources

Thankful Pillow - Kirkands

Small Square Pumpkin Pillow - Krumpets Home Decor

Harvest Sign - Krumptes Home Decor

Pumpkin Wood Sign - Krumpets Home Decor

Wood Tray - Krumpets Home Decor

Wood Stand Up Pumpkins - Krumpets Home Decor

Bead Garlands - Krumpets Home Decor

Coffee Table Tray - Marshalls

Wood Vases - Krumpets Home Decor

White Candle Sticks - Hobby Lobby

Large Fall Wood Tag - Krumpets Home Decor

Silver Candle Sticks - Home Goods

Magnolia Wreath - Graced Designs

Arch Mirror - Kirklands

Buffalo Check Pillow - Ikea

Mercury Glass Candle Sticks and Vases - At Home

Small Wood Tags - Krumpets Home Decor

White texture Pumpkin - Marshalls

Sage Green Pumpkins - Michaels

Cream Pumpkins - Hobby Lobby

A New Faucet Makes a Difference!

As a mother of five kids, I use my kitchen faucet a lot! My old kitchen faucet was leaking and having problems with the sprayer retracting back into the faucet. It was also very hard to maneuver. So needless to say, I was getting frustrated and it was definitely time for a new one. I knew I wanted stainless steel to match my kitchen cabinet hardware and appliances. I also knew I wanted a faucet with an easy to use pull down sprayer, and a soap dispenser. Pfister Faucets came to the rescue! I chose Pfister for its design, quality brand name, and great reviews. My husband installed it last weekend and I love how it looks and how easy it is to use! What a HUGE difference! 

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BEFORE:

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AFTER:

We chose a faucet named the Wheaton

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A few tips when installing a new faucet: 1. Clean out everything under sink.   2. Turn water off under the sink.   3. Have a large bowl to catch the water when you disconnect the   water lines. (You will have some water come out even with the   wate…

A few tips when installing a new faucet:


1. Clean out everything under sink.

2. Turn water off under the sink.

3. Have a large bowl to catch the water when you disconnect the
water lines. (You will have some water come out even with the
water off.) A hand towel will be very helpful as well to dry your
hands and any drips.

4. Disconnect the water lines and remove the old faucet. From here
follow the instructions that came with your new one.

FYI: Newer homes usually have plastic water lines, so be careful not to cross thread the connection when installing the new faucet.

As my husband was finishing installing the new faucet he said, and I quote, “This is actually quite simple. It’s awkward getting under the sink, but the process is quite simple.”


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With the faucet installed, it was time to put it to the test! The first thing you want to do is turn the water on and check for leaks. I ran the water and we had no leaks so I started doing some  dishes. The faucet worked amazingly!! The pull-down sprayer was so easy use and I felt with the high arch I had so much more room in my sink! And I loved the soap dispenser it came with!

Seriously this is a game changer! Anything that can help a mom out is definitely worth it! And this new faucet does just that! Plus Pfizer has its Pforever Warranty that cover finish and function for life! If you're wanting to refresh your kitchen or need to replace a broken faucet - a Psfier is a great way to go!

*I received free product from Spectrum Brands, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Spring Fun with Mackenzie-Childs

 I’m thrilled to be teasing up with this darling company called MacKenzie-Childs! Their products are so whimsical, creative, and fun! They sent me a few pieces that I will cherish for years to come! 

The Morning Glory Pitcher is my favorite! The colors are so bright and cheerful! It’s a fun contrast next to the black and white egg plate, which has the signature MacKenzie-Child's Courtly Check design.  To carry on the black and white look, I added  a black and white dot ribbon to my cake stands. (And the cake plate stands are at Home Goods right now - I just saw them in their stores!) Going back to the ribbon, it also goes great with the adorable Easter Chicks!! They too have have the Courtly Check design and are too cute for words! (I'm constantly taking them out of the hands of my two year old because she wants to play with them!) I love the love the turquoise color the bottom half of the chicks so I added the turquoise napkins to match their chevron pattern, and add a pop of color. The white bunnies and gold colored eggs are from Target. The carrots are from Hobby Lobby, but I got them forever ago.

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And being a gardening lover, I was very grateful to receive this darling gardening tool set from MacKezie-Childs. The tools are sturdy and comfortable to use. Plus, they're pink and black - my favorite colors! Thank you!

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Hope you have a wonderful time decorating for Spring like I did! And have an enjoyable 

Easter with family and friends. 

Woodland Elegance

I am so honored and excited to be on the 2017 Treetopia Design Council! 

I was given the wonderful opportunity to select several products of my choice from Treetopia.com. The products I chose were perfect for the "Woodland Elegance" theme I had in mind for my dining room. I wanted the room to be elegant, cozy, traditional, and stylish - as my dining room takes center stage on Christmas Eve.  My family's greatest Christmas Eve tradition is dressing in our Sunday best, having a delicious formal dinner, followed by attending a candlelight church service. It's a tradition my grandparents started long ago when my mother was young - and now has been passed down to my children. 

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For starters, I wanted a traditional Christmas tree to be the focal point of the room and that would capture the woodland theme. The 7.5 Noble Fir Tree  did just that with its perfect color, texture, size and shape! 

This tree represents the magic of Christmas to me with its sparkling glitter, gold ornaments, and whimsical reindeer, coupled with natural pinecones. It is reminiscent of my childhood when we as a family would cut down our tree in the snowy Minnesota forest. We would bring it home and decorate to resemble a tree like in a department store window. I wanted to recreate that feeling for my own children so that they too can have the wonder and awe that accompanies the majesty of the holiday season.

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The Gemmed Up Pearl Ornaments I picked out are a dream! They add such sparkle and elegance, and remind me of the vintage handmade ornaments my grandmother used to make by hand for us years ago. In fact, I can still visualize her pushing straight pins delicately as to place each piece of sequence and pearl by hand. 

Keeping with the neutral color scheme, I also added different gold textured balls, because a variety of textures helps create visual interest as well as a customized look. 

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I also chose the Harvest Pine 10' Garland and Harvest Pine 24" Wreath to compliment my buffet table. The intricate details of the pine and fur foliage mixed with the green and white berries, make this wreath and garland truly magical! I love how there are lights on both the garland and wreath - adding more magic! I did add a few layers of ribbon and placed a few gold ball ornaments around, but I didn't want to take away from the wreath and garland's natural beauty and unique texture! 

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This room, now dressed in the Woodland Elegance theme, is ready to usher in a magical Christmas Eve to be enjoyed by friends and family! 

Make sure to stop by the Treetopia Blog and see all the amazing trees from the rest of the 
2017 Treetopia Design Council!

Products with Unique Textures and Materials!

This world is full of different textures, from fabrics and textiles, to furniture and consumer products. In my profession as an interior decorator I deal with these elements daily. Along with color different materials and textures make life so much more interesting. Right now in the design world haptic textures are one of the hot topics. It's all about how we interact with products, the way they feel and the response those textures and products cause. 


I love it when I find unusual textures used in a different way! So when an original object catches my eye, I have to mention it. Like this watch from JORD WOOD Watches! I have never heard of, let alone seen a wooden watch before! When my husband saw this men's zebrawood watch from their Frankie series, he fell in love with it and had to have it! 

The first thing we noticed was the stunning wood box the watch came in. It even had a tiny drawer at the bottom. The attention to detail and materials was very unique and refreshing when compared to the usual plastic or paper of common consumer products. You can find more information about this unique watch here. 


And right now they're offering a giveaway! The contest winner will automatically be emailed a $75.00 e-gift code to the JORD shop. All other entrants will automatically be emailed a $20.00 e-gift code just for entering! So click on the the JORD Giveaway link to enter today! 


You'll want to hurry- the contest closes on September 7th, 11:59 pm Central Time.

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This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches #jordwatch #woodwatch #fallaccessories
Wooden Wristwatch