From the day I discovered herringbone marble tiles I knew I had to have them in my home.
But wanting them, and getting them, are two very different things.
My sister and I were so excited when we picked these tiles out, only imagining how dreamy they were going to turn out. Then we got a reality check. We were told by our builder we were looking at $7,000 for tiles and labour to lay the herringbone pattern to our kitchen backsplash. To say we were devastated does not even begin to describe how we felt at that moment. It was the one tile and pattern we had actually agreed on. With this news also came the realisation that we wouldn’t be able to have it in any other space either.
Moving In
FF a couple months and we are in our house. We are totally in love with the place and slowly tackling a task list.
Eventually on the list we get to the fireplace. The one we purchased is beautiful and everyone loves it but we had no idea what to do with the fire surround to complete the look. By this time we had spent most of our savings on the house and a lavish spend on this task was not possible. What were we to do? After paying a small fortune for the fireplace, our piece de resistance, we needed it to have a great finish.
The Fireplace
Eventually on the list we get to the fireplace. The one we purchased is beautiful and everyone loves it but we had no idea what to do with the fire surround to complete the look. By this time we had spent most of our savings on the house and a lavish spend on this task was not possible. What were we to do? After paying a small fortune for the fireplace, our piece de resistance, we needed it to have a great finish.
Research Time
So my research began. I was on the hunt for something beautiful but cost effective. Something that we could still both agree on. Then I stumbled on an unusual product… peel and stick, herringbone Carrera tiles. PERFECT! But where to find these in Australia (rather than the US site I found them on)? I hunted a little more and found an American company on Etsy who shipped to Australia. Yay! This was only going to cost me $250. (In comparison I am guessing that I would have been quoted around $2,000 had I done it in tiles).
Installation
So I not so patiently waited for these to be delivered. Yay, they finally arrived so now to figure out how exactly they worked. Hmmm…. to my surprise they were extremely simple even though I was putting them on quite a tight and difficult space. All I needed was:
- Peel and stick tiles
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
After marking out how much of the tile sheet I needed I then cut it out with scissors. After that I simply peeled the back from the tile, and stuck them on. I was careful to make sure I had no bubbles or creases. In the end it took me less than 30mins to complete. And the result is beautiful!
Final Words of Advice
So my advice to others is that, even though your dream option may not be available to you, don’t give up. Don’t stop looking for an alternative or a way to get what you want. It’s your HOME… you do you!
Cheers, Talissa xxxx
For those interested in peel and stick tiles, you can find them on etsy.
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