Last Updated on December 24, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
Remember when I said on Friday that last week was just awful? Well unfortunately, that horrible week continued right on through the weekend. No need for details here. There’s nothing unique about my life, and we all have those days where nothing seems to go right. I just happened to have seven of those days in a row last week. I’m sure lots of you have had weeks like that, so I’ll bet you can relate.
By the time I got to yesterday evening, I just felt like crawling into a hole and disappearing. And crying. And yelling at God for giving me way more than I can handle. (Don’t worry…He’s big enough to handle my tantrums.) I needed a break from life for a while, so I got in my car and headed to my mom’s house. And then I spent the next 3.5 hours laughing with my mom, step-dad, and brother.
That’s probably the thing I love most about my family. We laugh. A lot. Especially when my brother is around.
And I’m not just talking about polite, obligatory laughter at another person’s silly jokes. I’m talking about full on guffawing from the depth of your gut. I’m talking about hysterical laughter. Riotous laughter.
The kind of laughter that makes your abs sore, and leaves you gasping for breath.
The kind of laughter that makes streams of tears roll down your face.
Yes, that kind of laughter. The healing kind. The awesome kind.
By the time I left, I felt lighter. Rejuvenated. Invigorated.
I felt a clarity of mind about many things…my kitchen included.
Kitchen with white subway tile backsplash in herringbone pattern, via This Old House
Why have I been making things so difficult on myself? Why do I feel this pressure to be oh-so-unique, and to come up with some amazingly creative and super time-consuming idea, when what I’ve probably wanted all along is readily available and very inexpensive?
Why am I all of a sudden afraid that people will say, “Oh Em Geeeeee…look at Kristi, following those stupid blogger trends. Why can’t bloggers be original anymore?!” I’ve never really put much emphasis on what others think about me, so why am I paralyzed by that now?
Traditional Kitchen by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Melissa Lenox Design
Why have I been denying myself the option of using the very thing that is completely appropriate for my house, and will coordinate nicely with my plan for my breakfast room walls, simply because it’s common?
Farmhouse Kitchen by Toronto Photographers Stacey Brandford Photography
Well, it’s enough. I’m exhausted from the pressure I place on myself. Sometimes things just need to be easy. And some things just aren’t worth the stress.
Traditional Kitchen by Washington Design-Build Firms Four Brothers LLC
It is, after all, just a kitchen. And just a backsplash. There’s nothing groundbreaking about either of those things. And no matter how amazingly unique I try to be, nothing I come up with will be amazingly unique. Everything’s been done before. My “amazingly unique” idea would simply be a variation on someone else’s idea that I’ve seen online or in a magazine.
So it’s back to basics for me. Back to easy. Back to light and bright. Back to casual yet pretty. Back to common and inexpensive.
Kitchen reno by Always In A Southern State Of Mind
And you know what? That basic, easy, light, bright, casual, pretty, common, and inexpensive thing will look amazing in my kitchen. And even if no one else thinks so, I think so.
So here’s to a better, lighter, easier, happier, no-pressure week filled with laughter. Lots of laughter. It really is the perfect medicine for whatever ails you, and can clear away those cobwebs in your mind like nothing else can.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
98 Comments
Sherri
June 16, 2014 at 9:48 amGood for you!! You are the one that has to live with your decisions….I know it will look wonderful no matter what you decide…life is to short to stress over earthly things. God Bless…hope this week is much better.☺️
Joelle Smith
June 16, 2014 at 9:52 amSo true Sherri!
Joelle Smith
June 16, 2014 at 9:51 amKristi, you are a gem! I do this to myself all the time, in all kinds of situations. Having the “it’s OK to do what you want, just because you want to” conversation. Another one of my typical “talks” with myself is “it’s OK to change your mind, it’s your life, you get to go in another direction if that is better for you”. It IS just fine to do what you want to do, It IS your house. YOU live there, no one else lives with the choices you make (except your husband). You happen to have fantastic taste and style and to top it all off you make all of it happen with your own two hands. Do what you want to in your kitchen be it Classic, Crazy, or Common. It will be great!
Jess
June 16, 2014 at 9:52 amWhite subway tile is my absolute favorite. Do what you like, shouldn’t that be the whole point of the blog anyway?
Susan B
June 16, 2014 at 9:53 amSo sorry about your bad week. So glad you went back to what you wanted for your backsplash, because your opinion of your kitchen is the only one that matters.
Sheila F
June 16, 2014 at 9:53 am1st I hope Matt is feeling better. And I am glad your kitty is doing better. I have to say that I love subway tile. I feel it is a classic look. It may not be ground breaking but it can be grounding! With your green cabinets and striped floors a soothing backsplash will be a lovely backround. I am so happy that you took some time to spend with your family. Laughter is the best medicine!
Cate
June 16, 2014 at 9:54 amHere’s to a better week ahead with lots of laughter and doing what makes you happy!! I can’t wait to see your progress this week!
Denise Collins
June 16, 2014 at 9:56 amLove the idea…it is your kitchen, the one you will wake up to everyday…so I say go with your gut..and not the pressure of what others think..have a blessed day 🙂
Lisa E
June 16, 2014 at 10:01 amYay! Laughter is the best medicine. I’m happy to hear that you are taking some of the pressure off of yourself. With all that you do, Kristi, you are already unique, so no need to make yourself miserable trying even harder. Seriously, that green kitchen is anything but common so if you like white subway tile and it’s common in the blogland, it will still be unique in YOUR kitchen and look fabulous! BTW – I personally don’t know anybody who has it, blogland isn’t always the norm with most of the population. You already wow us. Relax and enjoy the ride. 🙂
Sherry
June 16, 2014 at 10:05 amI totally agree! Excellent point.
Josephine
June 17, 2014 at 7:44 amI agree, the kitchen will be unique with all the other items and projects you have done. Just because something is tried and true, doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. I love tile backsplashes, they are so easy to clean. I’m a messy cook, so easy clean is a good thing. I once painted my NYC kitchen bright red just so people didn’t notice the tomato sauce that inevitably got splattered on the wall. Keep up the good work, and hope you have a better week.
Sherry
June 16, 2014 at 10:04 amI really love the subway tile in the herringbone pattern. I think it’s the best option too. Meets all your needs.
Ok so when are the cabinets getting painted? Lol. I’m telling you I’m so excited to see them I can’t wait. 🙂
You’re amazing.
Pam Pulkrabek
June 16, 2014 at 7:59 pmMe too!! And I think the herringbone tile is perfect! I think it will enhance your cupboards.
Lori
June 16, 2014 at 10:05 amHooray! For months now I’ve been wondering when you would come to this realization! Not that what you’ve done isn’t amazing, but seriously, not everything has to be so hard! Ever wonder why certain décor elements become so popular? Probably because they’re affordable, easy to acquire, and look great. Nothing wrong with that. My husband always tells me, “don’t re-invent the wheel” and he’s right. Looking forward to seeing what you decide on!
Lily
June 18, 2014 at 1:47 amLori…well put. 🙂
Andrea
June 16, 2014 at 10:10 amIt IS pretty AND inexpensive and you will still be in the minority with it being herringbone pattern. 😀 Seriously- I felt the same way about Subway tile, but it’s ALWAYS caught my eye- before blogtopia invaded and influenced our minds to revolt because it’s trending. It’s a classic that’s constantly re-trending…which is what makes it a classic.. *DUH!*
I know what you mean about laughter. I have one friend that we might only see each other a couple times of year, but there are muscles in my abdomen that get a workout every.single.time. Like total goofball, pretty sure no one else would find that as hilarious as we do,domino effect laughing that only ramps up from there, kind of goofball. Laughter is healing, it resets the brain. It helps you refocus. I hope you have a great week! <3
Kim in Houston
June 16, 2014 at 10:11 amThe white subway tile is perfect and so much easier and quicker to do. I think it’s going to look great!
Nancy
June 16, 2014 at 10:11 amI’m so glad that you had fun and took the break with your family. For me, I find sometimes I just need to step, walk, or run away from the issue to get back to the simple truth of what is needed and wanted. Have a great week!
Karen
June 16, 2014 at 10:14 amI’m pretty sure that the white backsplash will be gorgeous with the green cabinets and will be a good match to your (absolutely gorgeous!) floor. And even more: it’ll lighten your kitchen more than a wooden backsplash, which might be nice as you don’t have windows there.
Had a bad week myself and keep my fingers crossed that both of us will be having a much better time now 🙂
Danielle
June 16, 2014 at 10:20 amGood for you! I thought the idea of making the little wood pieces was totally insane, and I’m glad you came to your senses! The white tile will be beautiful, and it won’t compete with your green cabinets and painted floors. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Cathy
June 16, 2014 at 10:21 amThis is why the classics have been around and always will be. Can’t argue with them.
that’s why I’m sticking with subway tile in my little cottage.
Pam
June 16, 2014 at 10:23 amKristi, it is your home and your choice. Do what pleases you. No matter what you do I know it will be beautiful and have your stamp on it.
Nothing better than good old belly laughs for stress relief. Keep laughing and thanks for all of your inspiration.
Alta
June 16, 2014 at 10:23 amSo sorry you’ve had a miserable week, but glad you were able to spend time with your family and get re-grounded. Laughter truly is the best medicine!
As far as the subway tile in the herringbone pattern for the backsplash, i think it is perfect for your kitchen. It will be distinctive enough to complement the countertops without competing with either the cabinet color or the floor, and it is classic with a twist. The fact that it is simple to install, easy to find, and relatively inexpensive is just a bonus!
You are already unique, Kristi! You don’t have to force it, just let it flow. I am continually amazed at your style and your mad handywoman skills, and your willingness to share that with us is a special gift. Thank you, and keep up the GREAT work!
Jeanie
June 16, 2014 at 10:24 amHALLELUJIAH!!! Do I see beautiful, gleaming white subway tiles in Kristi’s kitchen?? I never post negative comments because that’s just mean, but I have to say I was praying that you would change your mind about the wood backsplash! Why? Because I was just given a very old wood spool that was obviously displayed in a kitchen for a very long time and it feels, looks, and SMELLS greasy. Cooking grease just seems to be able to penetrate any finishing product you use…nothing is impervious!
Taking a step back and realizing how much pressure you’re putting on yourself always works for me…and belly laughs don’t hurt either! I have two very dear people in my life who both have terminal cancer and not much time left…this has made it crystal clear to me that the little things are just not worth the time and worry we invest in torturing ourselves about.
Deb
June 16, 2014 at 10:25 amThat ‘common and inexpensive’ thing will look amazing because it will be surrounded by all the drop-dead, awesome, unbelievably unique things that you – JUST YOU – have created. Your fan club grows every day. That makes you a living legend!!
diane
June 16, 2014 at 10:31 amLOVE! Laughter and white subway tile. Sounds like a great way to end an awful week. If it was after five, I would raise my wine glass to you.
Joanne
June 16, 2014 at 10:31 amSo glad you took some time out, that’s great you have such a FUN family. You are very blessed.
Couldn’t agree more do what you like…….
Lori Riggs
June 16, 2014 at 10:35 amKristi, YOU are amazingly unique! Look at all you have accomplished in your home…from electrical to construction to decor…and you are very creative. Sometimes things interrupt our plans because there are bigger plans destined for us to discover but we have to be forced to step back and gain a new perspective. Your week of the unexpected brought you to this new realization. This is YOUR home where YOU are making YOUR vision a REALITY. We are just happy and privileged to be along for the ride through your blog. I look forward to seeing your progress everyday and know it is going to be beautiful!
sonny
June 16, 2014 at 10:36 amI want to say first,, I admire your honesty~! so many bloggers do variations on designs and then sit waiting for the Nobel Prize panel to all fly to their location, fall at their feet and award them the lifetime achievement award..ugg
I always wanna comment to them and say- geez, get the hell over yourself- instead I just click out and shake my head.
This is your HOME, your project and your Hard Work. Do whatever you please and what makes you smile when you look it and let the rest of that crap go.
You are doing an amazing job on that entire house and you should have nothing but pride in your achievement~!!
MaryAnne Looby
June 16, 2014 at 10:44 amHmm…….can I get a Halleluijah? I am so happy you were able to clear out your head and see the light! I think you are going to be so happy with the finished product. The light backsplash and counters will set off the cabinets and blend perfectly with your appliances. You have your three WOW factors, green cabinets, stripped floor and crisp clean white. It will be a show stopper! Blessings to you and your laughing family~
Cathy
June 16, 2014 at 10:44 amI love the herringbone subway tiles. And if you start worrying about whether the white tiles might not mesh well with the white concrete, you could always go with another of your wants…..marble subway tiles.
So glad your family laughs like that. That’s what our family does when we’re together and it creates enough endorphins to last a week! 🙂
Rodney
June 16, 2014 at 10:44 amWell H E DOUBLE HOCKEY PUCKS… that was easy, now wasn’t it? 😀
Sharon
June 16, 2014 at 10:45 amYou’re absolutely right, the subway tile will look amazing. And yes, we all have those days and those weeks, and quite frankly, I wonder how you keep the momentum up most of the time. You’re a very hard worker Kristi and it’s OK to lose that momentum sometimes, it happens to us all. Don’t be so hard on yourself. 🙂
Dorothy
June 16, 2014 at 10:45 amDo you ever take a vacation? It sounds like you need one. Your life is about so much more than your house. Take pleasure in some other things more often. Especially your family which sound so awesome.
Vickie White
June 16, 2014 at 10:46 am“Laughter does good like a medicine!” So glad you took a break to be refreshed by your family! Nothing better! 😀
By the looks of your pics you posted it would seem you’re leaning towards white subway tiles on the herringbone pattern! So lovely!! AND timeless! But even if you change your mind again, it’s a women’s prerogative to do just that! No matter what you choose, it will be beautiful. I know sometimes I will feel better just by talking or “venting” things out loud. Makes me think clearer too. I look forward to your posts even when you’re having a bad day so never stop!
Gaye
June 16, 2014 at 10:53 amAwesome comments from the gang above and I echo them. You are so totally blessed to have a family that loves to laugh and more importantly they are nearby. Count that one of your greatest blessings in life…which is as someone said is just far too short. Love your blog and am anxious to see the end result. Hugs to you and Matt too and that great family of yours. Step out now, it is a new week and great surprises await.
Krikit
June 16, 2014 at 11:03 amGood for you, sweet gal! God is good. All the time. 🙂 May your family never run out of things to LOL at — even if its yourselves. 😉
Guerrina
June 16, 2014 at 11:10 amYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for white subway tiles! I love them! I also happen to think they are perfect for your kitchen 🙂
Anne B
June 16, 2014 at 11:11 amLove it!!! I have been searching forever for a back splash….so using your idea. I can’t wait to see how it looks with your beautiful floor and cabinets! I think the contrast with the concrete counters will be cool too! Wishing you all things joyful this week!
Betty
June 16, 2014 at 11:17 amI think the subway tile will be great, who cares if other people have used it before, you will make it your own by what you add to it. Two people can have on the same blouse, but with different accessories it can appear different yet stylish, unique, and have our own personality stamped on it. Knowing you, you will make it uniquely your own. I am glad you are feeling better.
Jane
June 16, 2014 at 11:19 amGood for you! Life is already complicated enough without making ourselves crazy! I love seeing what you are doing in your kitchen……………….it’s gonna be wonderful!
Lesley Ann Sturge
June 16, 2014 at 11:23 amHi kristi, gut feeling, face hurting, tears streaming is the best kind of medicine! Glad you found some. I love it when that happens and it’s usually from my family too. I get down and sometimes say “why me” and struggle so I hear you when you when say you had a hard week. Here’s to a better one this week and it does always get better.
As for the subway tile I’m super excited because I am doing the same this week. I just finished my cabinets and they are white and my counter is black and I could give two hoots who likes it or not. I don’t care if it’s been done to death because I love the look and it fits my idea of what my house should look like. Glad you came around and decided to do what you want. It will be beautiful. Cheers
Betty
June 16, 2014 at 11:24 amGood for you! As long as you are happy and it fits, you have nailed it.
Life is complicated enough without us adding to it.
julie
June 16, 2014 at 11:26 amMe too, me too! Echo everything said above. SO glad to hear you’re using tile. (and that you’re not going to try to bake and glaze them yourself, lol) Yes, subway tile gets used a lot. It’s a classic. And why are things classics? Because they stand the test of time..because they are amAzing. Just like your kitchen is going to be. Happy you’re feeling better, Kristi. You’re involved in a HUMONGOUS project with that house. Of course there are gonna be some ups and downs — even week long ones. But, girl, you lived to tell the tale. Now go tile that back splash! 🙂
Kimberly
June 16, 2014 at 10:33 pmActually, I know someone who DID glaze and kiln her own kitchen and bathroom backsplash tiles! And she did it at one of those “paint your own ceramics” studio places, too. She painted the tiles for the bath in a mural scene, and they fired them in the kiln for her. She put the tiles down herself, they ended up looking really nice. This was years ago, not sure if those studios do this type of thing anymore (letting you use their supplies on your own blanks).
Dana Jordan
June 16, 2014 at 11:34 amKristi, that’s what I love about your blog and your methods. You make ordinary look extra-ordinary. You’re highly creative and that’s why I follow the blog. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Jewel
June 16, 2014 at 11:42 amKristi, Kristi, Kristi, Glad you laughed. I agree that is the best. But………..remember that YOU are never going to crawl into hole. A Hole! That is where ucky things are, not you
Ginger
June 16, 2014 at 12:08 pmBEST. POST. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your home should make you happy, not others. And like someone said above “blogland” is different than the real world. Your kitchen floor is unique, your fireplace, lamps and so many other things are so unique in your home. Not everything has to be different. And the white herringbone subway tile will be beautiful!!
I have a huge picture of a cows head in my kitchen. Kinda abstract with yellows, oranges and reds etc with big soulful eyes. It is NOT my style. My kitchen is done is soft blue/greys with white and black. And I see some odd looks from friends when they come in and see it for the first time. But I bought that picture on a personal trip to see my son in his new home of Charleston SC and I know the memories it holds of a wonderful trip there….
Your home should make your heart smile. And only you can do that. And it may never make sense to others but that’s ok. I get up and walk into my kitchen every morning and pour my coffee and look at the cow and smile. It makes me miss my son of course, but it also makes my heart smile. <3
debbie
June 16, 2014 at 12:20 pmYou go girl – all that matters is what you like and will enjoy. I love the herringbone design with the subway tiles. I love subway tiles regardless of how they are done. They’re simple but beautiful.
Tammy
June 16, 2014 at 1:25 pmSo glad you stepped away from that process for a bit you needed that more then anything…!!!! I think you were putting more pressure on yourself then you relised…. we all can’t wait to see what you will accomplish but are willing to wait, WE WILL BE HERE WATCHING FOR YOUR BLOG….. WE LOVE YOU KRISTI…!! Take time for yourself…..!!!!
Shelby
June 16, 2014 at 1:46 pmI get into this all the time! I see creative things and I imagine ways of doing them that twists them into my unique style and I start trying to force them into my house. In reality, there’s no place or it’s too much or that room already has a focus. I’ve wondered throughout this dialogue if you were moving the focus from the gorgeous and unique green cabinets on to an equally surprising backsplash. Those cabinets are going to deserve all the attention they get and focus should not be pulled. The white is a perfect frame. The herringbone is the added detail people will notice after they are done being dazzled by the green. This is the perfect choice!
I tell myself all the time “Just because I can doesn’t mean I should.” Your cabinets shouldn’t compete with your backsplash. They should sing on their own. As always, it seems, you have made a rock solid decision.
Kismet
June 16, 2014 at 2:06 pmWhew….huge sigh of relief.
Leslie
June 16, 2014 at 7:52 pmThis echos my thoughts exactly 🙂
Kacy
June 16, 2014 at 2:06 pmYou don’t have to work to impress me! I am impressed already, just by the very fact that you are doing these things yourself. I am grateful for the instruction and I appreciate that you open your door and let me in to see what you’re working on. At the end of the day, this is not just your house project, it’s your home and you and your husband get to live there. Let it be what YOU truly love and forget about trying to please the masses with something that doesn’t make you truly happy. If you want a dirt floor, go for it. I’m just happy to see how you install it and what it looks like when you’re done 😉 If I don’t like it, I’ll just choose something else for my home.
Natalia
June 16, 2014 at 2:09 pmI love subway tile and I love a herringbone pattern, but laughter, that’s where it’s at!
Laura Ingalls Gunn
June 16, 2014 at 2:13 pmLaughter is truly the best medicine. I really appreciate that you share the good and the bad on your blog. It makes you seem real and approachable. In this day and age of social media it is close to impossible to be completely original, but I’ll say it once more, you have mad skills!
Sue
June 16, 2014 at 2:19 pmAMEN. I think your subway tiles will look great and solve a lot of your stress issues.
Linda DeA
June 16, 2014 at 2:29 pmI always thought the white subway tiles in a herringbone design was the way to go, but you seemed so determined not to go that way, that I didn’t comment. I felt you were trying to make things more difficult than they had to be. So, I’m glad you’re going with the tiles. I think your kitchen will be lovely!
Connie
June 16, 2014 at 2:30 pmKristi, there is a reason why subway tile is seen so much…it works! Besides which, nothing done in a herringbone pattern can possibly be “ordinary” (yep, a slight partiality to herringbone). The pattern will take away the ‘ordinary’ while leaving it a great neutral for your green cabinets and other beautiful elements so it isn’t too busy and the focus remains where it should be. The other blacksplash I really liked was the beautiful herringbone marble that was in one of the photos you posted. It was classy, subtle and….hey, kind of like herringbone subway tile, huh? (without the cost of marble)
Maureen
June 16, 2014 at 2:40 pmHmm…sensing a common theme in all those pictures.
Really, I like it. It’s simple, and clean, and has the herringbone pattern that you love.
Gayle
June 16, 2014 at 2:44 pmOh Kristi, one of the reasons your blog is so popular is that we all (those of us that count!) really like all of your decisions you make and how you get to them.
You are that real person with amazing talent-self taught I might add- that teaches us how to save money by doing it ourselves. I tune in for ideas and the validation that I don’t have to have bags of money to create something just as great as those who have the very best.
Never give anyone an apology for doing something you want to! So what if you are using those tiles for your backsplash….my god woman you built and installed all the cabinets, you did the floor, YOU did all that!
If anyone is critical of your decisions, I would bet the only hard work they have done is mashing their own potatoes.
A lot of people in your situation would be overwhelmed with the caregiver role you have, not to mention the emotions you may be feeling with Matt not being well. And your cat, pets are so much intertwined with our lives and hearts after all this pussy cat has been through all your remodel adventures with you – just like a partner!
So glad you are on to a new week and you have humor to get you through, thank you for sharing that with us!
Sending a big hug out to you(or a shot of vodka…LOL)……………Gayle
Gilmer Gal
June 16, 2014 at 2:50 pmThe white subway tile is perfect for not throwing too much cluttering looks for your awesome floor and the color of the cabinets. I think you’ll love this, and I always thought it was what you needed. Something with nice, clean lines. Yay, another decision made.
“Family life is the source of the greatest human happiness.” Robert J. Gavinghurst
“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Prov. 17:12
barb
June 16, 2014 at 3:04 pmYAY you! Stress should be saved for the bigger events in life – not a back splash. 🙂
Lindsay
June 16, 2014 at 3:29 pmBravo! It is your house, and your readers enjoy your humor and realness in application. Not every design detail can or should be on the level of green cabinets. You do beautiful work, pat back now.
Genelle McDaniel
June 16, 2014 at 4:09 pmYour post has really made my day. Thank you so much for sharing the struggles and happiness you feel. It makes you real. And remember that need for laughter the next time things get a little tough. Love you.
Sonya Moreau
June 16, 2014 at 4:13 pmHurray for the white subway tile! It’s beautiful, AND functional!!! After all, what is a backsplash? A place that DOES get splashed! So glad you decided against wood. I think you’ll be happier with the results. And white will brighten it up so much!
Jaybird
June 16, 2014 at 4:34 pm:^)
You go girl!!
Hugs to you, Matt AND Kitty!!
Blessings,
J
JoanneS
June 16, 2014 at 4:54 pmYou go girl!! Your backsplash will be awesome!! I’m with you on the laughs that only a brother can – mine’s the same way. Sorry that last week was so awful. You’ll have a better one coming up. Rock on! 🙂
Barbara
June 16, 2014 at 5:27 pmYippee, Kristi…thanx for sharing…we all need to stop, take stock, love ourselves, and move on…
You’re doing a beautiful job…no matter what anyone says or thinks…I just went though something similar this morning…and came up with the same answer…
Laughter IS such good medicine….
Have a great week…
Pat
June 16, 2014 at 5:52 pmHip….Hip……Hooray for you….. God bless….
Becky
June 16, 2014 at 5:54 pmGood for you, Kristi! Sometimes we just need to get out of our own way and do what we need to do. I actually think the white subway tile is going to be AWESOME! And most important, YOU are going to love it. You will never get tired of it. It won’t go out of style. Stay true to yourself and don’t worry about the responses. We will never make everybody happy. Big hugs!
Sharon
June 16, 2014 at 6:45 pmKristi, maybe you needed the bad week to force the crisis so that you would work your way around to where you are now. I think most of us are in the habit of doing things the hard way. We all worry about what everyone will think and we know we shouldn’t but there you have it.
I love what you are doing with your kitchen. You could paint it bright purple with orange floors and I would still love it because it inspires me. I don’t like everything you do but that’s okay because the inspiration is the key. I often look at something you have done and take a bit away with the idea of “I could work with that”.
Now I am prejudiced because when we get the forever house I am having a white kitchen. Hubby might think otherwise but I have news for him. So your pretty splash back tiles appeal greatly to me. Meanwhile my brain is brimming over with “hmmmm how will that look with the green cabinets? Oooooh is she still having the green?” Now I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what you get up to next.
Never change, Kristi. Personally I follow you because I love what you are doing and I suspect that you have a large following because of who you are.
Joyce tx
June 16, 2014 at 7:18 pmYea! LOVE THE CLASSICS! Good for you!
Melinda
June 16, 2014 at 7:56 pmSo happy you took the time to spend with family, relax and laugh! God is good!!!!
Kristi Linauer
June 16, 2014 at 7:59 pmAll the time. 😉
bonnie
June 16, 2014 at 8:19 pmSomeone thoughtfully mentioned white tile herringbone in one of your last few posts and I thought to myself, that would be really cool. Very glad you took some time to recoup after a stressful week. I’m cheering you on and grateful you take the time to explain your thoughts, feelings and emotions on this journey. Your site has been a true inspiration and a great help to me in my building. I’m on my second project (bookcase and eterge wall center) and planning my third. It’s very addictive:-) thank you!
Lisa
June 16, 2014 at 8:20 pmLaughter IS the best medicine …
And
I love subway tile. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, herringbone, basketweave … it’s all beautiful and timeless and classic. In redoing our kitchen I want it to feel like a classic Parisian cafe … even though I’ve never ever been to Paris. If I could just nail one element (could be anything) I’ll be grinning ear to ear.
Glad you got yourself some good guffaws!
Lynne
June 16, 2014 at 8:36 pmKristi you are so funny! You do soooo many amazing things that I can’t believe being common even crossed your mind! I happen to love subway tile and it has stood the test of time. I don’t necessarily think it’s boring or ordinary. I think its simple, clean and classic. What will make it amazing in your home is because you are remodeling your whole freaking kitchen by yourself!!! You can do so many things and it makes me want to try and do more things on my own as well. Your whole home speaks volumes about YOU! Don’t let doubt creep in your head! Chin up girl! No go continue to be awesome!
Tess
June 16, 2014 at 8:39 pmI absolutely love it!
susan
June 16, 2014 at 8:44 pmI. loved. this, post. it is perfectly fine to be simple and not have to “think outside the box” to be different, yet be just a variation of another idea. what you have done so far is AMAZING!! I don’t know how you do what you do.. you really wear me out trying to keep up with all the creativity! slow down, relax, enjoy and by all means, LAUGH!
Martha
June 16, 2014 at 9:48 pmKristi, I started laughing when you described the kind of laughing you enjoy with your family – mine is the same – hearty belly laughs with tears rolling down our cheeks, can’t catch our breath enough to finish the story, and then you’re chuckling a few days later remembering what made you laugh in the first place. I once heard a doctor in an interview say that it’s impossible for us to remain tense when we’re laughing. A patient of his had been helping a friend move a fridge and they started laughing and the fellow dropped the fridge on his toe because he couldn’t hold on tightly enough while he was laughing! You just can’t clench your teeth and clench your fists when you laugh! My other point is – I hope our comments don’t make you feel pressured to always come up with something incredibly unique. We (followers and fans) often say things to you like “I know it will be gorgeous” or “can’t wait to see what you come up with” and maybe that reads as “can’t wait to be wowed by the next big thing you do.” But I think we all mean the same thing – we just really want to see what you ultimately decide to do in the overall plan, whatever that may be. Subway tile is going to look great – clean, shiny, glossy, smooth…ahhhhhh – it’s a classic for a reason! Here’s to a better week!
Kimberly
June 16, 2014 at 10:22 pmSo I’m guessing by showing us several pics of white subway tile in a herringbone layout, that’s what you’ve selected for your backsplash?! Yay! It’s beautiful, I’ve always been a huge fan of subway tile, and I personally love white or light colored surfaces especially for a kitchen because of my poor eyesight. That backsplash will be lovely in what is shaping up to be a really beautiful kitchen (every time I see your floors I swoon, and THOSE CABINETS!). Even if you ended up going with some of the more iridescent tiles in your colorway, it’d still be a beautiful and classic look that would play off your cabinets and floors so well, but would give you the little bit of “the unexpected” you are looking for in a backsplash.
Nicki
June 16, 2014 at 11:38 pmI for one, think that is fantastic choice! I love white subway tile, it is classic and beautiful, and I love the pattern you have chosen. It will never go out of style!
Tammy
June 17, 2014 at 6:28 amYou are amazing! I look forward to your posts, wether it be the updates on your projects, or posts like this where you let us see how tough it is to keep going. I love the fact that you change your mind, and make mistakes…your real, wonderful, and so talented! Your an inspiration, it may be a beautiful complex wall of cabinets or a choice of simple classic subway tiles, or even a reminder to have that outrageous belly laugh to break the cycle of “what to do, what to do”, what ever the subject line…your are great!
Mitzi Walker
June 17, 2014 at 6:45 amKudos to you! It sounds great as do all of your ideas. My personal favorite so far. Sometimes with chaos comes clarity. So glad you found yours, and I hope this week proves to be better.
Cathy
June 17, 2014 at 8:21 amKristie,
Subway tile is perfect! It will always…be “on trend”. You are anything but “trendy”…you are so talented & unique. Your kitchen will be wonderful.
Cathy
Beth
June 17, 2014 at 9:55 amLately I’ve come to the realization that amazing bloggers like yourself and blog stalkers like me have a skewed version of what is “common” as you called it. Yes, we’ve seen lots of white herringbone backsplashes online but here in the real world, I don’t know a single person with a herringbone backsplash or even a white one for that matter. Also, we tend to “see” only what appeals to us. For example, I decided I wanted to paint my back door black and now I see them everywhere. They were there all along, I just never noticed! I suspect it’s the same with your beautiful backsplash.
sally
June 17, 2014 at 11:30 amKristi I think the white subway tile is a classic and the herringbone pattern is classic and there is no way you can go wrong combining the two. CLASSIC DOESN’T GO OUT OF STYLE. And more importantly it is your kitchen do what you want. I am addicted to your blog because you are so Real and Down to Earth. And that is exactly what most of us are looking for. Thanks again for inspiring us to do things ourselves.
Debra
June 17, 2014 at 12:31 pmI am so happy you were able to find joy surrounded by those you love! I have thoroughly enjoyed every piece of work I’ve seen of yours!! So just know there are others out there that like what you do! I love this quote from your blog, “So it’s back to basics for me. Back to easy. Back to light and bright. Back to casual yet pretty. Back to common and inexpensive.”
These are the items I desire for my home, too! So keep the beauty coming! <
Stana
June 17, 2014 at 6:42 pmThat’s the way life goes, right? I can relate to the laughter–anything that I bring home to her with tales of my college-age kids just crack her up which cracks me up. Life is good.
Chelle Ellis
June 17, 2014 at 10:29 pmI think white subway tile in herringbone pattern will be stunning in your kitchen, especially with your white appliances.
Rebecca
June 17, 2014 at 11:16 pmI love the tile and the pattern it will be laid out in.
nancy
June 18, 2014 at 8:17 am{{{hugs}}} sorry you had a rough week. laughter is definitely a good cure for what ails you. we used white subway tile in the herringbone pattern (you are sweet to picture it above) and I love it and I don’t care what anybody says. 🙂 trend or no trend, it only matters if you love it since you’re the one who has to pay for it and live with it. 🙂 cant wait to see what you do. adding you to my blogroll so I can keep up.
blessings,
nancy
Tess
June 18, 2014 at 1:24 pmi just saw this picture and immediately thought of your kitchen http://www.gatherandbuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Screen-shot-2014-02-07-at-9.10.16-AM.png
Charish~J
June 21, 2014 at 6:36 amI guess this all about the love for family; whether go to heaven or hell, they are the one who will follow you anywhere 🙂
The idea of togetherness and completeness comes with family. This is the reason why all your worries and disappointments disappeared when you visited your mother’s place. I second that 🙂
CB Phillips
June 21, 2014 at 9:57 pmYay! It’s a great decision. You’re absolutely right. Do what you like. There will always be critics. Don’t be a critic of yourself.!!!
Good job.
Daki
June 24, 2014 at 11:25 amLaughter is definitely my best medicine too :)…I’m sure you’re coming along great with your kitchen too. No worries.
Elizabeth Sagarminaga
June 27, 2014 at 1:11 amSo inspirational and amazing work. I am so happy you were able to find joy surrounded by those you love! Kristi I think the white subway tile is a classic. Thanks for sharing all your hard work with the rest of us! Thanks Kristi for the information. Great Job! You really have drive.