Floor Tile

I realized that there was some luxury to the green linoleum.  I didn't mop it, ever.  I mean, I did once or twice, but soon realized that it never looked clean.  With a new kitchen I'd have to start cleaning it!  Ugh.  So, with two dogs and a cat, I knew I'd have to get something that hides dirt.  I chose this tile from Home Depot.  They sold a very similar tile at Lowes too.  I was able to get Home Depot to price match, and beat the Lowe's price by 10%.  So, it was a no brainer.  The color is "biltmore grey." 

Stone Backsplash

I saw this backsplash at Home Depot the other day.  What do you think about this?  I like that it is neutral so we could go with any color walls and accessories.  Although, it may be a little too bland.  Funny enough I didn't like the tile before seeing it grouted.  I wonder why any company wouldn't display the tile grouted.  I find it odd.

Mudroom

So, I really don't have a mudroom, but this is the landing that you walk into to enter the house from the rear.
I really wanted something to match the blue paint, and yet still hide dirt.  I chose a darker grout, which I think looks really sharp.

What do you think about my first tile job?

When I moved into this house, someone had tiled and laminated the landing and steps.  So, when I pulled that up, the steps were coming with it.  So, I had a stair company down the street custom make a new staircase for the rear entry.  I received them unfinished, and had to find someone to install them myself, but overall I was very happy with them, and the price.  It ended up costing about $700, but I chose higher quality wood, and because of the odd shape of the entry, I had to have them made custom.

I painted the trim white to match the rest of the house.  The steps I stained to match the kitchen floors.  The kitchen is just on the other side of that door.