Everyone wants open concept living these days. It really is the most ideal layout for family living and entertaining. BUT, from a decorating standpoint it can be tricky. Our great room wears a lot of different hats. It’s a kitchen, dining room, office, living room space. With that many duties the trick is to make the space feel visually quiet instead of jumbled and busy.
I love our open concept space but I’m constantly trying to balance form and function in there.
The problem is this long stretch of wall.
The fireplace, sliding door and addition of shelves make the wall feel visually busy.
I’ve tried hanging art there and I’ve tried just leaving the wall blank. I’m a big fan of allowing some walls to be left blank so giving the room breathing space and allowing the eye to rest but in this case this wall feels naked. It needs something. But what?
Ding, ding, ding! Subway tile.
Technically it is the kitchen / dining room so I decided to just extend the subway tile that is already there on the adjacent wall.
Although I DIY’d the kitchen subway tile I decided to hire it out this time. I’m still partially recovering from the wacky kidney stone last week so while I was in bed I hoped on HomeAdvisor.com and found three tilers in my area. I called all three, got three bids and hired one. So far he’s been dreamy to work with. He actually calls and lets me know if he’s going to be late, cleans up after himself and is a perfectionist.
Back to the wall…
I’m hoping this will give that wall some visual interest without making it feel too busy and cluttered.
Stay tuned for the full reveal soon.
Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!
great idea! Was just wondering, where did you get the little red step stool in your kitchen? Thanks!
It’s actually from IKEA and I painted it red. I have three of those little stools around the house. They are so helpful. 🙂
Great idea! Can’t wait to see the results!
It’s coming along! 🙂
Can you tell me the width of the grout line? And what color are you going to use. Im about to start a bathroom tile job with a 4×12 white matte subway tile, and I’m not sure what to tell the installer for grout size and color. 🙂
1/16th. I used pearl gray which is very deep gray. I’ve also used warm gray which is lighter but still gives it contrast.