absolutely.alonda

Should you seal after you grout?

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Should you seal your grout after installation?

This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, as a Lowe’s Partner I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All thoughts shared are my own and honest opinions.

Short answer: Yes
Longer Answer: Still yes but here is how and why.

Standard grout is a porous material making it easy to stain and much harder to clean so you want to provide a barrier after you grout. Now in lower traffic areas this isn’t going to be a huge issue but in spaces like kitchens, entryways and bathrooms it’s really a good idea. Especially if you are using a lighter grout color.

It’s an easy and affordable step. The bottle I bought was less than 10 dollars, has a built-in brush applicator and we barely used a quarter of it. Sealers come in a variety of colors so if you wanted to refresh your grout colors that’s an option but otherwise I would opt for clear.

To apply simply follow the grout lines and wipe away the drips or excess from the tiles. Because this product drips, make sure to protect any surrounding areas. You could use painters tape or what we did which was just pop a piece of paper towel under the area you’re working on.

Want to see how we applied it? Find that here.

You’ll want to refresh your seal approximately every 1-2 years. There are a few more steps involved there so let me know if you want a post with that information!

Shop for Miracle Sealants 6-fl oz Clear Grout Sealer at Lowe’s - here.

Working with imperfect non-rectified tile vs rectified tile

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Do you suffer from rectified tile dysfunction? 

It’s okay it can happen to anyone!

Obviously I am talking about tile edges. Why….what did you think I meant?

This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, as a Lowe’s Partner I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All thoughts shared are my own and honest opinions.

Tile edges fall in two main categories: Rectified and Non-rectified (or Unrectified)

Rectified means the edges are machined so that they are clean and sharp to make them nearly identical. 

Then you have non-rectified where they are either molded or left with their imperfect edges through the firing process. 

I personally like the imperfect edge because this gives a natural character that resembles handmade tile with a nod to that gorgeous Zellige effect. 

I used Bedrosians ceramic tile which is crafted in Spain and loved the creamy white with the waves and ripples. You can find this tile at Lowe’s here.

So here is what we learned:

This tile is like putting together a tipsy jigsaw puzzle. Since there are waves in the edges you will need to select tiles that compliment one another’s edge variations. It takes patience and time. 

The 3/32 (2 mm) spacer was the best fit. Anything smaller and it didn’t leave room for the variations in tile edges. However, the spacer will only be a general guide. The natural edge of the tile is going to be too tight or too wide if you go solely on the spacer. Also another shout out to Musselbound here because it can hold your tile in place without relying on the spacers to keep in position while the thinset dries. FYI: Musselbound comes with enough spacers so you don’t have to buy any extra. You can find it here.

A laser level is crucial to keep your general line straight BUT again the natural edge of the tile plays visual tricks. You need to turn off the level and step back to get the full effect and compensate for the tile shape. I use the Catlyn 16 Line from Amazon which you can find here.

Take your time and go slow. It’s going to be tedious but the end effect is worth it!

Now time to grout!!

Resources:

Bedrosians Marin Pearl White (White) 3-in x 6-in Glossy Ceramic Subway Wall Tile.

Two rolls of MusselBound 15-sq ft Plastic Waterproofing Tile Membrane

Project Source 14-in Ceramic Tile Cutter Kit

Catlyn 16 Lines 360 Laser Level (Amazon)

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers with Lowe's

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Need a few quick last minute gifts that aren’t going to break the bank?

I’ve rounded up 10 items from Lowe’s that are not only great for your favorite DIYer but also perfect for a first time home buyer or neighbor.

Happy Shopping!

Amazon Finds: Modern Ceiling Fans (That Don't Look Like Fans!)

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Have you heard about fandeliers? I know I know the name is bad but a bladeless (really hidden blade) ceiling fan option is out there with some really fabulous styles! I personally love having a fan in every room but I don’t love the profile of a traditional ceiling fan in spaces like a living room, bedroom or kitchen so this is my new go to!

It’s cool breeze meets modern aesthetic and I have rounded up some of my favorites from Amazon!

Each of these ceiling fans have the following attributes:

  1. Lights

  2. Multiple speeds

  3. A Remote

Currently each ceiling fan is UNDER $200.00 to fit a variety of decor budgets.

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This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All thoughts shared are my own and honest opinions.

A. HUMMINGBIRD Rattan Flush Mount Ceiling Fan in Gold

I’m a sucker for anything gold and rattan honestly. It bridges the gap between modern and vintage styles making it so flexible!

B. LETMAREY Hemp Wrapped Birdsnest Low Profile Fan.

The darker tone of the hemp add extra personality here. This feels like it can sit happily in farmhouse or midcentury modern settings. The criss cross weaving makes it visually interesting as well.

C. ZHESHIRUI Rattan Caged Low Profile Fan

Light, airy and a touch of boho. I love the modern angles agains the organic materials. It’s one of those pieces that would look amazing in both modern or traditional spaces.

D. WUYULE Crystal Fan with Retractable Blades

This one has those classy vintage vibes in the shape of the glass and gold encasement. A super cool feature of this fan is that when it is not in use the blades fold in so you can focus on the elegant light design. 

E. SHITOUGU Rattan Woven Cage Low Profile Fan

The soft rounded shape of this face adds an organic flow to a space. I feel the circular glow adds an additional ambient lighting effect in the evenings.

F. LODADRA Beaded Trim Flushmount Fandelier

This fan takes the traditional look of a beaded chandelier and adds air movement to it. Win win. The little beaded bauble in the middle is honestly my favorite part.

G. LUANSKY Scalloped Bead Flushmount Fan

Though beaded like the Lodadra ceiling fan this one has a totally different personality. There is something soft and elegant about scalloping.

H. YARETRO Woven Cage Fandelier with Reversible Motor

Sitting lower than the other fans this would work especially well on higher ceilings. The gold metal and the organic shape compliment eachother really well.

I. ZHESHIRUI Rattan Low Profile Fan in Black

I love the contrast of this one with the dark black iron against the light brown rattan. I’ve always tried to blend my traditional ceiling fans into the surroundings so as to not draw focus but this style is a worthy presence.

Living Room Refresh with Boutique Rugs

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Have you ever spilled an entire iced coffee on your area rug? Cool cool…me neither…well, except for when I did exactly that like 2 weeks ago. I tried to clean it up but the damage was done. Cue the somber music.

Obviously that meant it was time to go area rug shopping with three things on my must haves list:

1. Washable (since ya girl clearly can’t be trusted)

2. Durable for the high traffic area

3. Style that worked with my space

After some browsing on Boutique Rugs, adding to cart and a touch of overthinking I narrowed it down to my top three area rugs:

Each one of these area rugs are absolute stunners, washable and better yet - affordable - so choosing just one for my living room was, well, a challenge. BUT I did it! I found the ONE!

(Insert drum roll)

I went with The Avel Washable Area Rug from Boutique Rugs and I am in freaking LOVE!

The Avel has rich blue, burgundy and beige tones which elevate the entire room and it’s so soft! I ordered a 7'10" x 10' and it fits my space perfectly plus the rubber backing means it stays put.

The best part of all? NO FEAR when it comes to spilled iced coffee now. I’m unstoppable! As long as I get enough sleep, don’t think about anything that makes me nervous or have to talk in public…I’m unstoppable!

You ready to go shopping?

Because I have something special for you over at Boutique Rugs!

This post contains affiliate links that provide you savings and may yield me a commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on my actual experience with the product.

Score an extra 25% off THIS WEEK ONLY on The Avel Washable Rug when you use code ALONDA25 at checkout! Click here to shop.

Or if you have your eye on one of the other rugs from my top three you can find The Haile Washable Rug here and the The Ganyangan Washable Rug here.

Want to shop around for a different washable style? Click here! There’s no shortage of options. Use code ALONDA at checkout for 10% your entire purchase.