Slow, thank you for posting that site. I had seen that some people on these forums were using the crystals on their Christmas trees and thought they were really pretty. At the little store where I work--there are some for $11.00 each and some smaller ones that are $1.00 each. I was thinking about buying some of the $1.00 ones--but the site you shared with us has them with the round crystal on top for waaay less. Even with shipping costs--you just saved me money! Thank you. Luvs

kgwlisa, that's exactly what I was worried about - all those cut edges. If Bill V were my tile guy, I wouldn't hesitate, but... Anyway, I think we could afford to use that tile as a field tile, but that's a LOT of green - not sure I want to use that much of such a vibrant color. As for the idea of going modern in the bath, I've thought about it, but the rest of the apartment is definitely pre-war looking and I have no plans to renovate it anytime soon, if ever. There's something I love about period-feeling baths anyway, so I think we're going to stick with that (even if BF doesn't like the English-telephone-looking tub filler/handheld, LOL!). BTW, does anyone know anything about Elements of Design fixtures? They have a ton of really beautiful period fixtures but I'm concerned about buying crap... Here's a snapshot of some tile that I taped to the bathroom wall to try to get an idea of what my original wood-look floor/white subways/glass accent might look like: I know it's a terrible picture, and unfortunately the colors aren't really true, but I really like the blue-green tiles on the right with the faux wood and white (they're much bluer in real life). They look great with chrome fixtures, too. I think I'm going to go ahead with this color combo - I just need to decide whether to use the glass tiles in mini-subway size or 1x1s. I'm also going to browse a bit more this weekend to see if I can find something similar in a ceramic tile. Wish me luck!

mycatz-- We bought a wet saw. I just taught myself how. I have already done 3000 sq. ft of hardwoods and plenty of finish work on this house so figured I can do tile as well. Its a long story but we have an absentee builder and a bank who says we must finish, even though they chose our builder. I have learned a great many things from doing all this and feel I could tackle just about anything. Oh and yes you may have to put in extensions,we had to anyway as we have extensive beadboard and need extensions for that as well. Here is some of what I have been working on. Cabs will be white, haven't decided if I am going with lt grey or white grout yet.

I want to reduce fall risks as we age / guests age. There should be a vertical grab bar where you enter a shower or tub so you don't have to reach across the tub to the tile wall. Based on really helpful comments below about glass, my thought is to scrap idea of a walk-in shower with glass on two sides. (@JospehCorlett you may win!) ** What are everyone's thoughts on this idea instead? ** Note, this tub will not be used for baths. We have another bathroom for that in our main apartment down the hall. This is primarily for guests and sometimes for us.: (1.) Have a low tub - current vintage reglazed or new as low as possible, with the widest tub floor space possible. Suggestions appreciated! (2) Shower head, adjustable handheld, and tub spout on the long wall nearer window, spraying towards sink. (3) Build wall between tub and a new sink as in pic below. Shower controls mid-height on this wall - no need to bend down or reach to far long wall to turn on water. (4) Vertical grab bar on new wall inside shower, horizontal grab bar on long wall at standing height. (5) Use shower curtain rod as in second pic below. U and L shaped vintage look ones too unsturdy. Pros: Entry grab bar, takes care of weird window issue complicated by glass, fewer NYC permits needed than converting from tub to walk in. Cons: Tiny area for new sink. Evens out: Lifting leg into tub isn't great for aging in place, but grab bar helps with that and if someone is super limited range of motion they can stay in an ADA accessible hotel! Real estate pic of a unit in our building with wall between vintage tub and sink. Real estate pic of another unit with sturdy looking ceiling shower rod, low looking tub. Forget glass shower panel.