Smarge... I wouldn't rule out slate...we have slate in an older home (it's about 60 years old). We've lived there 15 years and have never done a thing to it and it gets abused by our chocolate lab and we use this entry way...daily! It's constantly getting wet and muddy....when I do get around to wiping it down it looks just fine...but I'm sure others here will give you good advice. We too are considering such a doggie set up in a future home build ..I would LOVE to see a floor plan of this area to see how you're setting it up! Thanks.

The metal edge is a simple corner piece for any kind of drywall so he should be able to pick that up anywhere. As for mudding over it, well, it's just like mudding anything else ... takes a little practice but it's not impossible. There should be a ton of mudding tutorials online to look at. I don't think I'd bring the tile around the corner. Plus then you're left having to tile and outside corner and my understanding is that that's no picnic either. One concern on that niche in your shower: It doesn't look like there's been any kind of waterproofing in there at all. It looks like it's just plain cement board. If that's the case that's going to be a problem.

Oh wow, thank you guys! Just when I'm having a bad day, I jump on here and get complimented, and it makes my day! :) G - thank you! I didn't know people even looked at my kitchen on the FKB anymore since it was such a long time ago. I do enjoy my kitchen and still feel like it's brand-new. I can't stand clutter on my counters so I have to constantly clean, because I want it to stay new as long as possiblw! yes, I just love my corner sink. I also moved our sink from under a window to the corner, and it was a wonderful decision. I probably have 24 inches between the sink and the stove (to my left) and three feet between the sink and my dishwasher (to my right), so it's in a perfect position. If I would have had to sink under the window, I would have had to drip water on the floor all the time moving from the stove to the sink, know what I mean? It's been perfect, and I wouldn't have it any other way, seriously. It's great! You will love it! My mom still gets annoyed when she comes over because she's old school and does dishes in her sink, and hates my single sink. I love it though! It's nice and roomy. Email me if you have any more questions. I'd love to help! Claybabe - thanks! Okay, no white then, huh? I admit the grey grout I have now matches the counters perfectly, so I'm kind of reluctant to change it. but I have to do something. There are places where the grout is missing, so I guess I have no cnoice but to re-do it, or at least mis some up and fill in. Thanks, guys! Beth

Start at the END of the kitchen reno - as in PICK all the colours and finishes (not materials...just COLOURS) and then start replacing each one in it's turn. Be prepared for a DISJOINTED looking kitchen until you have EVERYTHING finished. Be prepared for that to DRIVE YOU NUTS! And remember: floors are done LAST!!!! If you insist on changing flooring BEFORE you do anything else...then be prepared to deal with the consequences (like damaged floors). You can replace 'like for like' without issue. That means you can remove the tile in the kitchen. You leave the tile that is underneath the cabinets. It won't matter. Your new tile should be same height as the old = cabinets stay in place. If you want to do the floors first then do them first. Do NOT use wood-look anything. Go with a stone or tile look product. Remember: one of the EASIEST ways to design a kitchen is to get the floors to match/compliment the COUNTER TOPS. And the walls and compliment the cabinets. And the backsplash pulls the walls and counters together. Whew. If you are GOING to paint (white...or anything else that is lighter) then I would look at a deeper coloured floor to go with your deeper coloured counter top. This will FORCE YOU to get moving with the painting. Yes the kitchen will be dark...UNTIL you paint. Then everything will balance out again. Besides: dark slate looks BEAUTIFUL up against wood. Don't worry about what it will look like up against your existing hardwoods. They look stunning together. See why you want to do floors LAST??? Because you want to have all the coordinating things *done before you finalize the look of your space. The floors unite the ENTIRE house. You can't unite something that has not been DESIGNED. So take 2 weeks and get your story board (the colour picks for the kitchen) ready. NOW you go ahead and do ONE project at a time.