I would think any marble or tile with some white in it would work and look nice. A mosaic with some white for the floor would also work, but I wouldn't use too deep a grout with the subways as you wouldn't want the grid pattern too prominent. You can even use any color solid flooring as long as you pick up that color in a liner or border somewhere else. I saw a gorgeous medium grayed brown marble the other day with some white veining in it. Would be stunning with an espresso vanity and a light counter. I also love the larger scaled subway tile for a more modern look, and those with a bevel for interest.

Hi Jake2007, Thanks for your reply and the link. I have seen things like this - similar to the fan convectors I have looked at (recommended by my HVAC contractor). I linked below a previous post from me that has more information about our setup. I decided to repost a question that just asked what some other options would be rather than this fan convector. But maybe that is the only option or at least the first to come to mind. Someone mentioned a ductless mini split system but I asked what that was but I did not get a reply. Can someone shed some light on this? Also someone else posted a link to an in-floor fan convector - similar to what my HVAc guy recommended. I'll check these out - but am concerned about a lot of noise from a fan. I have an HVAC contractor but other than - hydroair (which won't work in our situation for this room), high output baseboard heat, and the fan convector option he hasn't come up with any other thoughts. Unfortunately we did not use the same subs for AC and heating - something that goes back to our GC. What about an old fashioned radiator? Could I do this and would it be a good idea? Any other ideas anyone? Thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: my previous post on fan convectors

Blogger Thrifty Decor Chick's kitchen: I *think* this is pirula's kitchen (but if so I forgot to name it properly): The trim between the counter and backsplash here seems like it would help with the crumb problem deedles noted: This GWer's kitchen was featured on the show "I Hate My Kitchen", but I can't remember her name! Another GW kitchen with trim between beadboard and counter (WillTV, I believe): And so far as another alternative to tile, how about paint? Increase the pop of your wall color: I've heard of using glass panels with the back painted, too. The blog House on Ashwell Lane has some cool tile alternatives, including this stenciled backsplash and blackboard backsplash: Here is a link that might be useful: No Tile Backsplash Ideas from House on Ashwell Lane blog

i'm also in Calif and they aren't illegal. lol. Oil based paints are a no-no! As I said, I did my exterior oak door in a black aniline dye first, (I wanted it really black) and then I went over that with the gel stain, and then w/the Penofin stained oil in Ebony. aniline dye is a water based dye. (it's the Lockwood packet) Dye penetrates deeper than a gel coat. The dyes come in all colors (like Walnut) and are pretty easy to use. water based products will raise the grain, so you'll have to give the wood a fine sanding w/a 220 grit paper. I think the next step I did was the Black Gel Stain (General Finishes) to really deepen and set the black The I did the Peneofin oil in the Ebony for the top coat. I don't have a recent outside picture, but it looks the same as the inside. It's held up to the rain and sun. (water still beads up on the exterior. Although I do need to refresh the coat. Any time you have an exterior wood finish, it's going to require a lot more upkeep than a painted door. You asked about a water based stain, but I'd go w/an oil base for the wood. again, water will cause a 'grain pop' that requires an extra step of sanding. and if you're not careful, you'll lighten some of the stain color. use a good quality oil stain. either a stain or a gel. or just use the Two in One Penofin stain! super easy and will look great