Grout does not have to get disgusting! Mine isn't and never has been! I have had tile countertops all my life and they clean up just fine. My beautiful artisan tile countertops (complete with trim, but costing more than stone) in my new kitchen clean up just fine. One does have to actually clean up after oneself, though... Tile is a wonderfully functional and easy on the planet choice. Route66Services, I agree that 4"x4" tiles are a more retro look than 6"x6", but either will be fine. Another traditional look is to have contrasting trimwork. That part comes from the fact that stores only tended to stock a few colors. The "8 week backorder" that LWO referred to regarding trim pieces is actually a "we have to make those up for you and it's going to take a little while" thing. Don't let it sway you. Just plan ahead, and give yourself some leeway because tile companies over promise on delivery dates. If the tiles don't pass inspection, they have to start all over again. And sometimes, they have to wait a month to finish a big run before making your tiles. This is the big boys. It's the same with the artisans, but they're more forthcoming with the time frame. Most of all, however, it's important that you get a really good tile setter who knows how to do countertops. You can't just glue the tiles to the underlayment with thinset the way some people do with backsplashes. The best backing is an old fashioned mortar bed, though there are some backerboards that I think are appropriate for counters. Done right, with wet mortar, also takes time, because it has to cure. But it's worth it. I have a feeling a lot of the horror stories about tile come from people whose tile wasn't set correctly. BTW, good quality tile made from good quality bisque, set correctly, is very hard to break, and shouldn't do so just from random stuff falling on it. It should take the equivalent of a sledge hammer in full swing. Even that might not break it on first try. If you're interested in going artisan, I can recommend Architerra-NW. Gorgeous tile, amazingly good bisque, and all the trims you could ever want. Daltile, however, is mass produced (i.e., faster) and their plain, glossy tiles should give you that retro look you want.

crl, thanks for the link to the thread I missed. I am so pleased to hear that larger frames are in style. The really narrow ones (15 years ago?) drove me nuts. I felt like I was looking through a slit all the time. ded, I'll have to take the matte frames for a spin. I've often been tempted to buy men's frames to get something larger.

Marlene, I almost spit my coffee when I read your reply! You are too funny! LOL Never heard of units.. in the 80s I was in high school and college. I wore a lot of esprit and limited items... tiny waist, baggy body pants/jeans with over sized cotton or linen tops.. or those very deep V sweaters from the limited! Ponchos, especially, have been back for awhile. I love them-- both dressy and casual. Aran sweaters weren't really something I thought went in or out of style-- I consider them a classic (though I don't wear them) like a button down shirt. They are too bulky for me and I don't wear crew necks (unless in a cardigan) so just not something I wore. I do wear fair isle sweaters and have for many years-- but i am VERY particular about the design. I like the icelandic ones. I consider toggle jackets pretty classic too-- like barn jackets. I don't wear either of them because the shape doesn't work for me but I do like them. Shoulder pads? LOVED THEM.. loved the drama and yes, I think they also balanced my shape-- which back then was a tiny waist, wide hips (and broad shoulders!). I actually added shoulder pads to things that didn't have them-- or that didnt have enough padding!

Oh that's okay....Sometimes I'm looking on CL and I know we have the same vibe going on. I think you're right though----dfw seems to have better stuff. Maybe due to the floods down there? The sofa I showed above is on my CL. I like the table and that's the idea on CL...you need to know the area and check out the what the house looks like in the listing pics. It's part luck, part detective work :) Nice houses usually have good stuff. I had the same trouble with my coffee table...my table is too low (it's from the 70's and they just were that way, I think) and too short. But I like it and there are no decor police. Also, it might be considered a tea table, which have always been higher (closer to end-table height)..