Salsibe, try googling Fort Worth Brick and Tile. There are many saltillo places in Texas, and they are very reasonably priced. I want to say 2-3$ a foot. They come glazed, so they are maintenance free, or unglazed, and also in a rustic which in my opinion, is gorgeous. I have a sample of the rustic, I'll try to take a picture and post it. I'm going through exactly what you are...I want terracotta, and that is basically what saltillo is, it's baked earth, clay. My tiles are going to be in half the kitchen as well, along with hardwood. I just looked on their website, 8x8 hexagon is 1.69 a piece, and 12x12 is 2.49. That is sealed. Unsealed is cheaper. I don't know how to post links here, but there website is http://www.fortworthbrickandtile.com Good luck, and if you find something spectacular, be sure and post it! Here is a link that might be useful: Saltillo Tile

Thanks folks, I have a sack of about 10 different 1/4 yd cuts that I've bought/ordered/lived with. I had them all up for varying lengths of time from hours to overnight to days. Hubby is sooooooo over it. Every time I tried a bright color it just looked off to me. Once I put a big, bold pattern in it just clicked better. I actually really like the same pattern in blue over the sink, but when it's in the eating area it's not quite right. So essentially I think I'm ready to go neurotic but not quite certifiable crazy yet. I'm going to accessorize with a lot of blue but if I decide to go back to red or yellow or orange in the future, a can of spray paint solves the issue. This thread has also made me love suzani now. :) The eyebrow comment is valid and definitely makes me think. I've got one more fabric store to visit today, but at that point I think I have to make a call of some kind. I could put this off for months if I let myself.

I've seen something similar in marble, but it cost a lot more. The thing about designer tile is that it's made in small quantities, which is reflected in the price. If it's popular, there will be a knock off that has a whiff of the look, but generally not that little something that makes it so just perfect, for a lower price. Have you calculated out how much you'll need and how much it'll cost? When I was looking at backsplash alternatives with stratospheric prices (when it looked like my tile would never come) I priced out the actual amount I'd need, I found out it was doable even though the price/sq.ft. sounded crazy. Also, you can see if your contractor, designer, tile setter friend who is a designer, or anyone you know in the trade, can get you the trade price. That's probably not more than 20% off (possible 10% or less), but ever bit helps.

I took some pics today since some new things had opened. Queen of Sweden - A really terrific rose; healthy, beautiful flowers and blue/green foliage, floriferous, vigorous, nice fruity myrrh fragrance, etc. These only came from Chamblee's last spring! Pearl d'Or Charles de Mills Belle Isis more Marianne Susan Williams-Ellis - great rose, deserves more attention And Marie Pavie - Also received only last year from Chamblee's. They sell great plants! -Chris