ajwillys: What do you think of the brick on the upper right? It's one of the red ones--but darker as it's a flash brick with some charcoal around it? DH and I are leaning towards that one. lamalu: I didn't think about using the bricks in a pattern as there is variation in the stone itself; but your idea sounds interesting. I wish I could visualize the overall effect better. Maybe I have to pick out more bricks! I also am concerned about bringing in too strong a red color, at the same time want some contrast to the bluestone. Is there a rule a thumb about patterning bricks--like a set of three. We like the red brick on upper right, then there is a grey one and after that?? Anyone else like the idea of using more than one color brick?

Thanks, trudymom. I miss the hill country--it's time for another trip to Brenham! Actually, I'm one of those that has to see the lot, etc. before making a decision. They are both beautiful and are perfect for the Texas style and should both work with the gray roof, so I think it's one of those decisions where you can't go wrong once you have it down to these two. One is obviously warmer than the other--the lighter (#1) is to me more intriguing, only because I've seen more of the warmer stone. It wasn't until we completed our home that I realized there wasn't necessarily a better or perfect choice! I hope to see photos of your completed home, and good luck.

hey guys- i got some samples today Looking at the faux wood b/c i dont want to worry about warping- we get A LOT of sun! Looking at a creamy off white color- so it will be lighter than the walls but not stark white-- the two i am looking at are HD Faux polymer soft cream (* i love the color b/c its in the same tone as the walls but definatly a lighter version-- but there is not real "wood grain look" its painted... is that ok? 2nd is Levlour Visions Faux Wood Sand Blasted-- color is not quite as creamy as the first one-- but it does have more texture and graining.... Thoughts Last thought of the day-- Will i really love wood blinds? I love feeling open-- and these blinds are HEAVY so i dont really see opening them all the way-- more i see just using the wand to open and close them but not lifting them.... Do you love the look? Do you think its right for my large family room? I wish i could decide!!! And do you think the painted color will look good-- creamy ivory....

Thank you all for your feedback. I've been busy with out of town visitors and haven't had a chance to respond. It looks like the majority of you voted for crackle tiles! So, crackled it is! Igloo, your tiles are to die for. They kinda remind me caramel...yummy! I will make sure to have the tiles sealed before and after grouting. Thanks for the advice. Sue - the tile choices are crackle tiles by Sonoma Tile Makers and non-crackle tiles by Waterworks. Can't remember the name of the colors off hand, but they looked really similar. lesmis - I will pick the crackle tiles so that you can vicariously live through me! Plus, the crackle tiles are cheaper, so it's a win-win situation! pluckymama - I tried to take pix, but it was really hard to get the texture of the tiles to show. What a disappointment! Thank you so much to the rest of you for your feedback! You're all wonderful!