In addition, we will no longer recommend in our literature that Rectified and Non-Rectified large format rectangle sizes (Ex: 12" x 24") can be installed in a brickwork or running bond pattern where the overlap is 50% [normal brick joint]. The reason for this is that the allowable warpage for a tile based on ANSI specifications can create an installation issue when large format rectangular tiles are installed in a brickwork/running bond pattern. This allowable warpage can create a scenario where lippage is inevitable given the overlapping pattern. To mitigate this effect, Dal-Tile will be removing the brickwork pattern from our catalogs and literature. This will be replaced by a new pattern that will be referred to as a "Staggered" brickwork pattern where the overlap does not exceed 33%, and the grout joint width must be a minimum of 3/16".

I just lost my reply -- let me try again. I agree with not painting the stairwell and ceiling all in navy. I think that it might be possible to pull off something like that, but I think you'd need to do a lot of planning and behind the scenes kind of work to do it. (Keep in mind that the LR photos above have lots of white trim, light wood floors, and furniture to break up the navy -- a stairwell doesn't have all that.) I think you'd need to put in additional lighting for starters -- along the stairs, in the risers, runway lights, path lights -- something to define the steps and avoid serious injuries (yours or a guest's). And they'd probably have to be on all the time -- day and night, or at least anytime anyone might be on or approaching the stairs (motion detectors nearby -- and what happens if they don't work?). Definitely would need more overhead lighting too. I'm about to flip from design to lawyer/insurance mode. Just don't do it. LOL I think you can do one wall and carpet navy and the other wall and ceiling either in the pale blue or white -- just make them both the same. Don't do a white ceiling and light blue wall. Make it a clean 50/50. I like the idea of white if there isn't a reason you need the light blue to continue there. Look forward to seeing the carpet installed.

I think if you leave the angled ceiling white, painting the walls darker won't matter as much. You could also add a piece of vertical trim somewhere to the left of the hanging textile and stop the new paint there. Maybe at the bottom of the stairs that continue to the left? Hard to say without seeing it. What about something like this for lighting? I was looking for something with 3 bulbs and a clear shade. These are both Kichler: I think they now make LED Edison bulbs, too.

I'd be inclined to get it done right rather than employing a half measure. Call a tile/marble company to see if they could diamond grind it, or recommend a specialty contractor who could. Then you can lay your wood floor as intended. I got myself into a mall restaurant situation once and a tile contractor helped me out by using a diamond grinder that sealed against the floor and ground off all of the old concrete finish. I would have done it with my machinery but the dust could have wreaked havoc with the a/c and alarm systems.