Thanks all. We literally layed out all the tile last night. We layed out the insert also and glad we did. We discovered that it caused the first row of tile to be layed a certain way so that the staggered look could flow properly. We also decided to start the staggered look at the foyer, horizontal to the door. Where the foyer turns we will lay a decorative strip to divide where the two patterns meet. Then we will start the stagger at the garage door, also horizontal. When you stand at the T in the hall/foyer you can see the horizontal staggered pattern at both doorways. By having the stagger in hall be at the turn in foyer rather than ending at the T, it allows the hall to look bigger. Having the transitional decorative strip at the T seemed to chop the hall off too much. From way up on the stairs looking down at the tile, the strip looks good. The bath and laundry will now have a staggered look rather than a diamond angle. I will post pics when done. Magothyrivergirl- Hope you read my post in fireplaces about the paint issue I had with KozyHeat. It was a nightmare that at least got resolved. Considering a granite tile fell off wall onto the back of my head, resulting in several staples- ouch!- I was not pleased to come across this paint issue. But in the end it looks really nice. I will post pics of that once I get he floors all done.

1. I would replace it with a vented hood because I am too short to use a microwave that high (and they usually don't vent that well). 2. This is personal and only your family can say what's right. It's not really trendy right now but many people like the desks for some tasks. I like a short area for rolling dough or sitting while doing long food prep tasks. Your counter will look slightly more fabulous if it is all one height, though! 3. I'd want the same oak flooring as the rest of the house, but it might end up too oaky if the cabinets stay the same. What stain is on the old floors? If dark, it might be fine. A tile or stone might be nice in there. Is there natural light in there? How close are other rooms? Is it an open plan? Basically, need more info!!

THe esay answer is plywood added to make up the difference keep in mind all the tile also needs to be removed and once that is done then you can really see what you are dealing with . All the baseboards need to be removed and all the flooring ripped out then you start anew. Are you doing this DIY ? If not the person doing the flooring will advise you on what to do.

triple post