Hi, In my tub surround, I did a double liner and put the ivy vine detail in between. I just wonder if the thin double pinstripe you propose is going to have much impact over a single line, since it happens in such a small span of height.' I did a single liner and chair rail elsewhere: Casey

Thanks so much for your response! I started looking again tonight and found the tiles at the link below. This wasn't where I originally saw them, but it's the tile I was thinking of (6"x 2.5"(3D) - Stainless Steel Tiles about 1/3 of the way down). Now to decide if that's truly what I want... I love your kitchen, by the way. I've been admiring it. :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Stainless 3D/Pyramid Subway Tiles

So, the cedar planks were put in around the vanity. Mmmm, makes you wonder why the walls were covered in the first place. That is probably a 'warning' that what is behind there ain't good ... I would still remove all the planking. A claw hammer and some gloves will do it. There will probably be glue behind them too in big splotches. I had a similar cedar room in my old house that was a hot tub room (arch opening covered with a storm door with sidelights -- no kidding). After I removed the cedar -- the walls were stucco'd but with nicks, glue, dents, nail holes from the cedar, blah blah. I skim coated the walls with joint compound and smoothed it out with a damp brush as I went (swirling motions). Then a faux finished the wall. Looked great (see photo). Bottom line ... after you get your cedar off you can survive even the toughest underlayment. It will open up many possibilities. Here is my X-cedar-room, that had crappy walls.

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry to see this. I can't believe the tile dude would even begin to haphazardly cut such fine tile without a plan. It makes me sick for you. What was he smoking?! I am glad to hear your GC was so reasonable, as he should have been. Did he provide this sorry a.. person? I iterated and reiterated that I needed my GC's best tile guy who knew what to do with handmade tiles. And even with that I was holding my breath that he would do the right thing. (Measure twice and cut once, right?) It sounds like the installer you had did not have a clue. I am hoping you get this all sorted out. How stressful! (Hug)