VCT Flooring

February 24th, 2008

Most of the house still has the original hardwood floors. In the kitchen and bathrooms it appears that VCT tiles were recently installed. I’m a big fan of VCT, but I’m not a huge fan of checkerboard – especially checkerboard done really crappy. We are looking to go a little more mid century modern and a little less kitschy 50’s.

Someone didn’t do something right along the way, so there are HUGE gaps and crooked tiles everywhere. You can see the glue covered sub-floor, which is an awesome look…for me to poop on.

The Kitchen*

*(This is the only photo I have of the kitchen…it will have to do till we actually move in.)

VCT inspiration

(Yuuummmy Eichler houses…with VCT floors.)

While VCT is typically a commercial flooring, I’ve always loved the retro feel and affordable pricing. Its tough, its shiny, and it looks great in a minimal modern setting. Perfect…..

We will be replacing the checkerboard with either black or dark gray VCT – I’m secretly leaning towards black.
There is a really helpful DIY tutorial on how to install custom VCT : VCT Installation

Below are a few things with links that I’ve been looking into for the project. It will need to be completed before moving in. Ahhhhhh!

Armstrong 12 In. x 12 In. –$30.60
Classic Black Imperial Texture Excelon® Vinyl Tile – Carton of 45

Armstrong Tile Adhesive – $16.97

Armstrong Floor Polish – $16.97

Budget wise we are hoping to spend around $300 to redo the floors in the kitchen and 2 bathrooms.
They might look a little like this…except for sexier…

FILED UNDER: DIY, floors

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s*it list : kitchen faucets

February 22nd, 2008

This little retro 1950’s masonry gem will be our first house (well, that is if escrow closes). I know almost nothing when it comes to rehad or reno and there’s just no budget. Good thing the place was cheap.

The inspector found some little issues here and there that need addressing – but instead of focusing on aesthetically challenged things like the water heater and sprinkler system, I’ve rounded up th s*it list of kitchen faucets with a few sinks thrown in. We’ve got a leaky and broken faucet in the kitchen and the sink has seen much better days. This is the first time I’ve priced these things out, so bad news – they can be really really expensive. So here is my cheapo list of retro modernish fixtures for the kitchen.

IKEA (the go-to for cheap modern design)

ALSVIK Dual control kitchen faucet
$99.99

BÅGVIK Single lever kitchen faucet
$139.00

DOMSJÖ Sink bowl white
$184.99

Overstock – (shipping – only 2.95!)