The Great Backsplash Quest: A Christmas Tile Tale

The Great Backsplash Quest: A Christmas Tile Tale Ah, the holidays—a time for festive cheer, family gatherings, and... home improvement projects? In our household, Christmas isn’t just about cookies and carols; it’s also the perfect excuse to tackle yet another project on the ever-expanding “Jess’s Vision” list. This year’s festive feat? Adding a backsplash to the kitchen. And not just any backsplash—black octagon tiles, the pièce de résistance I’ve been dreaming of. Spoiler alert: the journey wasn’t as smooth as the tiles themselves. Apparently, my taste in tiles is a little too niche. Who knew finding black octagon tiles would feel like searching for a unicorn in the wild? We scoured stores, combed through websites, and even considered some questionable online sources that might’ve involved shipping from a galaxy far, far away. After days of no luck and increasing frustration, it became clear: perfection wasn’t going to happen. Cue my inner Grinch—I just wanted the project done. So, we compromised, opting for a smaller version of the elusive tiles. Did it match my exact vision? No. Did it still look fantastic in the end? Absolutely. While most people relax over the holidays, Tanner was living his best “Santa’s workshop” life. Except instead of toys, he was crafting a kitchen transformation. He worked harder during that week than I’ve ever seen him work at his actual job ( so I tease he works really hard at work). His boss at home? Me. And let’s just say, I’m not the easiest boss to please. (Needy? Maybe. Determined? Definitely.) From measuring and cutting to carefully placing those tiny tiles, Tanner spent hours bringing this vision to life. I’d peek in occasionally to offer helpful advice like, “That one looks crooked,” or, “Do you think you should’ve started from the corner?” He loved that, obviously. It’s amazing how one small change can completely transform a space. Once the backsplash was finished, the kitchen went from “meh” to wow. The black octagon tiles—small but mighty—pulled the entire room together, making it feel polished, stylish, and oh-so-us. The struggle to find the perfect tiles? Meh The week of holiday chaos? worth it (for me, anyway). Tanner might feel differently, but he’ll admit it eventually. Probably while he’s working on the next project I’ve dreamed up. Lessons Learned: Compromise Can Be Beautiful: My dream tiles didn’t happen, but the final result is stunning in its own right. Sometimes, “close enough” is more than enough. Appreciate the Process: Okay, try to appreciate it. Watching Tanner transform our kitchen was equal parts stressful and inspiring. One Detail Makes a Big Impact: Never underestimate how much one small change can elevate a room. A backsplash might seem minor, but it’s like the cherry on top of a sundae—it completes the look. If you want to see the journey unfold, keep an eye on our YouTube channel for the full Christmas backsplash saga. From tile troubles to the final reveal, it’s a story of compromise, hard work, and one very tired husband who might just deserve a holiday after the holidays. Stay tuned for the next project—and Tanner’s next test of patience.