This is expensive...hope I can find a bargain!

Last week, my Mom, my cousin Anne and I went into the city to look for some Spanish-y tile for my kitchen. After a very long online search, I found just one store in Chicago that advertised Spanish tile as being part of their inventory. It's called "Hispanic Designe'" and it carries all sorts of really BEAUTIFUL tile. Our plan was to pick designs, find out how much they cost and then modify down from there. That way, we could use some more expensive elements and still look good.

We didn't realize how expensive.

Our first clue that this wasn't a bargain bin place...there weren't ANY prices posted ANYWHERE!

We hijacked a table in the store and spent hours pulling down samples and working out a design. The space I need to fill is roughly 30 inches wide by 21 inches high, and is the backsplash for behind my stove.

I found some tiles that were Spanish but looked Medieval... but Anne was right, they looked Dingy and might make my space look really cramped.

There were some really pretty Art Deco tiles too, but they looked more like they should be in a bathroom.

Finally it came down to a choice between some Spanish tiles and some Portuguese tiles. I absolutely loved a set of Portuguese tiles. Here's a picture (with Anne) of the set that I finally decided I liked...and the sample board that the store had was almost the exact size for the piece I need.

So we had the guy price it out.

In order to get 12 - 5.5 inch square tiles, 12 border tiles and 4 corner pieces (which coincidentally add up to an area 30 inches wide by 21 inches tall) it would be approximately $300 with tax and shipping! Not only that, but the tiles are Hand Painted!

Our jaws just about hit the floor. Then the guy said, "You guys actually found some of the least expensive tiles in this store. Those replica [medievally looking] tiles are $50 per piece."

I'm currently looking for a tile warehouse that may have cheaper tiles. If it comes down to it, I can buy tiles and paint them myself.

I still really like the pattern.