When you work from home all you do is stare at the list of ongoing things needing to be done. I live in an old farmhouse, so the list of projects is never ending. My husband actually likes to say, “all we are doing is polishing a turd,” but I like to think of it as sprucing up the original character of an old home. However, if you are like me and don’t have the time or funds to spend on it then you have to dig deep and find creative ways to make updates happen.
I probably spent at least 6 months researching affordable and easy (so my husband didn’t have to help, ugh) backsplashes. I have been working on painting my cabinets just as long. The bottom ones have been painted four different colors now because I just couldn’t make up my damn mind on what I loved once I applied it to them. Luckily, I was only doing a section and not the entire set of bottom cabinets with each color, but it still was a lot of work. I finally decided on Antique white to just match the top cabinets and I’m actually very happy I did. I took the original cabinet knobs and my husband had them sand blasted at work for me, so they are a nickel/copper look which is exactly what I was going for and FREE!
So, last week, after months of searching, I decided to just make up my mind on the backsplash and go for it as well. I am one who picks out almost everything online. Yep! Paint colors and all, online. One of my favorite places to shop online is Walmart. You wouldn’t believe the number of items I’ve ordered from Walmart for my home that have saved me a lot of money. I’m not one of the typical Target snobs that doesn’t mind overpaying just to say I bought it at Target, so sorry to those of you out there who are turned off by my Walmart obsession instead. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Target sometimes and of course there are cheap low-quality items you don’t want to buy from Walmart either, but I do my research and read reviews before buying. It really is all about doing your research before buying.
Anyway… back on topic. So, I found a 10 pack of 12x12 stick tiles for under $10 on Walmart.com. I just winged it and didn’t even measure; just went with two boxes. I placed the order Monday and they were here yesterday (Wednesday). Sarah was here with me doing some blog work and I hadn’t even told her yet that I had ordered them when they were delivered. Being the amazing, awesome, supportive friend, she is she said, “lets get it done during nap!” I couldn’t contain my excitement!
Wishing I would have taken a before picture though.
The tools we used:
Right Angle Ruler
Tape Measure
Box Cutter
Sharp cutting shears
Silicone Caulking and caulking gun
Pencil
I just wanted it to go to the edge of my cabinets, so that was our beginning place. We started with placing all the bottom whole pieces and measuring and cutting out outlets (all Sarah) where needed. We then peeled the paper off the back of the tile and applied the caulking to it. Once caulking was applied you carefully apply to the wall and hold tightly for a minute to make sure it completely sticks to the wall. My walls are uneven and not smooth, so we had to make sure to rub and push on each one really good. You then did the same with the next piece and while doing so make sure that the graphics of the design lined up as well. Once started you get a rhythm going.
Then when we had all the full-size pieces across the bottom placed, we had to measure the small space of wall between the tile to the bottom of the cabinet. Measure, cut, caulk and then place, but make sure your designs line up still. It really is an easier process than most make it. We used some of the caulking to kind of fill in any uneven cracks. Which will happen on walls in an old home like mine. Place the caulking and spread into the lines with your finger and wash off with a wet cloth. Gives a more seamless appearance.
I am absolutely loving the finished product! 2-3 hours total time spent and $25. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions before you get started or if there are some questions that arise during your process. We’d love to see your before and after’s as well, so please to share in the comments!!
Good Luck!
XOXO – Britney
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