New Kitchen Backsplash

Hip, hip hooray! I finally have pictures uploaded to show you the cheap, easy update to my kitchen. 

My original backsplash was the same Formica as my counter tops. A little too much beige for my taste. And way too much matching. So, I purchased some bead-board wallpaper and got busy. It's cheap and way easier than hack-sawing real beadboard and trying to make it fit.

See the before and after, after the jump!

I started with bead-board wallpaper purchased at Lowe's for just $14. I cut it to fit beneath my cabinets, with about half an inch extra. I lined it up with the bottom of the cabinet, then used an Xacto blade to slice it off at its top, where it met the bottom of the cabinets.

 Once all the paper was up and it dried overnight, I painted over it with white paint to seal the paper. Since it was in my kitchen and it's bound to get wet/stuff thrown on it, this seemed smart. You can also paint it any other color, so get creative!

 

 

I did buy three new switch plates for about $1-2 each. But instead of buying new outlets and switches, and having to rewire everything, I just carefully painted over them all.

I used plastic spray paint, and sprayed small amounts onto a paper plate. I used a little paint brush to do the work. (It's important to spray a little at a time, since it drys rapidly. Also, don't count on using that brush again.) I gave everything two coats and it matches perfectly. You'd never know!

Here is the finished outcome:

It turned out nice, clean and cottagey. Just like I like! Let me know if you do any projects with bead-board wallpaper. I'd love to see them!


I'm linking to these parties:

The Shabby Chic Cottage