The Backsplash...

For quite some time, I've been wanting to do something with my kitchen backsplash.  I thought about doing tile, but frankly, even with our DIY experience, I was reluctant to try it. We've tackled a lot of jobs, but never tile.  So I kept looking, and one day, I clicked a link and landed on a blog called  Thrifty Decor Chick (if you haven't checked it out, get thee over there!). Sarah was right in the midst of a kitchen remodel, and was putting beadboard on her backsplash. I instantly fell in love! I knew that was exactly what I'd been looking for!

After unsuccessfully attempting to do the backsplash with wood beadboard panels (and giving up quickly), I found the beadboard wallpaper that Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality raves about. I ordered a roll, and let me tell you, it is a dream! It looks just like real beadboard, and its paintable, too.

Here's a look at the before:

 First, I did a LOT of measuring for the moulding.

Then I got to paperin'. The wallpaper went up very easily.  The most important thing is to draw a plumb line where you begin and make sure periodically that the paper is still straight up and down. It is also quite thick, so it doesn't flop around or tear when you're putting it in place like other papers can do.  It took 24 hours to dry, then I painted it with Colonial White by Porter.

Next, I added trim all around the backsplash (I had painted it all the same color as the wallpaper). I attached it with Liquid Nails.

  

And here it is finished!



I just love it. And so does The Hubs. In fact, yesterday he said we should continue the beadboard through the dining area.  So I used what was left on the roll and got started. I only got a couple of wall sections done before the paper ran out, so I ordered more last night and hopefully I will get the rest of the room done next week.  Until I do, here's a peek of the section that is done:

If you're considering beadboard, I highly suggest the Graham Brown paintable beadboard wallpaper! Check out Rhoda's store for more info!

And Then There Was Light...

Okay, I think the kitchen finally done (at least until we find "just one more thing" that we want to change/redo/update). This time, it was the light fixture over the table. We got this fixture a couple of years ago, and it came with some paper shades that, after a few months, literally started falling apart. The heat from the light bulbs apparently was too much for the glue that held the shade to the wire that fits over the bulbs, and I had to (I can't believe I'm admitting this) scotch tape them back together. I know, scandalous. After all, any self-respecting blogger knows that one must use a hot glue gun! Well, mine was at school, and I never could remember to bring it back home, so I used tape.

Derek always hated the shades, so he soon began planning their replacements. We had a heck of a time getting ones that would fit, but we finally came up with this:(Have you ever tried to take a picture of a light fixture? At night? When it is turned on? Not easy.)

I'm not entirely sold on these, but I think it may be because the 60 watt bulbs we put in are so bright that small aircraft in search of a landing strip are starting to circle around the house. I'll try some lower wattage bulbs and see if we can put away our sunglasses during dinner time.

So now, you ask, what project do we have planned next? Well, thanks to Carrie, I've been inspired to work on my laundry room. Well, actually its just a laundry closet, but its in serious need of some attention.

A little update...

Here is one of the new drawer pulls on the cabinet. We still haven't gotten all of them put up yet, but you can see how well it looks with the new counter.

And here are those two incredibly cheap rooster pictures I made last night. Not bad for a couple of bucks.

p.s. Sorry for the bad picture quality. Rest assured I've put a new digital camera on my Christmas list!

Nothing is Ever Simple...

Work on the new countertops has begun! One side of the kitchen is installed and after the sink goes back in, the small piece will go in between the stove and fridge. It is going to be pretty!

That said, no project seems to be without its setbacks. First thing we realized is that the designer didn't order a side splash for the end of the counter against the wall. So for about a week, we'll have a lovely piece of damaged sheet rock to look at until the piece comes in.

The other problem (that the designer failed to tell us about) is that the backsplash on the new counter is about an inch shorter than the old one. So there's about a one inch gap between the paint line and the new backsplash. A new project! Guess I'll be painting soon!

I'll post pictures when we get things put back together. I do like it and the problems are easy fixes. I'll have something to do while I'm off tomorrow! Stay tuned!