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Home Decorating ConversationsKitchens
jakabedy

Operation Kitchen Backsplash 2020 is a wrap

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

My ex and I were in the planning stages of this project back in 2018 before the divorce interruption. I finally got back to it this year. After, of course, taking the requisite multiple months to select just the right inexpensive, plain, available, off-white, textured, matte-finish tile. (pause for laughter). I would have loved to do a more interesting tile, but I’m stuck with the tombstone granite for now and simple seemed the way to go.

Anyhoo, I finally got the project underway in August. 100% DIY to include procuring all necessary accoutrements and renting a tile saw for 24 hours. (PS, silicone caulk is the devil’s polymer). Voila!

Two befores (one from the old RE listing with the PO's white appliances), a during, and two afters:











Featured Answer
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Thank you everyone for the very kind comments. It was definitely a labor of love. II love my house and want it to be its best. It has benefited mightily from the COVID situation. I think, like many others, I've kept myself sane by completing projects. At this point I've whittled the list down to those projects that require either large chunks of cash, or outside muscle/expertise, or both. I'm still knocking them off one by one, albeit slowly.

    @Feathers11, if you look at the very first "before" photo you'll see the fan in the ceiling. The 1954 original, of course. It's not super efficient, but helps. I open windows also. The middle of the three windows is an awning window, as is the window over the sink. I can get a nice breeze through the kitchen if needed. But I don't do a lot of heavy-duty cooking.

    @1945shadow, the tile is Concerto Sand Matte (2-1/4 x 9-3/4) from Arizona Tile, and was $5.17 a square foot. The grout is Prism Ultimate Performance Cement Grout in antique white. I used a 1/8" spacer.

    Comments (40)

    • 6 years ago

      It looks great!

      jakabedy thanked sas95
    • 6 years ago

      Beautiful! I love that ceiing! Very nice wood tones throughout! You did an amazing job! Congrats.

      jakabedy thanked amykath

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    • 6 years ago

      Great work. Looks real good

      jakabedy thanked Lyban zone 4
    • 6 years ago

      Looks great! I did our mosaic BS, and I would not attempt tile again! My back from leaning across that counter, ugh.

      jakabedy thanked gsciencechick
    • 6 years ago

      That looks better than many pro jobs. I really like your cabinets, too. I never would have thought tombstone granite, lol.

      I have to ask...do you have any concerns about how close your windowsill is to your range top? It looks flammable.

      jakabedy thanked olychick
    • 6 years ago

      Beautiful! The whole space looks brighter and refreshed now!

      jakabedy thanked User
    • 6 years ago

      Olychick, I’m sure it wouldn’t be to code today, but that layout has been in place since 1954 and the house is still standing. I keep my fingers crossed and my smoke detectors charged.

    • 6 years ago

      Wow! It looks wonderful, and I’m so impressed at your talent. Great job! :)

      jakabedy thanked Jilly
    • 6 years ago

      Very impressive! I love your kitchen.

      jakabedy thanked teeda
    • 6 years ago

      That's a great tile choice, and you did a wonderful job. It's beautiful!

      Does your stove have a downdraft or do you just open the window?

      jakabedy thanked Feathers11
    • 6 years ago

      Fantastic job! I love the layout of your kitchen, and I also like the old style fencing outside.

      jakabedy thanked Oakley
    • 6 years ago

      I love the off-white tile with your cabinets!

      jakabedy thanked Danielle Gottwig
    • 6 years ago

      Tombstone granite. Lol. I love your backsplash!

      jakabedy thanked dedtired
    • 6 years ago

      I have very similar granite countertops, and love the tile and grout you picked for your backsplash. It is gorgeous! Would you mind sharing the name of both, please?
      (I am sorry about your divorce, and the major life stresses it brings. Hopefully, life will bring a brighter and lovely future for you!)

      jakabedy thanked 1945shadow
    • 6 years ago

      Looks great! Somethings are worth doing slowly.

      jakabedy thanked maddielee
    • 6 years ago

      You did a great job! Very nice transformation.

      jakabedy thanked OutsidePlaying
    • 6 years ago

      Very impressive—I would never even attempt it.

      jakabedy thanked Joaniepoanie
    • 6 years ago

      I like it, congrats.

      jakabedy thanked schoolhouse_gwagain
    • 6 years ago

      Wow, you did that YOURSELF!? Looks fantastic!

      jakabedy thanked arkansas girl
    • 6 years ago

      You did a *super* job Jakabedy. And tease all you want about the tile, it is a lovely fit to your MCM SW home! Enjoy.

      jakabedy thanked mtnrdredux_gw
    • 6 years ago

      Really great job....I love your kitchen!!

      jakabedy thanked nini804
    • 6 years ago

      You're my inspiration to tackle the same project. Fantastic job and one you can continue to continue to admire in your lovely kitchen.

      jakabedy thanked Arapaho-Rd
    • 6 years ago

      Wow, that looks great!

      jakabedy thanked nutsaboutplants
    • 6 years ago

      Well, I’m in awe. Kudos to for a pro job and fresh , pretty results

      jakabedy thanked martinca_gw sunset zone 24
    • 6 years ago

      I’m beyond impressed that you did that yourself! Love the tile and especially love the installation pattern, perfect for your MCM house. The kitchen is beautiful, well done!

      jakabedy thanked User
    • 6 years ago
      last modified: 6 years ago

      That's quite an achievement - DH is pretty good at 'home work' but would never tackle tile and grout. You did a fantastic job and I too love your ceiling - and floor - and cabinets!

      jakabedy thanked maire_cate
    • 6 years ago

      Perfect choice! It's amazing what a difference just changing the white to stainless made. Love the ceiling. I can see DD2 using the long tile in her kitchen too. She used in their master bath remodel, and hopes to eventually remodel the kitchen.

      jakabedy thanked Allison0704
    • 6 years ago

      You could not have chosen a better tile to work with the 'tombstone granite' (ha!) and your installation looks perfect. Well done!

      jakabedy thanked DLM2000-GW
    • 6 years ago

      What a difficult task setting tile like that must have been. Your work looks impeccable. I love your kitchen, from the architectural elements to the cupboards, it's all lovely.

      jakabedy thanked Zalco/bring back Sophie!
    • 6 years ago

      Impressive!

      jakabedy thanked rubyclaire
    • 6 years ago

      Very nice work. I appreciate intrepid DIYers who aren't afraid to work with existing elements for the best possible outcome!

      jakabedy thanked mama goose_gw zn6OH
    • 6 years ago

      The backsplash and new appliances look great! Nice work.


      jakabedy thanked autumncolor
    • 6 years ago

      You did a great job! It looks impeccable.

      jakabedy thanked czarinalex
    • 6 years ago

      You did a professional job! Everything looks wonderful. Love your kitchen. If I had completed that job all by myself I think I would just pull up a chair and look at it for a few days! Very very nice. Enjoy.

      jakabedy thanked tannatonk23_fl_z9a
    • 6 years ago

      I love your taste. And that you do things yourself!

      jakabedy thanked eld6161
    • 6 years ago

      Nice

      jakabedy thanked lisaam
    • 6 years ago

      Just right!!

      jakabedy thanked gracefullyaged
    • 6 years ago

      I love what you‘ve done, great job!!!

      jakabedy thanked LynnNM
    • 6 years ago

      Wow! I'm so impressed that you did that yourself. Love the tile choice and it really fits your kitchen.

      jakabedy thanked lizbeth-gardener
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