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Thursday, October 24, 2013

SUBWAY TILE KITCHEN BACKSPLASH


I've had a project done for a while that you don't know about, unless you follow me on Instagram and you got a little hint!  However, even that little teaser was 3 months ago!

Last year I showed you how we used a temporary fix to cover up our dated tile backsplash.  I knew that that wasn't a permanent solution, but it worked until I figured out what type of backsplash I wanted for sure.  


This really wasn't too hard of a decision for me.  I wanted simple, crisp and clean, and have come to love the look of white subway tile.  I fell in love with the beveled edge option, I like the little bit of sparkle and dimension that the faceted edges give off when the light hits them.  



I found a great deal on the tile at Lowe's.  I puchased this tile in the biscuit colorway.  Here's a tip-if you have multiple Lowe's in your area, check around.  Some of my stores carried this in stock, and some didn't.  The following photo looks a little tan because that's in a darker corner, but the biscuit is a very nice just slightly off white color.  Lowe's carries a bright white as well, but it was too stark against my warmer countertops.  Honestly, if I didn't know there was a pure white, this one appears truly white in real life.  



On a side note, I've recently moved my flour and sugar to these glass canisters on the counter.  I have antique teacups from my husband's aunt's home that I use for scoops.  I love being able to see and use them almost every day!  And yes, we keep dice on our counter.  Always prepared for a hot game of Farkle!



The one drawback with the beveled tile was deciding what to do with the edges.  I wanted to keep the edge simple without using a special edging piece.  There are 3x3 beveled tiles available around the web, but they are fairly expensive and I wasn't sure the color would exactly match the tile I had.  So, I decided to just cut the tile in half and use it anyway on the edges, even though one end wouldn't have the bevel.  We turned that side in so that all of the edges against the wall still have the bevel.  I really don't think it's noticeable once the caulk filled it in...bet you never would have noticed if I hadn't have told you!



This tile came in at a whopping $.25 each!  So, I spent about $50 on tile and grout, but I did pay someone to install it.  Even at that, this was a relatively inexpensive project that made a huge change in the feel of the kitchen!  I really can't get over the difference between the dark and the light.  

If you're new here, here's what it looked like before:


And after:





And the other side:





There's still another thing or two I want to do in the kitchen, but we won't talk about those yet.  We'll get there...someday!

This weekend I'll be posting my Modern and Fresh Fall Home Tour on Saturday.  I hope you'll come back and see me!



Linking up with:



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Would you like to comment?

  1. The backsplash looks gorgeous, Jennifer!! I love the bevel on the tiles, such a pretty detail.

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  2. I can't believe it is that inexpensive- it looks great!

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  3. I was wondering when we were going to see the finished project ;). I love it - very simple and clean, and at that price, who could resist!! Still kitchen dreaming over here. I think I might have finally picked paint colors!!

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  4. Love the bevel. Looks like a million bucks and for only 25 cents each!

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  5. That looks great jennifer! good choice, it makes such a difference!

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  6. Oh, sooo much better! Love it! I guess I need to find out what Farkle is if it's fun enough to keep on hand for a last minute game! ;)

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  7. The tile looks gorgeous! Well done!

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  8. How beautiful! It really brightens up the space even more, doesn't it? Well done!

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  9. I love the beveled tile! Beautiful!

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  10. I brought this tile home from Lowes twice already because I love it so much. I was worried that grouting it would be a pain. And then I didn't like ending my tiles past the window if you remember my dilemma. I love how it looks in your kitchen even more. And I guess grouting wasn't a problem ;)

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  11. Perfection! Absolute perfection!! I love the beveled tile. Just love it!! When we re-did our kitchen I really wanted the cushion tile. But it was pricey. My husband took one look at the sample and said do it!!!!!! He absorbed the additional expense and it didn't come out of my remodel budget. I love the whole three demensional tile look! I really love how much brighter your kitchen is. So so you have any plans for the tin?

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  12. Jennifer, I love it! It really brightens the space up. Quick question: what is the paint color of your island? I'm debating cabinet colors and love your island. Thanks! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  13. what a change! it's gorgeous and the beveled edges keep it modern and unique!

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  14. That back splash looks great, and the price was terrific! I have those same canisters, and I love them.

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  15. LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS. THE TILE
    FORGIVE THE SHORT NOTE ..HAD A SPLINTER REMOVED FROM MY INDEX FINGER I SHOULD WRITE A POST ON THIS EXPERIENCE....I CAN'T USE MY RIGHT HAND OR THE MOUSE....SORRY

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  16. I love it Jennifer! The beveled edge is gorgeous. What a great choice.

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  17. Jennifer I love it! Amazing what white can do! And I had to look a bit at that photo to see what you meant about the edges! You never would know if you didn't point it out!

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  18. This really did make a difference. Love it and it is such a classic look!

    Cynthia

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  19. I loved the before but wow, this is gorgeous! Looks so bright and open now. I have those jars as canisters too ~ love them.

    xo
    Pat

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  20. I love your new backsplash. And what a great price! I have those same canisters but never thought about using tea cups. Very clever! You have a lovely kitchen!

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  21. What a bang for the buck - such a great update for the price!! We chose those exact tiles for my client, I loved that bevel, too! :)

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  22. Wow, it's a huge difference Jennifer! And I cannot believe the price....I've been thinking of replacing my old backsplash that came with the house, hoping to get it done (by someone of course) sometime next year. Need to start looking at tiles, and hopefully get a great deal like you did.

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  23. It looks so fresh and clean. What a great decision. We also got our tile for our backsplash at Lowe's and turned out to be a great deal! Love your choice!

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  24. It looks beautiful, the faceted edge makes such a difference! Now you're making me want to do mine!

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  25. The tile has changed the look of the kitchen so much! I love the beveled edge, it adds some dimension to what would otherwise be a relatively flat surface. The teacups are adorable and such fun to use I am sure and to be able to see them through the glass canisters is great!

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  26. I love the faceted look to your tile...it's so pretty! And yep, I'm all over the lighter and brighter color. ;)

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  27. Love the gold lamp on the kitchen countertop! Can you share where you got it from? :-D

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  28. Fabulous choice! I love the creamy color and the beveled edges are SUCH a nice touch!

    - Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body {www.designertrapped.com}

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  29. Love the tile. Just curious, did you remove the previous tile first?

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  30. Hi Jennifer- I really liked the temporary tin backsplash and would have been happy with that. However, then I scrolled down and saw the beveled and wow! what a difference! Anyway, I am doing the beveled in my kitchen too and was looking for tips on grout size. What width did you end up using here? I'm debating between 1/16" and 1/8" and I really like the way yours looks. Also, thank you for the GENIUS idea on turning the bevel the other direction! I'm using a bevel from Home depot which also does not have end pieces and was trying to figure out a way around that. Thank you so much!

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  31. Hi, I LOVE your kitchen!!! Could you please tell me what color of grout and the size of grout line you used? Thanks so much!

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  32. Sorry, I don't have a definite answer on either! My tile guy actually just picked some grout from Lowe's. For some reason "vanilla" sounds familiar, but can't guarantee that. Also, I just told him I wanted them as close together as possible. I don't think he used any spacers, just butted them up next to each other.

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