• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

October 12, 2016

Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash Accents

It’s Thrifty Style Team time again and today I’m sharing with you how we gave our kitchen backsplash a very thrifty, very quick update using peel-and-stick tiles.

You know, like most people, the process of updating our home is one that is slow going. Oh sure, on TV we see entire houses being taken down to the studs and rebuilt in what seems like only a matter of days. But the truth is that, for most of us, budget and time constraints simply don’t allow for us to have all of these ‘voilà’ moments with our homes all at once.

One of the things that they never seem to show you on those home renovation shows is how long it takes for people to save up money to actually make changes to their home.

French country farmhouse kitchen countertop decor atthepicketfence.com

 

Throughout the course of our years as home-owners, we’ve always had to patiently wait to do each new project as we set aside money little by little.

And our kitchen has been no exception. This past summer we were finally able to have our 20+ year old cabinets painted. And I LOVE them (I promise a full reveal really soon!)! I really, really love them. But…..as often is the case when it comes to decorating, something new and bright and shiny can often make the old things look even older.

Suddenly, I had visions of new granite countertops and a backsplash covered in subway tile. But, here’s the honest to goodness truth my friends. That’s just not in the budget right now. Because at the same time we were saving to do the kitchen we were also saving for a car and also paying tuition and just generally trying to be good stewards of our resources.

white kitchen cabinets preview

So, I got to thinking. What was it exactly that I didn’t love about the counters and backsplash. I mean, the counters ARE granite after all. It might not be granite that I picked out but it’s granite nonetheless.

And the backsplash IS creamy white tiles which blend in so nicely with the freshly painted cabinets. But every time I walked into the kitchen my eye was going straight to the granite tiles in the backsplash which suddenly made it all seem very busy and distracted from the beauty of the cabinets.

And that’s when it dawned on me that perhaps a simple, thrifty fix would be just the trick.

white kitchen cabinets

So, off to the hardware store I went where I discovered an awesome line of peel-and-stick ’tile’ backsplash squares which can be cut to fit any size you need.

White french country style kitchen atthepicketfence.com

 

I made a template of the existing tiles and then cut the peel-and-stick tiles to fit right over the top of them.

Simple fall kitchen decor atthepicketfence.com
There were many colors and styles to choose from but this is the one that was the closest match to the rest of the backsplash and I like that it adds just a hint of color without being overpowering.

 

You know, in theory it seems like it would be pretty amazing to just gut everything and have a clean slate and endless budget.

But, I really believe that there is so much more satisfaction when you have to wait to get what you want. When you have to set the money aside little by little, watching it grow until it reaches the point where you know you can tackle that project without wiping out your bank account.

 

Kitchen desk with open shelves

Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can have patience can have what he will.”

I’m not sure he had new counters and a back splash in mind when he said that, but I think he would have to agree that even having patience in decorating counts as a virtue. 🙂

I’m so glad you joined me today at the fence and I hope you will check out even more thrifty ideas and inspiration from my friends on the Thrifty Style Team!

Vanessa signature

Thrifty Style Team Updated October 2016



26 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel Tagged With: decorating

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « A Special Invitation
Next Post: The Parade »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Suzanne says

    October 12, 2016 at 3:58 AM

    Love that idea for the backsplash….could you please tell me what brand or mfg you used?
    Thanks
    Sue

    Reply
  2. Annette says

    October 12, 2016 at 4:17 AM

    Such a great idea! And, it looks great too!! Next time I go to town I am going to check those out.
    The wisdom you share about home, decorating, family, and today with finances is truly from the Lord. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 12, 2016 at 6:45 AM

      Thank you so much Annette!

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    October 12, 2016 at 4:37 AM

    Love it and all your kitchen decor. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    October 12, 2016 at 6:01 AM

    The concept is awesome and I love budget decorating! However, the peel and stick tiles look like Contact paper randomly attached to the backsplash. Inexpensive now looks cheap and tacky. Sorry, just one opinion from someone who has budget decorated for 40+ yrs., with a decorator daughter.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 12, 2016 at 6:45 AM

      Hi Mary! I definitely can appreciate where you are coming from. It’s probably not something I’ll keep there on and on but it sure is fun to try a new look without breaking the bank. Thanks so much for your input. 🙂

      Reply
      • Shelli says

        October 12, 2016 at 11:48 AM

        I would like to know where you got it from? I have an area in a rental home that I would like to spruce up.

        Reply
        • At The Picket Fence says

          October 12, 2016 at 12:12 PM

          Hi Shelli! I found it at Lowes and I’ve also seen them online at Amazon. 🙂

          Reply
          • Shelli says

            October 12, 2016 at 12:14 PM

            Thanks! I havent been able to find anything like that at my Lowes. I will keep looking though!

  5. Bliss says

    October 12, 2016 at 6:29 AM

    You said a lot of things in this post….. like how in real life those makeovers take longer than a week. Boy do I know THAT one to be true! Your kitchen is lovely both ways, and sometimes it just takes a little change to have a big minds-eye adjustment.

    Reply
  6. Ashlyn says

    October 12, 2016 at 8:50 AM

    Fabulous idea! Looks great!

    Reply
  7. Deborah says

    October 12, 2016 at 9:21 AM

    I absolutely love!!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. rose l. says

    October 12, 2016 at 11:03 AM

    Nice! I like the look.

    Reply
  9. Julie says

    October 12, 2016 at 12:35 PM

    Such a cool idea..
    I love your kitchen, Vanessa. I think those counters are perfect!

    Reply
  10. Lisa Mothersead says

    October 12, 2016 at 1:12 PM

    First off all, that and kitchen look great! Secondly, thank you for your honesty about home improvement. I actually prefer a blog like this, anyway. Real life…

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 12, 2016 at 8:25 PM

      Thank you so much Lisa! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Jeanie says

    October 12, 2016 at 3:44 PM

    The tiles look awesome!! I bought my granite about 10 yrs ago and this month I bought all my stainless appliances.. Yes, it took me time to save but now they are mine and I love them..thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 12, 2016 at 8:29 PM

      Good for you Jeanie! It’s so much more gratifying to take the time to save up and do it right. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  12. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    October 12, 2016 at 6:56 PM

    Vanessa, your kitchen is lovely! You did a great job with your tiles. They really look nice and nobody needs to know what they are. You enjoy your kitchen! Bless you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 12, 2016 at 8:30 PM

      Thank you so much Mary-ann!

      Reply
  13. Becky says

    October 13, 2016 at 4:26 AM

    The updated tiles are a fantastic idea but most of all I appreciate your honesty in real life home ownership and finance. We are always saving for one project or another but at the same time we must continue to live our daily live. We also try to teach our children about delayed gratification rather than the ever popular instant gratification that seems to be very popular. Can’t wait to see your kitchen reveal.

    Reply
  14. Julia says

    October 13, 2016 at 12:14 PM

    I like this idea! My kitchen needs some freshening up but my bank account says something else!

    Reply
  15. Debbie Mayfield says

    October 14, 2016 at 9:12 PM

    Hats off to you for staying committed to your goals. My husband and I have been in our home for 26 1/2 years. We bought the home we could afford and have made it ours over the years. We could and still can afford a newer home but we love our home. My husband loves to say we have moved three times and never changed our address. We recently redid my husband’s office/game room. (I will be sharing photos soon!). Ignore the nay sayers. It looks great. Be proud of yourself for solving a problem. All that matters is if you are happy. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Toni says

    October 15, 2016 at 12:37 PM

    I really appreciated your perspective of doing what you can as you can afford it. I dare say, many of those who read your blog have the same constraints when it comes to decorating. Right now I’m repainting my family room walls with a view to “what it will become”……as I can’t achieve it all right now. This makes so much sense and in the long run, I think a home ends up much more interesting. And I’ve read that a home should appear “put together over time”. Great idea, small change, but BIG impact to the look!

    Reply
  17. Tina Matteson says

    October 15, 2016 at 4:55 PM

    I think your kitchen is beautiful and the tile looks great either way! Honestly I had to go back and look three times to make sure which picture was the before and which were the afters. I know how it is with your home, though…sometimes things bother you that no one else even notices. Thank you for sharing this idea with us.

    Reply
  18. Alyssa | Little City Farm says

    October 27, 2016 at 8:43 PM

    I’ve been thinking about doing peel and stick backsplash in my apartment but have been a little nervous. I love how you used them for accents – super adorable!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful s Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful sunshine especially when our family has been hit by illness this week. Everyone is on the upswing, thankfully, and I’m hoping we’ll fell well enough to get outside and soak up some much needed natural vitamin D. After so many days of wet, gloomy weather this is like balm for my soul! 🍃 What’s the weather like where you are?
Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to apply eyeliner while you have the hiccups. It won't go well. Trust me on this one! 😜

In other news, the hot cocoa station is finally gone and in it's place is a fresh new look that was kicked off by finding a beautiful, rustic vase at @homegoods. It feels like my home is rising up to welcome Spring and I'm so ready for sunshine and longer days. 🍃

Don’t forget to check out my stories tonight for Friday funnies! I love hearing from so many of you who say it’s your favorite way to wrap up your week. ☺️

Happy weekend to you dear friends!
It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing o It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing one of my most favorite ways to simply and inexpensively add seasonal decor to your home. There’s nothing like getting big impact with little effort and without breaking the bank! #tiptuesday #decorforless
What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of March and see glorious sunshine greeting us after a few days of ice and snow. This is the month of hope and expectation and I’m here for it.

Happy March first dear friends! 🍃
Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a r Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a room at all. The 20+ year old washer and dryer we inherited after we got married was hooked up in the garage of our small townhouse. Our second ‘laundry room’ was an improvement because it was actually INSIDE the house but it was in our family room behind bifold doors.

So when we moved into this home 15 years ago I literally jumped up and down when I saw this real laundry room. Never mind that it had dated counters and an old stained sink. It was an actual room!

We made minor updates to it over the years but other, more visible, spaces took priority so we spent our resources on beautifying those.

But, last summer, we finally had new counters installed and made a few more updates that have completely transformed this room. 

Now, it’s almost a joy to do the laundry…almost! 😉

For more photos and details head on over to my website using the link in my bio.
“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”

Psalm 25:1-6
Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great chan Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great change in America begins at the dinner table.” I think this is true for everyone worldwide. You simply can’t put a value on the importance of gathering together for a meal with those you love. But, sometimes, we can struggle with getting the conversations flowing. So for this #tiptuesday, I’m sharing some tools we’ve used in our home. 🍃
There is just something about the combination of l There is just something about the combination of lemon and honey. It’s rustic yet fancy, sweet yet tart, spring-like yet comforting on a cold winters day. 

And that’s why this is hands down one of my favorite recipes! I decided to take a basic tea cake and turn it into a loaf of sweet, tart, simple yet fancy goodness and the only thing bad about it was how quickly it disappeared!

🍋You can find the recipe by following the link in my bio 🍯
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each “Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well.” (Louisa May Alcott).

The sun is shining and it’s the perfect day to photograph our laundry room which got a bit of a makeover. This space is definitely useful as it bears the brunt of everyone tromping through it all day long but I think I’ve managed to make it pleasant as well. One of my greatest realizations in my homemaking journey was when I recognized that those two things weren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s the pleasant that enhances the useful and vice versa.

I’ll have the rest of the makeover reveal on my website soon but I just couldn’t resist sharing a sneak peek with you today! 🌿
A little bit of snow and ice leading to a two hour A little bit of snow and ice leading to a two hour school delay and then a little bit of sunshine followed by fog. That’s how our Valentines Day began!

I’m so thankful for my cozy home and my loves who live here with me and I can’t wait to spoil them a bit tonight. We don’t go crazy on Valentine’s Day but I try to still make it sweet even if it’s simple. 💕

Do you celebrate at your house? What’s your favorite treat?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence