Kitchen Backsplash (great for renters too)

So I finally started working on our kitchen backsplash.

As usual, I had to figure out what I liked, 
what I was willing to spend for it, 
and how long would it take me to do it 
(...by myself, while watching our children...)

What really sold me on what we chose, 
is the fact that we could still use the kitchen during the "work in progress".

That's major for us, 

since I cook/prepare every meal.
Also I had to be able to work on it as
time allowed and stop when the children needed me...and that happens a lot!

First of all, 

I had to make sure the wall was even.

It looked like at some point in time, there was some kind of backsplash (probably laminate) that was glued on the wall...when removed, it left ripped small areas all over it.

So out came low dust joint compound 

(leftover from our bathroom addition) 

to make the drywall even.

Sanded down for a smooth surface.

Wiped it clean.

And then painted the area white.

So far so good.
If you have an even light colored wall, skip all of the above.

Here is the fun part.
Gather the supplies:
grocery store ads, masking tape, and scissors.
I made a template of the entire backsplash area.

That's not the finished backsplash.

Then I rolled out the wallpaper, layer the template over it and cut it down 
(outlets cuts too).

To attach it to the wall, 
I used wallpaper glue that I had from our bathroom and bedroom project.
This glue is great for high humidity areas 
(such as kitchen and bathroom).

The wallpaper itself is washable and easy to clean.
The roll was about $20 with taxes, 
and I used 1/4 of the roll.

So about $5 in material for us.

I am truly amazed on how realistic these kind of wallpaper really are.

This project would be perfect even if you rent: 
quick, inexpensive and looks great.

Stay Frugal,

Daniela

update: this is the wallpaper info bought at Lowe's

Linking to
Savvy Southern Style
A Stroll Thru Life
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The Frugal Girls
It's Overflowing
DIY Showoff
Between Naps on the Porch
twelveOeight
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