DIY Projects

If you are thinking of updating your kitchen, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, look into adding or changing your backsplash.

• A backsplash with a pattern in a neutral kitchen can make all the difference from looking boring to actually looking new and exciting.

• On the other hand, a neutral backsplash can calm a busy kitchen down.

• Adding a colorful backsplash can make a kitchen pop if you want to get rid of browns and beiges or just add a pop of color to a dark looking kitchen.

16 Most Interesting Backsplash Ideas for your kitchen

Whether you are choosing to span the entire wall or just thinking to add a pop of color behind the range, there are different patterns for everything.

Or add a new backsplash between the countertops and the cabinets to create a new vibe.

You can tile a whole wall or just two or three rows of tiles to make a huge impact.

Whatever works with your kitchen layout, or the color scheme of your kitchen there are all kinds of different patterns and styles you can use.

You don’t have a huge budget but want to update the look of your kitchen?

If you are on a limited budget and you like to do things around your house yourself, this is an easy project for you. Just use peel and stick tiles for this project, it is easy and fast to do.

You don’t need a contractor to do that. You can add a peel and stick backsplash all by yourself. The only thing you need when adding peel and stick backsplash is

• a measuring tape,
• a utility knife or scissors,
• a ruler
• and some time to do it.

So what is holding you back?

I know you need some ideas about what can look good in your kitchen. Here are some backsplash ideas:

Do you want a neutral looking backsplash?

Here are some tips if your kitchen is already pretty busy and you want to calm it down. You definitely don’t want a busy pattern or a bold color in your backsplash. Go for a neutral white or grey look:

Is it time to add some color to your kitchen? How about a colorful backsplash?

The easiest way to add color to your kitchen is by adding either a pattern or a colorful backsplash. Just make sure the countertops are not very busy either.

Also, make sure that the countertops are mostly cleared off. Gadgets that you don’t use all the time should be stored in a cabinet and not on the countertops in order to have more countertop space.

All the pictures and stickers on your fridge don’t really look good if you are going for a neutral and clean look.

Here are some ideas:

Did you know that you can paint your kitchen tiles?

If you have a backsplash you don’t like, you have two easy options to make it look better:

You can add a sticker tile over the old tiles or you can paint the tiles. Yes, you can actually paint tiles.

Here is the paint you need to get to paint the tiles in order to change the look. Just follow the instructions on the paint bucket.

It is actually pretty easy to do if you clean the tiles first with a deglosser and then use a foam roller to paint the tile at least twice. Leave the tiles either white or add a stencil with a pattern and color over the white paint.

Here is a short video on How to paint kitchen backsplash

I hated the backsplash in my kitchen and tried to remove it. But the glass tiles were stuck to the wall badly and when I tried to remove the tile, I also removed some of the drywall. So I decided to paint over the tiles and then added a stencil. This is how it looks now.

Do you want to use sticker tiles?

Here are some sticker options you can stick on top of your tile. Just make sure the size of the sticker is the same as the size of the tile in order to use the grout lines.

These tile stickers can be added on top of tiles. If you decide on using this option, make sure the tiles are grease-free, otherwise, the stickers won’t stick. Use a deglosser to clean the surface well.

Want to see some kitchen updates?

Whether you use peel and stick tiles or install and grout your tiles, whatever feels better for you is definitely an update.

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Are you thinking of updating your cabinets too?

I painted every single kitchen of every house we moved in because I am a colorful girl. I don’t like brown and beige and therefore I paint everything I don’t like.

If you are looking for some inspiration about color choices, here are some suggestions: Best kitchen color choices

Update your kitchen with paint, you won’t believe the outcome. And it is so much easier and cheaper to paint the cabinets (if they are in decent shape) than to exchange them. I am not prepared to spend thousands of Dollars on kitchen cabinets. I rather spend the money on new appliances.

Are you trying to find a way how to update your dated-looking kitchen? I have the solution.

Join my workshop! Get on the waitlist to be informed when it is opening up. I show you exactly how to paint your kitchen cabinets. You can even schedule a call with me if you are not sure about the color scheme.

You can sign up right here:

Summary of 16 Most Interesting Backsplash Ideas for your kitchen you need to see

If you are ready to make some changes in your kitchen start with a new backsplash. You can actually change the look of your kitchen just by adding a pretty pattern, a cool color, or a design to the wall.

Make sure the backsplash fits your countertops. So, if you have a busy countertop you don’t want a busy backsplash. Do you have a white countertop and white cabinets? You can definitely add a color or a pretty pattern with a backsplash. Is the whole look of your kitchen brown? Add a light color to brighten the kitchen up.

Do you need more ideas? Here is how to paint Formica countertops to look like new.

Do you have questions? Send me an email and I will come back as soon as possible to you.

Conny

Want to remember ’16-most-interesting-backsplash-ideas-for-your-kitchen-you-need-to-see’. Just pin this image to your favorite Pinterest board:

If you can’t stand looking at your old and dated kitchen anymore, and you desperately want to update your cabinets, here are my tips on how to ‘Paint your kitchen cabinets the easy way’.

I painted all of my cabinets (and I have a big kitchen) in about 5 days (working about 4 hours per day) and spent $ 150 on all of the paint supplies.

I had never painted kitchen cabinets before. This is why I started with a bathroom vanity and it came out great. So why not paint kitchen cabinets especially when they are so dated?

Update 12/2021: Meanwhile I have painted many kitchen cabinets and I am very confident in what I am doing now.

Let’s start by answering some questions on how to paint your kitchen cabinets the easy way:

Is it hard to paint cabinets?

It is definitely not hard to update your kitchen. You have to be committed and do one step after the other. No need to be scared or overwhelmed.

I painted all of my cabinet doors, front and back. Of course, you can decide to only paint the front. This will cut the time in half.

If you want it to look good take your time, get the right material and take it easy. Do not skip a step from the Checklist, and you will be so happy when you are done. I love looking at my kitchen now that it is updated.

Especially if you want to make your kitchen look more modern, brighter, cleaner looking.

Does your kitchen look similar to this one? Dated and dark?

How to paint cabinets without sanding and priming:

1. Take the hardware off.
2. Use Deglosser to clean the cabinets inside and outside.
3. Take the cabinet doors off and bring them outside (Mark them if you take all of them down at once)
4. Lay them on a tarp (or similar).
5. Use a brush and a foam roller and add two layers of Milk Paint.
6. Let dry in between paint layers.
7. Paint the outside of the cabinets twice.
8. Let dry.
9. Use a brush and add 3 layers of Top Coat over the paint. Let dry.
10. Attach the doors and the hardware.

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So this is all that you have to do. If you want to get more details on how to paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding and priming, here you go:

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure here.

Material List for painting kitchen cabinets:

Deglosser

Milk Paint ( I used Seagull Grey and Driftwood Grey)

Top Coat (to protect the paint from scratches)

Foam Roller, Paint Tray, Brushes

Print out the Material List and Checklist right here:

Checklist Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Paint your kitchen cabinets the easy way

Get on the waitlist for the DIY Kitchen workshop updates:

How to paint kitchen cabinets

The easy answer is to get your Milk Paint, stir it well, pour paint into the paint tray, get a brush and start painting all the edges and corners of the doors. Then get your medium size foam roller and paint the doors in one direction until everything is covered. Let dry and add another coat. Let dry and add Top Coat for protection. Done.

What is the best paint to paint cabinets?

I use Milk Paint for almost everything. Milk Paint is not as expensive as Chalk Paint and way better to paint with. It also covers darker colors great, therefore I don’t use a primer. Try it out if the cabinet is very dark.

Do I have to sand before painting?

NO – Seriously, I would not have done this project if I had to sand all of my cabinets. No way. My kitchen is huge and it scared me. When I tested Milk Paint it worked so well, that I started my kitchen remodel. Try it out before you start.

Do I have to prime before painting?

I didn’t, my cabinet color was a medium brown and the Milk Paint covered it perfectly. If you have very dark cabinets, you want to try it out first if the Milk Paint covers well. If not, use a primer first.

I also recommend using a primer if you want to save on the Milk Paint. Primer is cheaper and adding a primer might save you a coat of Milk Paint.

What is the fastest way to paint cabinets?

Take the hardware off, wipe it down with deglosser, use a foam roller and a brush and paint the outside of the door. Let it dry (about 2 hours) and paint it again. Meanwhile paint the outside of the cabinets the same way. Let dry. After the paint is dry use Top Coat and add 2-3 layers of Top Coat (let dry in between coats for about 20 minutes). Attach the hardware and screw the doors back on. Done.

How long does it take to paint all of the kitchen cabinets?

Of course it depends how big your kitchen is. My kitchen is huge and it took me about 5 days. I painted the inside and outside of the cabinet doors. If you paint only the outside of the doors, it will save you at least one day.

A medium-size kitchen can be done in 3 days easily. Just stay focused and do one step after the other.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

I had to buy everything new. I bought deglosser, 1 quart of light grey and 1 quart of dark grey Milk Paint, brushes and rollers, and Top Coat. All together I spent about $ 150. I added new hardware which was another $ 50, but you can also spray paint your hardware.

Anything important I should know before I start painting my cabinets?

If you want to be happy about your kitchen project, don’t skip the Top Coat step. Seriously, you want to add 3 layers of Top Coat to protect the paint from scratches. Use a brush to apply the clear coat. It dries fast.

Let the paint dry long enough. Best tip is to let the paint dry overnight when you are done with both layers. The next day add the 3 coats of Top Coat. Top Coat dries fast. So it doesn’t take long.

Outcome of How to paint kitchen cabinets the easy way

Pictures of the updated kitchen:

And this is how my kitchen looked before painting the kitchen cabinets:

So, just to give you some more confidence. It is not hard to paint cabinets. You can do this in a couple of days if you stay on the job. If you want to be super fast, just paint the outside of the cabinet doors. Depends on you, how much time you have, what you want to do.

But I can already promise you, no matter what you do it will look so much better. Decide on a good color for your cabinets – always go light on top and dark for your lower cabinets if you want to do it in two different colors.

If your kitchen is small and you want to stick with a light grey, maybe you want to add a funky backsplash. But that depends also on your countertop. Mine is really busy, so I did not add a backsplash.

So get started, what is holding you back????

Where can I buy the Milk Paint?

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

If you want to start painting as soon as possible, here are some links I am sharing with you.

I haven’t seen Milk Paint at Lowe’s or Home Depot but you might find it somewhere else. I bought it on Amazon:

Not sure yet?

Here is my blog post I wrote 3 years ago. The steps are much more detailed in How to paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding or priming

The cabinets are still looking the same. I still love it.

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Want to see a video of my kitchen? Here you go:

Subscribe to my weekly Newsletter, get access to my Resource Library, and download all my Checklists, Printables and Tutorials for free.

Want to remember this post “How to paint your kitchen cabinets the easy way”? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board:

I know you can do it, just start and you are going to be so happy you did this project. Have any questions? Ask here in the comments.

See you at the blog,

Conny xoxo

More related articles you should not miss:

I have a lot of older and dated looking furniture which is still in pretty good condition. Sometimes I think I should really get rid of it but then again, I don’t really want to. Also I just don’t have the budget for new furniture right now. Can you resonate with me?

So if you are in the same situation wondering what to do with dated furniture – here are some great and easy tips for you.

All the material you need to do this project is not expensive – you might have it in your garage.

 

The ultimate guide to paint stencils on furniture easy

What you need for painting furniture

It is actually pretty easy to update older furniture if you are using the right paint. I normally use Milk Paint or Chalk Paint because it is thicker than regular paint and adheres so much better to wood or metal.

But if you want to paint a small dresser in different colors, it can get pricy. This is why I make my own chalk paint. Here is how:

Before you order anything, check what you have at home. Maybe you have an old glass jar or masking tape somewhere you can use.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Shopping List with links

• Medium and small foam roller
• Medium and small brush
• Calcium Carbonate
• Glass Containers with lid
• Sample paints (get them from Lowes or similar)
• Rust-oleum paint and cover in white
• Masking tape or frog tape

How to make Chalk Paint

Mix a couple of spoons of Calcium Carbonate well with warm water to get a smooth consistency. Combine with your sample paint, mix thoroughly until smooth and that’s it. The paint is thicker and covers so much better, you don’t need to sand the furniture before painting.

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Want to get access to my Resource Library, filled with printables, checklists and tutorials? Subscribe here and access instantly:

The ultimate guide to paint stencils on furniture starts here

How to paint furniture

Start by cleaning the furniture well. Use warm soapy water to clean it. If it is really dirty, use deglosser to get all the grease and grime off.

If the furniture color is very dark, spray paint a primer over it. It also saves you paint color if you only have a small sample on hand.

• Always shake the spray paint well before using
• use the spray paint only outside
• lay the furniture flat to prevent drippings while spraying
• keep the recommended distance when spray painting
• let the primer dry then start painting with a foam roller

Use the small brush and paint all the corners and edges first. Then use your small or medium size roller to paint all the surfaces evenly.

• Roll the foam roller in the paint tray a couple of times
• Don’t overload the roller with paint
• Use very little pressure to roll the paint onto the surface
• Roll in one direction
• Let it dry
• Roll another coat of paint onto the furniture.
• Let dry
• Check if it is completely covered
• Use a little brush to go over imperfections

Now do you like what you are seeing? It looks already so much better, right?

But you want to add a stencil onto your furniture. This is how you start adding a stencil on your furniture:

How to paint a stencil on your furniture

How to add a stencil

Get your second paint color and make chalk paint out of it.

Mix a couple of spoons of Calcium Carbonate well with warm water to get a smooth consistency. Combine with your sample paint, mix thoroughly until smooth and that’s it.

Decide where you want to place your stencil on the furniture. Tape the corners of the stencil so it stays in the right position.

This is the foam roller you need for adding a stencil on furniture. The little foam roller doesn’t hold a lot of paint and in order to get sharp lines, you need to add just a little paint.

• Pour your accent color into the tray
• Roll the foam roller a couple of times in the paint so it is covered with paint all around
• Roll some of the paint off again
• Easily roll the roller onto the stencil
• Make sure you cover all of the stencil
• Keep the stencil on and let it dry
• Check thoroughly if all of the cutouts are covered with paint
• When dry take the stencil off.

Examples

Examples where you can paint stencils on furniture

There is so much you can do with stencils. I love to add a personal touch to floors, doors, furniture. I add a stencil to everything that looks ordinary and needs a little glam.

So here are my examples of updating furniture with stencils:

My outdoor table was pretty old and the wood needed paint desperately. So this is what I did. I painted the table white and added the pink stencil in the middle of the table.

I added the green edges as an accent color and it fits well with the cushions.

I added stencils on my deck on wood floors. The wood looked pretty bad and the stencils added a nice add on and distracted from the old look.

A part of my old deck received this makeover to cover up the very dated look. This is a whole section of another deck I completely stenciled.

I added a stencil on my barn door because it looked a little boring without anything.

Here is my metal cabinet with a stencil. This cabinet looks so pretty now, you should see the before picture.

My kitchen table was scratched pretty bad. My husband told me to get rid of it but I made this out of it:

If you use a stencil on a table you should use a Top Coat to protect the paint from scratching off. This coat I have used on all of my interior projects and love it.

Where can you buy stencils?

Where can you buy stencils?

If you wonder now where you can buy stencils, no problem. I bought mine at Michael’s but you can also get stencils at Walmart or Amazon. You can order them right here:

Here are some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

So as you can see, there are a lot of options if you want to update furniture, walls or floors with stencils. The great thing is you can use the stencil as often as you want to. Just clean it after use and store it flat.

And the best part is you can do it all alone and see great results in an afternoon.

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Summary of ‘The ultimate guide to stenciling furniture easy’

Before you get rid of a desk or a table to buy new, think about it. Is it only the dated look or why do you want to buy new? You can save a lot of money if you get a sample paint, a brush and a roller (which will cost you not even $ 20). And then just paint your older furniture piece.

If you like the extraordinary, add a pretty stencil to really update the piece. It is definitely worth the time spend painting and adding a stencil to it.

The money you spend on the paint, brush and stencil is so much cheaper than buying something new. And on top of that, you create something really different you can not buy anywhere.

So try it out, it is a fast and easy project to do.

If you have questions put them in the comments.

See you at the blog,

Conny xoxo

Want to remember this ‘How to easily add stencils on furniture’? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.