Let me start by saying that I have the best daddy in the world. Yes, I said “daddy.” I’m a Southerner through-and-through and that’s what we call our fathers — especially the doting, do-anything-for-their-kids type. There’s no home-improvement project he can’t conquer and I’m proud to say that I inherited my can-do gene from him.
My 1950′s kitchen has seen quite a few upgrades in the five years I’ve owned my home but the backsplash has always seemed lacking. So this summer, I decided the time had finally come to install a tile backsplash. Because I like to go big, I chose marble subway tile — fragile, costly, moisture-sensitive Carrara marble. Probably not the best choice for my first tiling project, but that’s how I roll.
My parents made the drive from North Carolina so my Dad could teach me the ways of the force while I did my research and sourced all the materials we’d need so we could knock it out in a long weekend.
Before: Not bad but it could be better. The paint color is Valspar Jekyll Club Pulitzer Blue, if you’re wondering:
After: So much brighter! I had can lights plus a ceiling fan plus halogen lights over the sink installed years ago so, even with a somewhat dark paint color, the kitchen was bright before. But I LOVE how the marble reflects light: 
I was a little concerned that the high-end marble would look out of place with my (not-so-high-end) laminate countertops but they actually look great together:
I especially love how my thrifted Blue Willow and Rose Chintz teacups look against the new backsplash:
Here’s a final wide shot of the Before :
And the After:
Much better, don’t you think? Total, the cost of all materials plus renting a wet tile saw for the weekend was $650. I needed enough tile to cover 33 square feet so you can adjust your cost estimate (more or less) based on how many square feet you need.
Ready to show your kitchen some backsplash love? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think: I’ll teach you how to install a backsplash step-by-step. Don’t have a weekend to spare? We have many more kitchen projects broken down into doable time frames for you in our Fast Fix: Kitchens feature.
[...] DIY Kitchen Backsplash: Before and After HGTV Design Happens Wed, August 22, 2012 2:12 PM UTC HGTV Design Happens Rate Share (function(){var [...]
Wow, what a difference! The backsplash really makes your kitchen. Nicely done!
Lovely! I would marry carrara marble if I could!! That sounded weird… anyway it was the inspiration for our master bath remodel http://www.at-altitude.com/master-bathroom-remode…
They should've gotten rid of the blue at top
I can't believe that the tiling was the next thing on your list of kitchen upgrades over 5 years! I would have painted those cabinets out and put on new handles within a month! With the new tile, they look even more horribly outdated. Please tell me you're planning on changing them somehow!
Love it. It makes the kitchen so much brighter!
@tiffany_colvert: I'd totally marry Carrara marble too. Well, Nathan Fillion is my first choice, then Carrara marble.
Wow…just beautiful and what a difference. Looks beyond great. And to the person who said something about you painting the cabinets…I wouldn't change a thing. They are rich wood and so classic and the and the handles are perfect. I love them and also those shutters over your window. Love love love. Your kitchen is perfect!
Love the backsplash!
You have a great kitchen!
@Karen M. Thanks for the kind words! Originally, I planned on painting the cabinets but once I pulled down the existing '80s wallpaper and painted the walls their dark gray/blue, I liked the warm contrast of wood cabinets. Plus, they match the color of my hardwood floors in the adjacent dining room, which is open to the kitchen. So, unpainted they stayed!
I agree,your cabinets do look much more rich and warm. Also,down the road you can always paint for yet another look,right.
Man, every time I see this backsplash, I'm so impressed with how beautiful it is. And hooray for Little Daddy!
Gorgeous, Camille!!
Love it when you show us photos of your home. Beautiful.
I'm a fan of your blogs Camille. I even spotted the Avon bottle you use for a vase in these pictures!!! I also enjoyed that blog about the Avon bottle you found for a song. Thank you.
Wow, thanks Laurie. Yep, I love that little vase, it's just the right size for 2-3 cut flowers. It's still sitting on my kitchen sink, filled with hot pink dahlias.
Doesn't marble stain?
@pat: Great question! Yes, marble is porous so it's especially important to seal it both before and after you grout. Luckily, sealing marble is a quick process; you just pour a little stone sealer onto a cotton rag and rub it on. I'll probably seal my backsplash once a year.
I love your new tiles. They make your kitchen sparkle! I do have a question – "what is on the other side of your stove? Is it a wall? painted or tiled? " The reason I'd like to know is my stove is right next to a wall that is presently tiled from backsplash height down towards the floor. I need to change my backsplash (presently date & hideous) & am wondering if I should include this wall. You say this is weekend project. Do you think a not-so-handy (but ready to jump in) almost 60yr old sassy gramma can do this?
Hi sassy gram, on the other side of the stove is a painted wall. I ended the backsplash with a marble "pencil" — which is essentially a slim marble border piece that cleanly divides the tiled area from the painted area. For my kitchen, adding the backsplash was a long weekend (meaning 3-day) project — but — if I had needed to demo existing tile, like you've mentioned, it would have taken longer. I have faith in you, I say go for it!
I think the tile looks beautiful! You were lucky that the counter top was not in bad shape. Mine looks it age and although I have purchased the tile for my wall, I will have to wait till I can splurge on a new countertop. Lucky you and tell your dad, well done!
Where did you find the blue rug in front of the sink. It's the perfect one for my ocean themed kitchen!
Hi miamifan, I found it @ Target. Looks like it's no longer on their site, though, check your local store. You may get lucky and find one on clearance.
Wow! What a difference, I love it! My daddy helps me too. I wonder if I can get him to do something like this in my kitchen! Tell your daddy he is awesome!
I have to say as a tile company owner what a very nice job. Clipper Bay Tile</>
I have to say as a tile company owner what a very nice job. Clipper Bay Tile</>
I have to say as a tile company owner what a very nice job. Clipper Bay Tile</>
The mahogany and white color of your kitchen made it look regal and classy. Perhaps you could also get a few bathroom renovation services to pattern this design to your restroom. I must say you have very fine taste in carpets.
Very good move with the backsplash. It sure made the kitchen that much more stylish. In fact, now, I can say that your kitchen looks similar to some we had to work at some downtown new orleans hotels we've stayed at.
Very well done kitchen. It almost looks like something I'd expect from the portfolio of John Hayson.
Nice work on the kitchen. It reminds me of the nice, cozy central london hotel room we stayed at a few months ago.
Wow! This came out amazing. I saw an interesting tile backsplash option from Web Don while researching for my own kitchen. Its part of their new line for Kitchen Palette – its actually a piece of tile that can pop out and is interchangeable. Have you seen that yet?
Its on their site… http://www.web-don.com — def a must see!!
Thanks for the share. Great stuff, just nice!
white marble tile
I love your blog .This is a cool site and I wanted to post a little note to tell you, good job! Best wishes!!!
white marble tile