The budget friendly kitchen renovation is humming right along and this week it was all about the backsplash. Well, technically last week was too (did you see the removal process?), but this week we’re making it pretty! The transformation is about to ramp up as we enter Week 5 of the One Room Challenge, but before we talk about what’s next, let’s look back at Week 4.
Progress, slowly but surely!
The New Backsplash
If you remember my original moodboard, I teased that I would be installing vertical wood paneling painted the same color as the kitchen cabinets (you can catch the painting update here). My goal of the design is to create a seamless look, which I think can be achieved by either doing what I’m doing (budget friendly option) or continuing the countertops up the backsplash. Ideally someday I’ll do the latter and have continuous marble counter and backsplash, but since this is a budget friendly kitchen renovation, that’s not part of the current plan.
The tongue and groove panels I chose are five inches wide and come in eight foot long planks. Using my miter saw, I cut each piece down to size, then painted two coats of my paint (Stone Hearth by Benjamin Moore) on each piece, sanding in between. After that, it was time for install!
Using my brad nailer, I secured each plank into the wall, double checking they were level as I went. One thing I learned quickly was to keep my nails away from the side of each plank that the next plank would slide into. When I installed my very first plank, I had nailed right to the edge and then I was unable to get the next plank flush. I had to pull everything out and remove the nails from the plank, and start over. Just a word to the wise if you plan to do this!
Learning Time: Electrical, Trim and Jig Saws
How to Extend Outlets
As easy as the install started off, I slowed down a little bit as I had to learn a few new things as I went. The first was how to properly extend my electrical outlets and light switches. I also realized that the previous owner had used drywall screws to adhere the electrical, so I was thankful I caught this and made it right.
After I turned the power off, I unscrewed the outlets from the electrical boxes and gently pulled them out. If you have a drywall backsplash or wood backsplash like mine, you’ll want to use outlet extension boxes like these. If you have a tile backsplash you can use outlet spacers like these. Either way these fit in between the outlet and the electrical box. No need to unwire anything at all. This allows the outlets to be extended from the wall, but they remain still (and secure) when you’re plugging into them.
Working around existing Trim
The next big thing I learned was how to carefully remove existing trim. I realized after the fact the new wood paneling was thicker than the base of my window sill trim, and would look a little too DIY if I didn’t come up with a solution. After cutting the caulk around the trim, I was able to gently pry the trim off with a pry bar and hammer. I continued installing the paneling under the existing window ledge, and will mount the old window sill trim on top. This will create a much more seamless look. I also decided I’m going to go ahead and paint the window the same color as the cabinets.
Lastly, and most intimidating, I needed to learn how to cut holes in my panels for the electrical outlets / light switches, but also to fit around some of the cabinetry above the cooktop. I was generously gifted this Kobalt Jigsaw from Lowe’s Home Improvement and it ended up being so easy and fun to use! Assembly was super quick, and after double checking my measurements I got right into cutting for the outlets.
I felt incredibly lucky because when I got to the corner of the backsplash, the panels magically met up and I didn’t need to make any cuts whatsoever! There was a little bit of math when I got to the very end (pictured above) but it was totally doable. I felt like that was a gift from the universe after the back breaking work of removing the backsplash last week!
The Final Results
After filling nail holes and sanding everything down, I was so in awe with the change this backsplash is bringing to the room. Everything looks more streamlined and warm, and the elements aren’t fighting with one another. They just blend.
Now that the backsplash is fully installed, I’m wrestling with the idea of leaving the little wavy cut outs above the sink and cooktop. Part of me thinks they’ll be complimentary with the vintage pendants I’m installing above the new island (I still need to build!). The other part of me thinks this might look too cottage core with the paneling. Don’t get me wrong, I love cottage style, but I’m always going to stay true to the architecture of the home I’m designing, and this is a colonial style home. I’m going to sleep on the decision but it’s something I’m thinking about almost daily.
What’s next?
While I had hoped to tackle the countertops this week, they’ll need to move into Week 5 of the One Room Challenge. In case you missed it, I’m using a kit from the brand Giani to paint my existing granite countertops to look like marble. After the actual prep and painting, I expect most of Week 5 will be spent waiting for the epoxy to cure, which will give me time to focus on a few other things…
Drawers, doors and an island build! It will be dealer’s choice on what I tackle next, but I’m very motivated to start putting things back in the cupboards. I’m hoping I can get the drawers out of the way first and then begin moving onto drilling for the new door hinges, which will be hidden and soft close!
Make sure you’re following along on my instagram account to see all the behind the scenes in stories, and weekly recaps in feed. To see and cheer on other designers, you can follow the One Room Challenge weekly progress reports here!
Catch up on the budget friendly kitchen renovation:
One Room Challenge Kitchen Renovation – Week 1
One Room Challenge Kitchen Renovation – Week 2
It’s looking so good!!