What happens when you find a few boxes of individual tiles on clearance for $0.02 each? You put on your thinking cap and come up with a way to take advantage of a bargain. That's exactly what's been done here and it covers the old inlaid painted border tiles perfectly.
We stopped in over at A Nest For All Seasons where this tile project was happening. The look is great and makes an old backsplash appear fresh and new. Although it might require a little extra grouting or sealing so food and grease doesn't get lodged behind each tile, it was a quick and simple way to dress things up.
For the whole look to make sense, make sure to stop by A Nest For All Seasons to see what this backsplash looked like before. We like the idea of simply covering up the new instead of tearing the whole thing out. It makes a daunting project all the easier.
Image: A Nest For All Seasons
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I think that this would have been fine if they'd just done a band covering the floral tile band that they disliked so much. Take out all those random 3D ones. They just scream ick and dirt and mildew to me. And I really don't think they look pretty even without that.
I can almost HEAR the germs and bacteria growing behind those tiles. eewww.
"For the whole look to make sense, make sure to stop by A Nest For All Seasons to see what this backsplash looked like before."
No, it's going to take a lot more than that for this to make sense. The original ivy tiles were charming -- I would have been thrilled to see them in a home I was visiting or buying. This effect, on the other hand, doesn't add anything except impossible-to-clean dust traps (and hiding places for vermin) and would make me wonder what other iffy DIY fixes might be around the corner.
It's great the tiles cost only a dollar. But having a clean and functional kitchen would have been free -- just do nothing, and live with the evergreen ivy motif. It'll cost somebody more than a dollar to get this backsplash back to looking presentable.
Good intention, BAD follow through. Yuk...not attractive. Next time just paint the tile.
I really like it. I can understand that it might be hard to keep clean, but as far as the way it looks; it's very modern and creative.
Throw some concrete over the tiles would probably look better, and cause less problems for cleaning and hygiene.
Backsplashes have a FUNCTION, beside being decorative, and the genius who glued the extra tiles forgot it for sake of "aesthetics".
This is my cleaning nightmare!
This is my cleaning nightmare!!!
uggles
NO
Horrible. It makes my skin crawl to think of what will grow behind the 3d tiles. Also, this will be a cleaning/dusting NIGHTMARE.
This 'cheap fix' will cost a fortune to undo.
The ivy wasn't my taste, but it wasn't the worst thing in the world. She could have worked with that, or painted over it... but this is terrible.
Wow, that's really winning the fugly contest.
Why?
3D layered artwork on say, a living room wall, is fine. But as a backsplash? FAIL.
What a great idea! Unfortunately, as many people have already made note - what a cleaning disaster! This defeats the purpose of the backsplash, though. A paint and sealant could have inexpensively solved this problem.
But kudos for an innovative idea!
Hannah McCoy
hannahmccoyinteriors.com
i liked the leaves better. in addition the dollar "bargain" will cost you in time for the upkeep and cans of raid.
I agree , you "had a crazy idea" , I guess the good news is that you "love it".
have to agree with sealbeachy.
Hey all! You missed the "we are going to gut this kitchen in a few years so we are making small changes that will get ripped out anyway" memo on the kitchen redo ;) We painted our countertops for this reason as well.
...AND if you are curious, behind the tiles passes the white glove test (white flourcloth test in this case). The backsplash does not wrap around the kitchen (by the stove) - it is just over that one small section, so they don't collect grease.
...and yes I do love it!! Much better than the tacky ivy ;)
Defeats the purpose of a backsplash.
Why not just paint over the ivy if you hated it so much?
I like it. The ivy IS ugly. I can see why they would want to replace it. Also, cleaning only becomes an issue if this is behind the stove where grease tends to gather. The function of a backsplash is different in different parts of the kitchen.
The terrified old ladies of Apartment Therapy have spoken. There may be bugs and germs and bits of ick (eventually) behind those tiles! AND THEN THE CHILDREN WILL DIE!!!1!
I think they look cool.
mega ugly and i liked the ivy.
I give another vote to cool! Nicely done, you. That ivy was pure fug.
ivy was 80's country kitchen; one of my hates. this is definitely a fun temporary change. well done!
Wow, I can't believe everyone who is having a coronary over what is a temporary fix. I think it looks better than the ivy and from my prior years of renting I know what it's like to have to look at something every day that you find ugly. This is a good temporary fix until she can redo the whole kitchen. Relax, people!
As much as I (sometimes) appreciate the appeal of revamps on the cheap, I would have tried working with the ivy (which is, admittedly dated) instead of covering it up completely - perhaps painting the window frame (?) above the tile or putting some kitchen accessories that compliment it in that corner of the kitchen. Everyone is different, but it seems like that would have made the kitchen equally livable until the "redo".
I don't care how temporary this is intended to be.. there are times when an idea needs to be put in the 2 cent box with the tiles..
This is a deeply unattractive cover up. The full photo on the other site looks even worse.
The dirt factor grosses me out. It's above a panini maker, and a sink.. those are two very wet/greesy places. ick.
Why didn't you just paint them? You have shown that you're capable of ripping counters apart and painting them.. it would have been less work and a better result.
I really like this idea, and am glad it was shared here. Too bad the AT readership of late seems to be comprised solely of condescending germophobes.
I like your new backsplash,it's different! and most importantly- You like it!