Backsplash | Home Makeover Diva

How To Measure For Tile Backsplash

06.20.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Overwhelmed in Portland writes:

Dear Diva, I’m not that handy but I want to put up a tile backsplash. My main problem though is that I’m not sure how to measure for tile backsplash. I’ve read a bunch of how to’s but no one says how to measure. Please help!

Measuring for tile backsplash is easier than you might think. All you’ve got to do is break it down into little pieces and it won’t be so overwhelming. And no, you don’t literally break it down into little pieces. . .well you might be doing that with the tile, but we aren’t talking about that part! Below I’ve outlined the three things you’ll need to do in order to measure for tile backsplash. I’ve also listed the tools you’ll need and some tips to help make the whole process easier.

First of all, make sure you have all the right tools. You’ll need a pen or pencil, paper and a steel tape measure. Please don’t use a ruler or cloth measuring tape as this will only make the job more difficult and less accurate. Besides, if you don’t have already have a steel measuring tape, it might be a good idea to pick one up for future projects. You never know what else you’re going to want to make over when you get done with the tile backsplash!

The above mentioned tools work best for rectangular areas. If your backsplash is an odd shape or has any funky cut outs like electrical outlets and switches, you may want to consider additional tools. I’m specifically talking about tools such as: graph paper and a small straight edge. It also doesn’t hurt to have an additional person available just incase you need someone to hold the other end of the tape measure. This isn’t necessary but can come in “handy.”

Next, measure and record your results. If your backsplash is a rectangle then all you need to do is write down the width in inches and the length in inches. However if your measurements aren’t that straight forward, you’ll want to use the graph paper to sketch out a replica of your area. Let the size of your backsplash dictate what ratio you will use on the graph paper. Obviously if you’ve got a large space you’ll want to use a smaller ratio and the reverse if you’re space is small. Use pencil so you can erase any mistakes you make and make sure you record any electrical outlets and light switches.

Lastly, calculate the square footage and/or Lineal Footage. If your space is a rectangle, multiply the length in inches times the width in inches. Then take this number and divide it by 144. This will give you the square footage of your space. For example if your space is 80″ wide by 20″ long, when you multiple them it equals 1600 square inches. Now divide that by 144 and you get 11.11 square feet. Then add 10% for cutting waste. In this case, 10% is going to be just over one square foot, but I would round the number up to 13 square feet just to be safe.

Calculating for lineal foot is a little easier. You simply divide the length in inches by 12 to get the lineal footage. In the case above, 80/12=6.67LF. Remember to round-up to the nearest foot and give yourself at minimum 10% extra. Then do the same to get the lineal footage of the width. This number will come in handy if you are using any bullnose or trim tiles. In general the lineal footage is also nice to know if you are planning on adding any deco or liner tiles. And I would strongly recommend calculating these totals even if you don’t think you’ll need any of the previously mentioned speciality tiles. This way if you change you’re mind later on, you won’t have to remeasure.

Once you get started you’ll realize that it is not as overwhelming as you think! Just take it one step at a time and you’ll be ready to start your tile backsplash project in no time!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Take Your Kitchen From Ho Hum To WOW For Under $500

01.20.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

It doesn’t cost a fortune to add some much-needed personality to any room. In the kitchen in particular you can accomplish this with some quick and easy fixes. If you’ve ever wondered how this can be accomplished then keep reading to see how I turned my ho-hum kitchen into a WOW kitchen with a budget under $500!

Finish off the space with a backsplash

Backsplash can add some much-needed character to any space. Especially in a kitchen like mine, where the builder’s grade cabinets don’t reach the ceiling. That empty space did nothing for the overall look of the room. I had been considering cabinet and shelving options, but wasn’t sure how much I wanted to put into the project. I also needed to add a backsplash so I decided to take the backsplash all the way up the wall. If you’re considering a backsplash for your space but don’t know what to use, there are many options for kitchen backsplashes. Choose from tile (ceramic, natural stone, metal, or glass), bead board, old-fashioned ceiling panels and more. No matter what style you are looking for there is a backsplash out there for your kitchen! The hard part is just figuring out what works for your own individual style and your budget!

I really liked the look of the metallic tile or tin ceiling tiles. But I didn’t like the price, installation method or upkeep. So I was very relieved when, with a little research I came across another option. I found Fasade Backsplash Panels by ACP online. I knew I had an easy project for my space that would give the much-needed warmth and pizzazz my kitchen needed, while still being in my budget and easy to install myself. I chose the Hammered in Argent Copper because I wanted the metallic look without the “shine.” I also didn’t want to overpower the room since I was using it above the cabinets as well. The Argent Copper worked out great because it isn’t super shiny and instead has more of a satin finish to it. The Fasade Backsplash panels definitely added the much-needed wow to the kitchen! The Hammered pattern added the needed texture while the Argent Copper color gave the kitchen an overall warmth and glow that I just love!

Add interest with under cabinet lighting

You don’t have to wire anything or install anything permanent if you don’t want. We used LED “puck lighting” and installed it with Command Strips. That way if I want to change it in the future, I can do so without any damage to the cabinets. I chose the Command Strips that are like Velcro so you can take them down easily to change the batteries when needed. Each light was only $14 so it cost under $50 to add more lighting. This part of the project was super easy and made another big impact. Plus it was perfect for highlighting the work I did on the backsplash! When the lights are on, they reflect off the backsplash and make whatever is underneath a focal point!

Don’t forget the color

I added accessories that would help bring a punch of color without overwhelming the space. I left a couple of everyday appliances on the countertop because the black blended in with the stainless steel appliances and coordinated other accessories that all had a hint of black in them. The stacked bowls in the corner are my favorite and it was great to be able to highlight them in such a way! Plus they were a wedding present that has been undervalued stuck in the back of a cabinet!

Another way I added color was by adding a small kitchen island. The kitchen island also has a base that is black and works well with the other accessories, such as the bowls and rugs, but it also has a multi color mosaic tile on top. I put together the island previously and was finally able to have it work cohesively in my space, which brings up an excellent point. If you can’t find the kitchen island or cart to meet your needs color wise, you can always make one yourself by re-purposing another piece of furniture!

Finish off the room with cabinet hardware

Adding cabinet hardware adds an extra layer of sophistication to any kitchen. Hardware finishes a plain cabinet and takes your kitchen to the next level. You have a lot of options when it comes to hardware. From plain metal knobs to elaborate glass or ceramic pulls, just make sure you pick out the one that works best with your style and your kitchen. I chose simple metal knobs because of the size of edge on the cabinet door. My cabinet doors don’t have much of an edge so had I gone with a bulkier or fancier knob it would have looked out-of-place. One important note on cabinet hardware: if you have a project deadline, try not to special order it. As shipping dates hardly ever coincide with deadlines! My hardware has yet to be installed because it is still on back order from the company.

Adding it all up

It took less than one day to make the kitchen go from ho-hum to WOW! The Fasade Panels were provided by ACP for this project so I didn’t have to purchase them. But if we had to purchase them it would have cost approx $270 for the panels, edging and adhesive tape. When you compare that to the $600 the metal tiles would have cost me, that is a huge savings!

The lighting was $50, new accessories $80 (though mostly I was able to use what I already had, thanks to those gorgeous bowls!) Cabinet hardware was another $70. If you add everything up, this project would cost around $450. And this is not a bad price for a kitchen personality overhaul, not bad at all! Kitchen projects don’t have to be expensive to make a difference in the overall feel of the room! With a little research and some hard work I have a kitchen I am proud of, that has my personality and a feels more like a place I want to be!

Choosing A Metallic Tile Backsplash

12.16.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Tamyra writes:

Dear Diva, Please help! I am in the process of choosing a metallic tile backsplash and I just can’t decide on the color. I have a stainless steel appliances, a neutral beige countertop and cherry cabinets. On top of that my faucet and light fixtures are satin nickel. Originally I thought I’d have to go with some kind of a silver color but it looks blah because it blends in with the appliances what should I do?

Choosing a metallic tile backsplash can be difficult, especially when you’ve already got a metallic finish in the kitchen it is going in. It sounds like you started off in the direction I would have gone in first too. You’ve probably noticed that while the silver metallic tile matches your stainless steel appliances it does nothing for your cherry cabinets. That is because silver is such a cool color while Cherry wood is warm and rich.

While it sounds contrary to your initial instincts, I’d suggest going with a copper or aged bronze tile. A copper tile would accent nicely with your cabinets and it would also stand out from the stainless appliances and nickel fixtures in the kitchen. An aged bronze tile could work as well depending on the shade of your cherry cabinets. If the color of your cabinets are dark, the aged bronze tile may end up just blending in with them, and creating a similar problem that you were running into with the silver metallic backsplash tile.

Whichever way you go, remember to bring a sample tile home into your space and look at how the different light affects the way it looks throughout the day and evening before purchasing. There is nothing worse than installing a new metallic backsplash tile only to find out, it doesn’t look the same at a certain time of day. I speak from experience on this one! Only I made my mistake with paint and ended up having to paint over 2 huge rooms. Trust me this is something you can avoid with only a bit of patience before beginning your project!

If you can’t get a sample or the sample isn’t very big, one trick that has always helped me with any solid backsplash tile is to bring in paint samples to the tile shop. With a metallic backsplash tile this will be even easier to match up. Compare the paint samples to the tile you are looking at and find one that matches. You can then get a quart or sample can made at your local paint store. Back at home, paint a piece of masonite or even poster board with your sample color. Once it dries you can set it up in the kitchen in the backsplash area and find out if the color works for you. This trick takes a bit of the guess-work out of choosing metallic backsplash tile!

How To Tile A Backsplash

12.05.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Cindy writes:

We’ve just replaced our appliances in the kitchen and are now looking at doing something about behind the stove. Frankly, I have asked my husband about adding a new backsplash and needless to say he was less than excited at the idea. So know I am asking you, Diva. Can you teach me how to tile a backsplash? Is it really as big of a pain as I’ve heard it can be?

Well Cindy, learning how to tile a backsplash can be made into a really intensive project if you take the usual approach. However if you’re willing to mix things up a bit, try some non-mortar products that help make the job easier, you’ll find it’s not all that bad.

The key to learning how to tile a backsplash really comes down to the following points.

– What kind of tile are you going to be using?

– Something else to make your backsplash tile stay in place?

The tile, really comes down to what type of surface you’re looking for. Ceramic, glass, metal, the list goes on. Because this really comes down to personal preference, there is no really right or wrong choice here. Style, colors or perhaps even going with something that uses vinyl are all good options depending on the end result you might be seeking.

How to tile a backsplash made simple

Believe it or not, there are two great products out there that will allow you to make tile backsplash happen with less effort that most people might think initially. The first product is called Bondera and it’s a tile mat set. Then there is also SimpleMat as well. Bondera is available at Lowes while SimpleMat is a Home Depot product.

Not too long back, I demonstrated how one could use Bondera and some glass backsplash tile to make a small tray for the kitchen. It was applied in the same way as it would be when used for a backsplash. Apply the Bondera, apply the tiles, grout and enjoy. Obviously there is some prep time for the grout involved here, but when you’ve removed the need for mortar, you will see that learning how to tile a backsplash isn’t really that difficult. Take the simple approach, use Bondera. It’s works great!

How To Choose Granite Colors?

09.13.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today a reader asks:

I am remodeling a small kitchen (12×10). I have installed: stainless steel appliances, Diamond Kitchen Cabinets in Cherry Harvest finish, and Alloc – Japanese Cherry hardwood flooring.

I am having a difficult time selecting a granite countertop color? I cannot decide whether to go light or dark? Can tell me how to choose granite colors?

There really is no wrong or right choice when it comes to choosing granite countertop colors. But there are a few things to keep in mind when you are making your choice.

Where is your focus? If you want the granite to stand out and want it to be the focus of your kitchen, then you need to choose a granite color that is either darker or lighter than your countertops. The value difference will help add visual interest and drama to your kitchen.

Another aspect of the granite countertops that will add drama/interest is the size of the pattern being selected. Some slabs of granite have small mineral flecks and more uniform patterns, while other granite slabs have a larger more dramatic pattern and mineral flecks. Once again, this goes along with the above question: How much do you want to have the granite countertop stand out?

Going with a dark countertop will definitely cause it to stand out. If you’re looking at something in the black granite range, then that is a color that is definitely dramatic and because of that, it looks nice with cherry cabinets. It also will take a little more cleaning, because everything’s lighter, like dust and crumbs stand out on a dark solid color surface.

If you don’t want the focus to be the granite countertops and want the focus to be on a backsplash or something else in the kitchen, then choosing a granite that is a similar tone to the cabinets is a good choice.

Is there a color value difference? If there is a great difference in color between the color of the kitchen cabinets and the color of the wood flooring, I’d suggest going with a granite that is in between the color range of the flooring and cabinets. This is one rule of thumb that works well every time.

Keep in mind that if there isn’t a value difference between the flooring and the cabinets you will do the opposite and all three will blend. This is why it is very important to know what you want ahead of time!

Are you adding a backsplash? If you’re using a granite backsplash, then ignore this section. If you want to add a tile backsplash and have something specific in mind bring samples of the tile to pick out the granite. Sometimes what we want and what matches the backsplash are two different things. For example I love kitchens with spa-green glass backsplash tile, but the colors would look hideous in my kitchen.

Because of this, it took me way too long to find a backsplash that I could just live with, instead of loving it. It’s important to consider everything in the room that will touch the countertops, like backsplashes and paint colors! If you keep all three of these points in mind when choosing your granite countertops, you can’t go wrong.

Bonus tips:

Have you considered choosing granite colors with existing appliances?

It sounds like you put a lot of thought into your flooring and cabinets, so I am confident that you will choose the right color for your space by utilizing some of the tips I’ve provided above. I realize it’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you learn how to balance out visual interest, you’ll be all set.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!