I thought it would be fun to do a little “Throwback Thursday” because there were many projects completed in our home before Southern State of Mind came to be. Today it’s all about a simple update we made that completely transformed the look of the kitchen- replacing the existing backsplash with a bright subway tile.
You have all seen the kitchen in it’s current state:
But, yes-sir-ree there was a before my friends. When we moved in, the original backsplash was a terra-cotta travertine style. Definitely nothing offensive, but SO not my style. Here are some before shots for your reference:
Doesn’t it feel so TINY in this little kitchen? It is definitely not a large space, but this dark backsplash just sucked the life out of it! (oh and those plantation shutters that swiftly got the boot as well)
Just by simply adding the subway tile, you can see the difference it made it making it feel more modern and clean- AND SO MUCH BIGGER AND BRIGHTER. Oh, and the no- sew valance and new rug help too!
I love the way the accessories pop against the white, and even the dark granite doesn’t really bother me anymore.
Here you can see a close up from last Thanksgiving. The white looks so great with all of the blue in the cabinets.
This space is BY FAR the hub of the house. Since this is a 1950’s ranch house, I think making little changes like this subway tile backsplash update to make it feel more open really goes a long way. There are still a few things I’d love to do in here like adding a pendant light above the sink and bar counter, but I am very happy with the way this little update made such a big impact. Have you made any simple changes to your kitchen? I’d love to hear!
We found our tile at the local Floor & Decor store here in Atlanta, but I was able to find the same type of tile online here.
xoxo-
Heather
I love the tile! It definitely brightens up the space. Love the wall color too.
Thanks Megan!
Gorgeous new backsplash! It looks so refreshing!
Thanks so much Selene!
Love the glass subway tile and the colour. So pretty Heather!
Beautiful makeover! I'm looking forward to adding a backsplash to our kitchen… hopefully sometime soon!
Ohhh, this project is inching it's way up my to-do list, so I love seeing how yours turned out. It's gorgeous!! Is it white glass? Where did you get it?
Thanks Laura! Yes, it is white glass. Some days it almost has an aqua tint. The tile is from Floor & Decor here in Atlanta http://www.flooranddecor.com/. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Thanks for the information. Before, I do not have custom shutters at home but when a strong wind hit our window and scattered my belongings, that's when I realized how important it is especially when you like to open your windows to avoid a gloomy atmosphere inside.
Love your new tile. It really does brighten up your kitchen.
Kristi
LOVE the subway tile! I am thinking of doing the same in my kitchen, using a glass subway tile with a very slight blue-green tint. Beautiful kitchen! Love your blog!!!
I tagged you in a post on my blog today about monograms….stop by if you have the time!
xo/Christine
Wonderful makeover! I'd also love to know where the tiles came from! They're really classic and yet have a modern touch with the gray. Excellent choice! Your kitchen feels much larger now.
Hey there! The tile was purchased at Floor & Decor in Atlanta. It is a great tile- we love it. White glass but definitely gives off tints of aqua and gray depending on the lighting. http://www.flooranddecor.com/. Thanks for the sweet note!
What a fabulous transformation, Heather! You were the most view link at Give Me the Goods last week. Congratulations!
Wow! Thanks for the exciting news!
Hi Heather, found your post over at the Tutorials & Tips Party. What a difference the glass subway tiles made – so pretty. Your kitchen is the identical footprint to mine except reversed. We have similar cupboards (Ipainted ours white) and hardwood floors. I love how you put glass in the two upper corner cabinets – you've inspired me to think about perhaps doing the same. Glad to have found you and Happy New Year!
Marie@TheInteriorFrugalista
Thanks! Yes, the glass cabinets help to keep it feel open, but you have to keep them organized, LOL. Thanks for stopping in!
Wow that really opened that space up! I didn't think the before tiles were all that bad but is sure made a nice difference with the new ones. Love the little touch of green on the walls too. So cheery looking!
Thanks Abby! It's crazy how such a little change can really brighten a space! Thanks for stopping in!
I just found you on pinterest and realized we have the EXACT same kitchen! (Besides the fact that mine just realized it's not 1962 anymore) We are just about to remodel it and I've been wrestling with the location of the dishwasher. Our is currently to the immediate right of the sink and i hate that you can't use any of the cabinets while it's open. I see yours is by the refrigerator. I'm wondering how you like that set up. Do you find that you drip water all over the floor while loading it? Haveyou ever wished Iit was somewhere else? We are at the very start if our remodel so if anything is going to move, the time is now! Thanks in advance for any advice you may bestow on me! 🙂
And by "immediate right" I actually mean to the immediate left…
hi there! your renovation sounds fabulous! I have no complaints on the location of the dishwasher and find it to be the perfect distance for loading. I have never noticed any dripping issues. best of luck on your kitchen!
What are the dimensions of your kitchen? Mainly the kitchen area not the eating area.
What a HUGE difference the subway tile made, Heather! Hey…I have the pilgrim couple, too! I love your style. So happy you joined in with the DIY Housewives! XO
I LOVE the splash. Makes such a difference Heather!