Smart Tiles Peel and Stick Backsplash Reveal

*Today's post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Today's post is dedicated to a fun DIY project I just completed in my home that turned out even better than I originally expected. I knew it was going to be good, but I wasn't expecting the result to be quite this amazing. You've gotta love it when that happens!

I've been wanting to install a backsplash in our kitchen for a while. I've been holding out because I'm planning to make some changes in our foyer that include a new tile floor. I won't be doing that for a while and I've been hesitant to commit to a new kitchen backsplash until I'm ready to tackle the foyer. They are close in proximity and I'd like the new tiles to coordinate. In the meantime, I've really been missing a backsplash. 

Here is a look at my kitchen without a backsplash...

(Before)

(Before)

(Before)

Recently, I was approached by The Home Depot to try out a new product called The Smart Tiles,  and to write a blog post for The Apron Blog on the installation process. The Smart Tiles are a peel and stick backsplash product that you stick directly to the wall with no glue, grout or special tools needed. I read up on the product and the installation process sounded incredibly simple. I learned that the tiles are completely removable. I decided to give The Smart Tiles a try. I figured it would be a great way to try out a backsplash without committing to a permanent option, and I love to try new and innovative products. Especially when they are Do-It-Yourself friendly!

I didn't waste any time checking out the different colors, patterns and styles that were available. I visited thehomedepot.com, The Smart Tiles website and then ended up at the store so I could see the options in person. Two styles in particular jumped out at me. They looked almost identical to some glass tiles I was considering as a permanent option. One was a white subway tile style called Metro Blanco and the other was a shiny gray subway tile called Metro Grigio. I taped samples of both styles to the wall to help me decide which one I liked best. The gray subway tile was the winner, I loved the way it looked with my black countertops and my fresh new paint color (Anonymous by Sherwin Williams). 

The Smart Tiles website was a great resource for information. There was a short video for every step in the process showing how simple the installation is. I watched all of the videos before collecting my supplies and diving in to the project. From beginning to end, it took me less than two hours to install The Smart Tiles backsplash in my kitchen. Once I got started, and got used to the process, the installation went very quickly.

Take a look...

To prepare my kitchen, I removed the electrical plates and wiped the walls down with TSP. As the walls were drying, I collected my supplies...A cutting mat, a cutting knife, ruler, tape measure, a pen, straight edge and a level. 

The entire installation process was very simple. The trickiest part was making the cuts around the electrical outlets. I will admit, I made a couple mistakes when I made my cuts for the first outlet, but after that, I had the hang of it and the rest of them were a breeze. I used a ruler to measure the height and width of each box and transferred that measurement to the piece of tile so I could make the appropriate cuts.

After completing my project, someone suggested to me that instead of measuring for the outlet cuts, I could have just used one of the tile backings as a template and then traced the shape of the outlet onto the tile that needed to be cut. Smart! This topic brings up a good point, it is a good idea to purchase enough tile that you have a little extra just in case you do make a measuring or cutting error. 

This is the point in the process where I got a little creative. The way my kitchen is set up, I had to end my tiles in the middle of the wall. This required me to finish off the edges. Smart Tiles sells a finishing edge for this purpose, it's a nice shiny silver strip that can be cut to size and sticks to the wall just like the tiles. However, I decided to customize the look in my kitchen a use decorative wood trim instead. I simply cut the wood to size, mitered the corners on a 45 degree angle and applied them to the wall with a nail gun. Caulk and a coat of paint finished it off perfectly.

Here's a quick video I created to show you how simple this project was...

Now that you've seen how easy it was to install, are you ready to see how the entire kitchen turned out?

Take a look...

As you can see the new backsplash inspired me to bring in some new accessories. I styled the space with some simple, but pretty pieces. I chose things that were light in color to contrast with the new gray tiles and black counter tops. Bringing in the light elements keeps the space feeling light and bright, even though there are some dark design elements. 

I found a gorgeous new rug at HomeDepot.com, The Cambridge Black and Ivory Round Area Rug. 

What I love about this rug, other than it's good looks, is the forgiving color palette and pattern. This is a great family friendly choice for my busy kitchen. 

I like to keep my cookbooks handy, especially in the fall. I brought them out and stacked them neatly  on the counter along with some faux herbs. I placed the herbs in some pretty, white, textural pots. Using white accessories really helped to make the new backsplash pop. The contrast of light elements against the dark gray tile creating dramatic contrast that I happen to love. 

In the kitchen, I think it's important to "style" the space with practical and useful items. It keeps the look from appearing staged, plus, let's face it, there are certain items we use daily that end up on the countertops anyway. 

When I first signed up to try out The Smart Tiles, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. I felt like the installation process seemed way too simple for this to look as nice and I would like in the end. However, once I started the installation, I immediately fell in love! I think if you are looking for a quick, weekend project, that requires little skill and very basic tools, this would be a good fit for you. 

I feel like the new backsplash has really made a difference in the overall look of my kitchen. It feels much more finished. Although the color of the tile is dark, it makes the space feel brighter. The tiles are very shiny and reflect so much natural light. Our kitchen tends to be dark, but after adding this reflective design element, it really came alive. It almost seems to dance with light. 

The best part of this entire process was how quickly it came together. I was able to give my kitchen a fresh new look in just a few hours. I didn't have to buy a bunch of special tools, and it didn't take multiple trips to the store to gather supplies. My opinion, is that The Smart Tiles backsplash looks quite authentic. Everyone who has visited since the installation has been surprised when I tell them it is a peel and stick tile and not a real glass tile backsplash. It was fun to see my husbands face when he came home from work the day I installed it. He thought somehow I tackled a real, glass, subway tile backsplash, all by myself in just a few hours! 

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share my latest DIY adventure with you. Be sure to check out all of The Smart Tiles style options over at The Home Depot.  For ideas and inspiration, check out The Home Depot Smart Tiles Board on Pinterest! Thanks to The Home Depot for providing me with the Smart Tiles product and compensation in order to facilitate this sponsored post. 

Back to the Design Studio!

I currently have openings for new Online Design Projects (E-Design). If you're interested in getting started on a room makeover in your home, please click here to make your reservation.

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in this Smart Tiles Program (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

DIY Mosaic Tile Mirror Shelf

Today I'm taking a short break from my "New Year, New Room" Series to share a special DIY project. As you may already know, last year I had the incredible opportunity to partner with The Home Depot's Do-It-Herself Workshop 2015 Program. In addition to hosting live quarterly workshops in various cities around the mid-west, I also had the honor of designing a DIY project (behind the scenes) for The Home Depot to feature in one of their DIH Workshop's throughout the country!! (Pinch me). The project I created was a "Mosaic Tile Mirror Shelf". 

Take a look…

It was so exciting to watch Do-It-Herselfers around the country attend the Mosaic Tile Mirror Shelf Workshop last year and make one of these for their own home! I loved hearing all the positive feedback on how the project turned out. Every time I look at mine, I'm reminded of all the ladies that attended this workshop, many of them using power tools and learning to tile for the very first time! 

 I hung my shelf in our master bedroom next to the window. It does a great job of bouncing natural light around the space, the texture the tile provides to the space is amazing and the reflection of the candle light in the mirror is uber romantic (*blushes). 

If you would like to make a Mosaic Tile Mirror Shelf for yourself and you missed the in-store DIH Workshop, NO Worries!  CLICK HERE for the step by step instructions.

(The Home Depot DIH Workshop's Mosaic Tiled Mirror)

Creating a project that is featured by The Home Depot DIH Workshop program kind of makes me feel like a proud new Mom. Thanks for stopping by today and letting me brag about my baby! 

If you would like to revisit a few of the other DIH Workshop Projects I participated in, here they are…

(click on the photo to visit the post with a detailed DIY project tutorial for each project)

Cement Paver Planter, Outdoor Serving Station, Rustic Pumpkin Stand and Wooden Stocking Hanger.

To register for the DIH Workshop in your area, please click here. 

Online Design Services are now available. Please click here for details

Perfect Kids DIY Project-How To Make a Mosaic Garden Stone

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Have you ever wanted to get your kids more involved in the gift giving process or teach them the joy of making something by hand and gifting it to someone? If so, then today's DIY project is for you! This Mosaic Garden Stone project is a quick and easy DIY that kids of any age can participate in. It can be personalized in so many ways, it's a great opportunity for the kids to express themselves. AND…It's a perfect holiday gift for kids to make for their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Teachers, etc. (You know, the people we love most, but never know what to give them).  

This Saturday, I will be at The Kids Workshop at The Home Depot store located in Walker, Michigan along with Team Depot helping over 200 kids create patriotic themed Mosaic Garden Stones to gift to our Veterans. I can't wait to share all the details including the location where the stones made by the children at the workshop will be placed. It is going to be very special, stay tuned for details in my post on Veterans Day!  In the meantime, I'd like to share the "How-To" for this project by using this Mosaic Garden Stone as an example. It's a stone that my kids worked on and will be giving as a Christmas gift this year.

Supplies:

Plain Concrete Stepping Stone (any shape)

Decorative River Pebbles or Stones

Thin-Set Mortar

Pre-Mixed Grout (any color)

Cement Stain (optional)

Detail Paint Brush (if using Cement Stain)

Rustoleum 2x Painters Touch Spray Paint (in assorted colors)

Rustoleum 2x Clear Coat Spray Paint

Sharpened Pencil or Skewer Stick

Trowel

Bucket, Sponge, Thick Rubber Gloves

Clean Cloth

*Before you begin, find a place to work where it is safe to make a little bit of a mess. I found out through this experience that the kitchen table was not the best location. The garage was better. 

The first step is to plan out your design. If you would like to do the kids' hand prints, trace them on plan paper and cut them out. Arrange them in a way that they will fit on your paver. 

Open the river pebbles, rinse them off and place them in the sun to dry. Once they are clean and completely dry, paint them using the Rustoleum Spray Paint and allow them to dry. 

Using a notched trowel, apply 1/2" layer of thin-set mortar to the top of the concrete paver. 

Once the mortar is in place, use the pencil or skewer stick to etch out your pattern or design. In my case, we placed the hand print cut-outs on the mortar and traced them. 

The next step is the fun part. Press the pebbles gently, but firmly into the mortar and watch the design come to life. The thin-set mortar begins drying as soon as it's applied, therefore it's important to keep this step moving along quickly.

Once the stones are all in place, remove excess mortar and allow to dry overnight. 

Once the mortar has cured overnight, it is ready for grout. Using the trowel or a spatula, spread grout across the top of the stone pushing it gently into the crevices. Remove excess grout and lightly skim the sides of the stone with a smooth layer.

Using a wet sponge, wipe away the thick layer of grout rinsing the sponge often along the way until the pebbles begin to show through. Be sure to wear gloves during this step. Try not to remove too much grout, as you don't want the mortar to show. Remove just enough that your design comes through. Allow to dry 24-48 hours until grout is completely dry and then buff grout residue from pebbles with a soft cloth. 

At this point, you may decide that your project is finished. If that is the case, give it a quick coat of Rustoleum 2x Gloss Clear Coat spray paint and it's done! If you want to add more depth and contrast before you call it finished, hold off on the Clear Coat for now and grab a bottle of Cement Stain and a small detail paint brush.

Mix a few drops of Cement Stain at a time to 2 cups of water until you reach your desired color. Then apply cement stain to the areas in which you would like to add color to the grout. In this example, we used a small paint brush to fill in the area around the hand prints. 

Once the stain has dried overnight, give the stone a coat of Rustoleum Clear Coat, allow it to dry and your stone is finished! There are so many variations of this project, I chose to use river pebbles to keep this project cost effective and kid friendly. If you are not as budget concious, you could easily substitute ceramic tiles or decorative glass stones to create your design. If your children are older and able to handle sharper materials, broken china can be used to create something really extraordinary.

This project obviously requires adult supervision and assistance. The amount of your childs involvement will depend on their age and skill level. However, putting the pebbles in place, choosing the colors, and drawing or designing the pattern are all steps that kids can do. These are also the steps where they can be creative and allow their personality to show through in the project while making it with their special family member in mind.

For more information on The Home Depot Kids Workshop or to register for a workshop near you, please click here.

Online Design Services are now available. Please click here for details. 

 * I acknowledge that The Home Depot Foundation is partnering with me to participate in this Celebration of Service program (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot Foundation and its non-profit partners. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.