DIY Kitchen Make-Over

When we first bought our house, we added a bank of lower cabinets on a bare wall across from the sink, and changed the countertops. We also had a formica backsplash that matched the old countertops removed, exposing some very lovely 1960's paneling. Well, that was 3 years ago, and I always said I was going to tile the backsplash. I finally buckled down and had my mom help me this weekend. I know it was my birthday weekend, but I really wanted to do it with her here, so I guess that counts as kind of a birthday present.

Anyway, here is the before the tile: the paneling took all of the niceness out of the cabinets. The kitchen always looked dumpy and out of date. The 45 year old stove doesn't help, but that will be a big expense since it is not a standard size, so we aren't going to do it yet. Putting up the tiles. Mom provided moral support when the tiles behind the stove kept sliding down the wall. I was about to call it quits and just plaster the wall and paint it, but we persevered, and figured out that we needed to put up a guide board and hold it all in place with tape, and then all was well. Let me tell you, I spent about as much time on the section behind the stove as I did the rest of the tile. Cheesy photo, in the middle of the project, what a mess!!!Mom totally rocked the tile saw. She got all the cutting done Saturday afternoon and evening. Waiting for the adhesive to dry so I could grout. You'll notice the entire stove area is covered in tape to hold it in place. The finished product: a polished-looking kitchen. It looks so awesome! It even makes my old-school oak cabinets look nice.
I had a really great time doing this with my mom, and I'll think of her every time I look at my tile! Thanks, Mom!