Kitchen Backsplash Facelift for Less than $20

This Ranch House- Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen can be a huge project. Even something as simple as a new appliance or a new backsplash can be expensive, but not in this case. Our true, authentic, “Ranch House” was the proud recipient of a $20 kitchen backsplash facelift.

Here’s how I turned our rustic, Tuscan-feel kitchen, into the fresh and clean, Schwieter Land and Livestock ranch farmhouse style we have today. You can update your kitchen with the look of shiplap for less than $20 and a few hours; just keep reading.

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Before

I don’t have a picture of our kitchen when we first moved in, but there have already been lots of changes. Nearly 10 years ago I envisioned having a tile backsplash, but was hesitant because of the cost and commitment. I had no experience with tile and didn’t want to hire anyone.

My solution: paint the Tuscan fruit tiles, and accompanying tan walls, myself. I loved how it turned out, but now in 2021 it was time for a change. My kitchen backsplash needed a facelift.

Before

I was looking for something brighter and fresher. The addition of the nearby pantry, complete with a shiplap exterior wall, also inspired my new idea.

Styles have changed, but my inability to invest the money and effort into tiling or reconstructing a backsplash remained. My solution this time: more painting.

During

I purchased a $20 something gallon of white paint and didn’t look back. The white semi-gloss paint added instant brightness and a clean look to the kitchen area.

But why stop there? If you’ve visited my house, you might notice that it is difficult to find a plain white wall anywhere. The assortment of paint cans for touch-ups can appear daunting on the shelves in my storage room but I’ve never been accused of being boring.

From those same shelves of leftover paint and painting tools, I chose the metallic pewter shade and a small paint brush. I grabbed a tape measure, level, and pencil and starting designing my shiplap pattern. With some watered down pewter paint, I completed the look with the horizontal lines and a few vertical ones for extra character.

After

After

Paint is cheap… and forgiving. If I didn’t like to result, about $10 worth of paint wasted and move to plan B. Paint is also easy. There is minimal preparation and the clean up is simple: wash or just throw away the brushes and/or rollers. Put the lid back on the paint and stash it on the “paint shelf”. Done.

No power tools, saws, hammers, or dust, but still the finished look of shiplap. And there is very little commitment. If I want to change the look in a couple years- who cares. Nothing to tear out or demo- just repaint or add something over the painted wall surface.

Our “Ranch House” now features a more cohesive look with the complimentary exterior pantry wall and kitchen backsplash. Shiplap is a wonderful way to marry the farmhouse and modern look with any existing features. We enjoy the bright, clean style without it feeling to stark, cold or plain.

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