The $32 Makeover That Instantly Transformed My Boring White Kitchen (It Looks So Expensive!)

Despite my childhood love for art and creativity, I’ve never been into DIY projects. However, surprisingly, when I moved into my new apartment a few months ago, I was inspired to make some changes — the space felt so blank and was in desperate need of some color. 

My new galley kitchen has all white cabinets with gray countertops, so I thought a colorful backsplash could add some personality and dimension. I’ve always dreamed of a kitchen with authentic Mexican Talavera tiles just like the one my grandfather has (check out the photo below!), and I figured there was a renter-friendly option out there that even I, an inexperienced DIY-er, could take on. And I was so happy when I found it.

I found these peel-and-stick tile stickers on Amazon and was impressed with their eight color options and design that slightly resembled that Talavera look I wanted (although these are described as Moroccan). I opted for the color “Maximum Blue Green” and figured 10 sheets would be more than enough for the amount I wanted to cover. 

When I first got these sheets, I used Scotch tape to put them up so I could better visualize the result and put them where I wanted (I decided to leave some space between the tiles and the bottom of the cabinets). Afterward, I peeled half of the back off of each sheet, placed it on the wall, and slowly removed the other half. After pressing it firmly to make sure there were no air bubbles or bends in the sheet, I pulled off the plastic covering on the front.

I repeated the entire process, including cutting half a tile to fit around an outlet, which took me just over an hour. I didn’t want to commit to applying the tiles to my entire kitchen wall, which ended up working out perfectly since I only had half a sheet left after putting these on the area between the oven and the sink. 

Once I finished, I was not only obsessed with the overall look, but I also felt proud and accomplished — a feeling that was new to me as someone who had barely dabbled in DIY projects in the past. I never would’ve thought I could get a totally renter-friendly solution that truly looked like thousands of dollars worth of artisan work and labor.

Because it was so easy, quick, and affordable, I truly believe that every renter should take advantage of peel-and-stick projects to give your home a touch of personal style, whether it’s a kitchen backsplash, wallpaper art, or bathroom floor tiles (which I just might try next!). 

Buy: LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash, $31.99 for 10 sheets (normally $37.99)