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. 

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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.