Could we see a better pic of the backsplash area? Love the new counter top.

I love the new butchers block countertop too! It looks so warm and inviting. I think you are doing a fine job on your kitchen enhancements.

not bad paige. l also like the butcher block. that's a small splash area. what are you looking for, design-wise? you can prob buy replacement tiles if you just want to redo what's there.

Is there any way you can remove the brick wall paper or, whatever that is? Paint it white?

any way you can move the microwave to a cart or a shelf somewhere else? it will give you more counter space.

Updated picture, thank you! @phuninthesun

Hi Beth! Actually the brick is paneling that I put up. Underneath it was some old tile. We couldn’t figure out what material it was but it was not going to be easy to take off. It looked terrible... years of being painted over. This was my easy fix.

Like what you're doing with the butcher block. Good job so far! Is that new wallpaper with the brick pattern in gray? I would consider mimicking that and using a gray subway tile as a backsplash.

And the microwave had been moved to a cart, I just don’t have a pic of it! The counter is currently clear.

Just wondering. I’m no pro, but I keep seeing on this site safety concerns regarding ranges next to combustible material. Is that a concern in this kitchen?

Butcher block countertops look great!

I should be fairly inexpensive to replace your tile backsplash (DIY). It's very easy. I would just replace it with white subway tile.

ok,,if you covered up something worse, it's fine.

You don't have a lot of backsplash to do, so I wouldn't worry about spending too much. get whatever you like. it does not have to be a white subway tile. You already have a white tile there. don't tear it down to put up more white tile!

pick something with a little color, at least. some glass or some glazed tile. I love the blue against the wood and the white. then you could do a nice woven wood blind

this is white, but it has a bit of blue/gray. tilebar.com Thunder.

as for you window, if scraping off the old paint, test for lead. strip off as much as the old stuff that you can (unless u are replacing it) and repaint. You can also redo your hinges (either buff them or use a metallic spray to paint them (carefully) get some new cabinet knobs. If keeping the hinges black,,,

if you will be spraying them silver, maybe some crystal knobs.

Thanks so much for the suggestions Beth. I have redone the cabinets with new hinges and knobs but it’s hard to tell from those pictures. Here, what do you think? Wish I had some better photos for you. If it were affordable, I would have replaced all the cabinets. But ya work with what ya got, right?

oh, sorry! didn't see that updated pic. yes, they look fine. you did a great job for your first place. fun isn't it?

I'd get something a little upbeat and w/some color if it was my backsplash. as i've said, it's a very small area. you can step outside the box on this one if you like. since you need so little, check clearance lots, craigslist, go into tile stores and ask if they have 10sq ft of something leftover and offer them cash for a discount. it's hard for them to unload leftover, small amounts so you can bargain!

I think you are doing a great job on the make over. I would get tiles that are period looking.

I see the beadboard right next to the stove and agree that it looks like a fire hazard.

What is the brick made of? I think it would look better painted white, if you can.

Your backsplash should be relatively inexpensive for that amount, and will have a big impact on the finished look. I remember how much that changed my own kitchen's mini-upgrade for the better!

I don't mind the gray brick panels you put up, but then I'm an admitted un-fan of white. Just a little suggestion, if it isn't already on your to-do, is to have this white line (red outline area) colored to match the dark grout. Sometimes the little details/quick fixes really do make a difference.

Love Beth H's pic with the blue tile!

Good for you Paige, doing a great job

Paige,,,I found these glass tiles if you want to do something like this. has the white glass w/the darker brown that would really look nice w/the wood top.

http://www.discountglasstilestore.com/bliss-baroque-corallo-random-strip-stained-glass-collection-free-shipping/

check their others on clearance too. lots of choices.

Everyone, here are some updated pictures.

Agree that the grey tiles to mimic wall would look great as well. I also agree with gyr_falcon regarding the corner of the grey paneling. I would remove the white trim you added and paint the seam dark to match the grout color. Just go to a craft store and buy a small bottle of black and white paint. Mix until you match the color then paint it. (Removing the corner trim will bring the gap size closer to the grout line size. If you feel you need trim there before painting, you could use a piece of 1/4 round trim instead, or a similarly narrow trim.) It make a more cohesive look. As with everyone else, Great Job!

I think a dark blue/navy could look nice. However, if you want to keep it neutral, I would go with something white (to match your cabinets) and dark gray (to match your "brick"). Perhaps an arabesque white tile with dark gray grout. You already have something similar to that going on with the (paper?) backing on your bottom open shelf.

It’s looking great. I’d do the same beadboard on the backsplash painted white like the cabinets or a color that ties in with the wallpaper.

WOW, I'm impressed with you being so young and you should be proud. Love the counter top!!! I agree with others....use color for the back splash. The teal circles that Beth posted are fun and young and give the kitchen a pop of color. I like the trim piece you put on top of the beadboard, that finished it off much nicer. I prefer cabinet handles vs knobs, on the doors. You could always drill a second hole down and put handles that give the doors more interest. You are doing a great job!!!!!!!!