Subway tile is one of the most classic, beautiful tiles out there. We love how there are a ton of amazing options to choose from. You can choose from a variety of tile and grout colors and the possibilities for patterns are endless! I’m a renter and unfortunately, I’m not able to add a tile backsplash at our current rental home. However, I have been given the “go-ahead” to paint, so I’ve really had to get creative with paint to update the home and incorporate my own style into this otherwise cookie cutter home. I decided that painting a faux backsplash was the best way to get this look in a rental and on a budget. This entire project costs less than ten dollars and looks like a million bucks!
Supplies:
-carpenter’s square
-pencil with eraser
-ruler (clear works best!)
-(2-3) black paint pens
-subway tile or 3×6″ cardboard template
-touch-up paint
Step One: Start at the top corner of the wall and place your carpenter’s square in a “V” position. This will allow you to create the perfect angle for your herringbone pattern. Using a piece of subway tile or cardboard template, begin tracing the outside of the template with a pencil to create the rectangle shape. Repeat, moving down vertically until you reach the bottom of your wall.
Step Two: Start your next column of rectangles, this time going the other direction to create the “V” shape.
Step Three: Alternate directions with each column creating the herringbone pattern. Erase mistakes as you go. The pattern can get a bit confusing, so just make sure you work in columns and alternate directions as you go. This will keep the pattern going the right way.
Step Four: Once you have your entire wall covered in the penciled pattern, begin going over the lines with your paint pen. Use a ruler as you go to ensure straight lines, especially on textured walls. Keep touch-up paint handy for mistakes or drips. Repeat until your whole wall is complete.
I’m super excited with how it turned out and we were able to complete this project in one afternoon. I love how the black paint looks like dark grout and taking the pattern all the way to the ceiling adds to the drama of it all.
It would be really cool in a gold metallic too! It would be awesome behind a headboard, down a hallway or wherever! This was the last of many projects in my kitchen makeover, and I’m beyond excited that my kitchen is finally done! What do you think? –Mallory & Savannah
Credits // Author and Photography: Mallory Nikolaus and Savannah Kokaliares. Photos edited with Celeste from The Fresh Collection.
Subway tile is one of the most classic, beautiful tiles out there. We love how there are a ton of amazing options to choose from. You can choose from a variety of tile and grout colors and the possibilities for patterns are endless! I’m a renter and unfortunately, I’m not able to add a tile backsplash at our current rental home. However, I have been given the “go-ahead” to paint, so I’ve really had to get creative with paint to update the home and incorporate my own style into this otherwise cookie cutter home. I decided that painting a faux backsplash was the best way to get this look in a rental and on a budget. This entire project costs less than ten dollars and looks like a million bucks!
Supplies:
-carpenter’s square
-pencil with eraser
-ruler (clear works best!)
-(2-3) black paint pens
-subway tile or 3×6″ cardboard template
-touch-up paint
Step One: Start at the top corner of the wall and place your carpenter’s square in a “V” position. This will allow you to create the perfect angle for your herringbone pattern. Using a piece of subway tile or cardboard template, begin tracing the outside of the template with a pencil to create the rectangle shape. Repeat, moving down vertically until you reach the bottom of your wall.
Step Two: Start your next column of rectangles, this time going the other direction to create the “V” shape.
Step Three: Alternate directions with each column creating the herringbone pattern. Erase mistakes as you go. The pattern can get a bit confusing, so just make sure you work in columns and alternate directions as you go. This will keep the pattern going the right way.
Step Four: Once you have your entire wall covered in the penciled pattern, begin going over the lines with your paint pen. Use a ruler as you go to ensure straight lines, especially on textured walls. Keep touch-up paint handy for mistakes or drips. Repeat until your whole wall is complete.
I’m super excited with how it turned out and we were able to complete this project in one afternoon. I love how the black paint looks like dark grout and taking the pattern all the way to the ceiling adds to the drama of it all.
It would be really cool in a gold metallic too! It would be awesome behind a headboard, down a hallway or wherever! This was the last of many projects in my kitchen makeover, and I’m beyond excited that my kitchen is finally done! What do you think? –Mallory & Savannah
Credits // Author and Photography: Mallory Nikolaus and Savannah Kokaliares. Photos edited with Celeste from The Fresh Collection.
