Friday, June 17, 2011

Cheap Kitchen Tile

My New Backsplash
Today, I'm sharing photos of my kitchen after it's backsplash makeover. 
(oh...I made a quicky chalkboard from a old silver plated tray....this was super easy)

From day one, I have hated the black and white tile in my kitchen.
It was too busy.
I'll refresh your memory as to what it looked like before.
See the full post of how I styled the kitchen in Fall of 2010 - here.
and this is how it looked the day I bought the house
Oh...I hated that red. I changed that before I even moved in. It was the first thing to go.
And this is what I've got today.
I accomplished this backsplash makeover for less than $20 including shipping.
My kitchen looks soooo much better.
I'm really loving my kitchen now.
I'm still going to put something in the back of those shelves.
I am really leaning towards mirrors because I think it will lighten up that spot 
and give the illusion of depth to a not very wide kitchen.
I added these iron brackets under the open shelving last week.
These brackets were found at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. 
I had hoped to find four matching but only found three so they sat here unused till I finally decided 
three would have to do. I painted them white and distressed them a bit.
You can find lots of iron brackets on Ebay.
The other bracket ended up over by the stove for now. 
It is not attached. I'm debating whether it will stay in this spot or not.
If I could have found one more...they would have gone on either side of the sink.
Silver stuff looks so much better without the distracting black tiles, don't you think?
This is how it looked before I made the change to the tile.
See how pretty they are?
My original white tile is really kind of a very light cream.
The tiles that were once black now are a pure glossy white.
I really like how this created a tone on tone effect.
I found this wire cloche at Steinmart a month ago. Perfect for this spot on top of the fridge.
My canisters look so much better with the all white backsplash.
I painted the frames of these prints. 
They did have dark frames that complimented the black tiles before. 
After I switched out the tiles....they looked too dark in the room and so I painted them.
You'll notice I'm not showing the floor. 
That's because the floor is still the black and white check and although it looks much better without the 
black tiles....it still brings the room down. 
My next thing is to redo the floors. I think I'll be doing wood.
It's so hard to get nice photos of this kitchen. Especially shooting here at the sink directly into the light.
And it's a galley kitchen so there is not much space to stand back to get a shot. 
This is the sink area before the change.
I must say this little makeover of my backsplash has totally changed my attitude about my kitchen.
I am really loving it now. 
I'll show tomorrow how I did this backsplash makeover.
It's very simple.
You see the black tile is still there. I just covered it up with sign vinyl bought off Ebay.
I'll share my source and how I did it tomorrow. 
But basically it just involves cutting the vinyl into squares and carefull sticking it on over the old tile.
This vinyl is suppose to last up to 15 years outside in strong sun and all kinds of weather.
So it should last indefinitely inside. 
It is a little tricky to put on. It took me about 8 hours. But it was not strenuous work 
and I just took my time to get it perfect. 
I swear in person...you cannot tell it is stick on vinyl. 
It just looks like tile. It's just as shiny as the existing tile. 

After I finished this...my Mom came up to see me one day. 
I had not even told her I was doing this project. 
She walked in my kitchen and her eyes got big and she said, "When did you retile your kitchen?"
I said..."I didn't retile." 
She looked perplexed. I explained it was just stick on and she said she could not believe it. 
She really thought it was real. 
Friends who have seen it thought it was real too. 
I've said to them..."Well, someday I want to redo it all with real tile." 
And they've asked why since it looks real now.

Another great thing about this....it is totally reversible. 
The manufacturer said it would not leave any residue and he was right. 
I did a test before I did this. I stuck some on and left it for two months. 
Then peeled it off and you would never know it had been there. Pretty amazing stuff.

I have been wanting to change out this tile for a long time and even had mentioned it here on the blog. 
I had several people write me and tell me to paint it all. 
But I thought it a shame to paint white over mostly white tile. 
I don't think it would have worked very well to have painted only the black ones. 
Anyway....if you have a backsplash that has a few tiles you hate or really at this point...I'd say...
you could cover all tiles if you wanted. This vinyl comes in many colors and even metallic.
I'll include my source tomorrow along with a tutorial on how I did it.

***UPDATE***
I now have the post up about how I created this.
See it here.
One more update as of June 29, 2011... I just added this spice rack to my kitchen....see the full post here.

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Yippee! They loved my little kitchen makeover.
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84 comments:

  1. It looks fabulous Nita!! It brightened the space right up, love it! Martina

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  2. OMG....i think you just save me, i have a bathroom that is very dated, from the 1950's ....brown tile around the edges...i am not into brown, especially in tile, i can't wait to hear were you got this stuff and redo my bathroom!

    thank you so much
    c

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  3. its gorgeous...your counters look so much bigger!!!

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  4. Very impressive! I love your kitchen too...and since we are about to embark on a kitchen do-over on a shoe string...I am encouraged and inspired...Thanks so much! :)

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  5. This looks amazing, Nita. What a great job you did. You must be really pleased.

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  6. Looks Amzing.. I Love it.. What a differ. Love the brackets..
    Great Inspiration
    Karryann
    Gracefully Vintage

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  7. Absolutely love the improvment!! Looks AMAZING, love the softness of the color...really fabulous. I am sure every time you walk in you must love it!!
    Stop by, last day to be eligible for my Kilim bench!

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  8. I love it Nita! The money shot was the kitchen window...with that darling chandy and the brackets and the toile skirt and the WHITE tile!!

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  9. Beautiful! I so agree that the silver just takes on a new life with the all white/cream background. Love how you put your vignettes together.

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  10. Well done Nita...the tiles look spectacular!! There is harmony now, and your beautiful items can now be the star instead of having to compete with the black tiles...so much better!
    Not sure about the bracket by the stove but the ones above are very cool!
    Can't wait to see how you did this...
    xo J~

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  11. Dearest Nita - WOW WOW WOW and more WOW! You did it girl and it's absolute perfection! I really love it too! I love all the little touches but really love the brackets most of all. How did you attach the brackets to the tiles?

    What an awesome job girlfriend!
    -Marie

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  12. It looks fabulous! I had a galley kitchen once that was in sad need of a lift. The first thing I did was remove the doors from the main batch of upper cupbooards - it instantly widened the room. I then painted all the old dingy white cabinets a cheerful periwinkle to go with the freshly-painted yellow walls. It took less than an hour to fix the cabinet problem and the transformation was huge! Your kitchen really looks beautiful with the changes you've made. I would have had to get rid of that awful red on the walls, too.

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  13. Thanks, everyone for your ever so kind comments. I'll try to have every bit of the details in my tutorial on this.

    Marie -
    The brackets aren't actually attached to the tile. They are screwed into the cabinet above with four screws which makes it totally sturdy. There really is no need to attach to the wall. I put the vinyl on before I put up the brackets.

    So it was a good thing I had never put the brackets up like I had wanted...because I would have had to have taken them down to put the vinyl on.

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  14. It looks fantastic, my friend! My kitchen is very narrow too and hard to get pics. I must say: How did you keep from going blind in that narrow kitchen with black and white on the floor and then black and white on the back splash!?!
    Brenda

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  15. It looks wonderful. What a fantastic change. I actually love the floor, I have always thought it looked so frenchy and drool over it when I see it in the magazines. Hugs, marty

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  16. VERY COOL! I kept thinking..."How did she DO that for $20"! CLEAVER GIRL. Love the tone on tone look and the smart way you decorated. The space above the vent hood is really nice (with the big clock!) You rock!

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  17. It's amazing and awesome! I have a tiny gallley kitchen also:) It's a decorating challege.
    Your kitchen looks Great!
    Deb

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  18. what a great idea. I never knew that existed - wish I knew before we sold our old house, it would have helped! Great job!

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  19. I love your kitchen--but, how did you get the fabulous look so cheap? Those tiles look very expensive--I love it. I want a backsplash like that--Beautiful.

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  20. It's Beautiful. Love the cream and white together!

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  21. duh--on me--I went back to re-read and review your gorgeous backsplash (i missed the one section obviously)--and yes, I did see your decorating idea--I cannot wait til you post again for more info--this is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!

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  22. It looks so fabulous. You are creative all the way to the bone.I like the idea of mirrors on the back of the shelves. It will look great, add reflection and make everything look larger. Go for it.

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  23. Isn't it amazing how changing one or two simple things makes such a big difference? And you did it without the mess and inconvenience of tearing out that tile. Well done! I have both tile counters and back splash. My dilemma right now is the grout. I bought some sort of bleach and thought I would try it out. Looking forward to the tutorial.

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  24. Looks great!! I'll have to keep this idea in mind if/when i buy a place and I don't like the tile! (PS will you be doing another Million Dollar Decorator recap again? i really liked your last one!)

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  25. your kitchen looks great! you could save your eyesight for a while and paint the flooring until you had a chance to get the wood floors in.

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  26. Nita, your kitchen looks beautiful with the stick on tile. I will look tomorrow for your post on how to do this...fabulous darling. The pups are 8 months now. Thanks for droppin by...take care..xo

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  27. That looks so good Nita. What a great way to make that change. What will they come up with next?

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  28. HI Nita,
    Your tiles look beautiful now, all in white. You are so smart to do it like you did, I'm so happy for you. It is so important to have a kitchen that you love being in and love baking muffins in.:D
    Have a lovely evening.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  29. Beautiful! I love all the details! So pretty!

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  30. I'm so impressed with the way you're transforming this kitchen! Pray tell, what is your beautiful china/pottery pattern?

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  31. Huge difference! HUGE!
    I love it!
    I agree, it looks like real tile so why even think about "someday" putting in real tile!?
    I really like the off-white and gloss white together. You are amazing! I can't hardly wait for your post tomorrow!!!
    I still haven't put down my black and white kitchen tile yet...now I'm having second thoughts but I think I will still do it! But I understand how it is over-powering in your galley kitchen. And if you aren't happy with it, well, that's what counts!
    So ya tomorrow! :) - Cindi

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  32. Wow, what a difference! And your silver really shows up beautifully against the white. Lovely job. x Sharon

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  33. Such a clever solution!!! It looks amazing. I love the white tones, too. :)

    Lisa
    http://chicmagnifique.blogspot.com

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  34. Nita it looks amazing, I can hardly wait for the tutorial. BTW, I think your black and white tiles look very french and with the silver it must flow beautifully.

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  35. Nita I can't believe it!! I have to see the tutorial because I may just do the same thing!! Your "new" kitchen looks great!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come and join my Giveaway from the Novica Artisans!

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  36. Oh my gosh this is a gorgeous kitchen!!!! I'm definitely a new follower!

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  37. That made such a huge difference!
    It turned out so pretty, good job!!! What about a long throw rug on the floor? As for wood floors, you probably prefer them over laminate, but we have had three houses that we used wood-look laminate flooring (like Pergo)
    because we have dogs, and it doesn't scratch like real wood, but then, our dogs and their claws are much larger than yours. We have it on our entire main floor in this home we built, with area rugs in each room. People think its real wood.

    What you've done with your kitchen is so very lovely. The brackets are a great touch! And of course, the chandy : ) The tiles look fabulous, I look forward to your next post to see the process!

    ~ Violet

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  38. It sure is pretty now Nita. You have some of the prettiest touches and details I see. You really are mega creative and talented. I love the space!~

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  39. That's an amazing makeover! Congratulations. Now, if there was only something that effective for your floor. I have to say...I like your floor, but I know what it is like to hate a floor. Hope you can figure out something for that. Wood is a good idea too.

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  40. Truly amazing transformation, Nita. I love the fact that you can remove them if you want. I like the combo stark white and cream. *nice* Your bracket editions, are nice, too. I know you must be so happy with your kitchen now!

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  41. Amazing, what a marvelous transformation!
    Great job.
    Your kitchen is beautiful!
    Theresa

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  42. We are about to do our kitchen soon, somehow I am not looking forward to the chaos that awaits us. I like looking for kitchen inspiration. It gives me hope!

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  43. I LOVE NITA!!!! Nita, It's me....Toni. I think you are freaking amazing and I love the new kitchen! I hope to come see D very soon and a trip to Nita's house is on my "to do" list.

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  44. Nita, this is lovely! I am with you all the way on the new neutral color...it was too busy. But now it's delightful! Nicely done! :)
    T.
    x

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  45. Nita,
    I thought you had painted the tiles until I read more carefully. What a nice change this has made. I love the iron brackets. Great makeover! Thanks for linking this up to Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  46. It looks awesome! I'd have never known it wasn't 'real'. I love your kitchen!

    HollyM

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  47. Oh MY GOODNESS! I love your kitchen! It is so vintage and elegant! Love it!

    ~Liz

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  48. Wonderful kitchen, great job, so clever, fresh, vintage and welcoming! Happy cooking!

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  49. Oh my, Nita! What a transformation! I adore your kitchen! And now I know why I decided I needed a petite chandelier in my kitchen...I must have spotted yours in an older post! I have mine but it has not yet been hung! My installer isn't very motivated ;) I guess I better figure out how to do it myself! You are such an inspiration!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  50. It's sooo pretty!! I love the brackets so much! Love the Doxies too!! We have 3!! My 4 legged children =)
    xoxo
    Jeri

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  51. awesome redo! i love your new backsplash and really love the brackets. great job! i'm following you now...would love a follow back ;)

    Christine

    www.krazycraftylady.com

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  52. A beautiful kitchen, just lovely and you have scrolly brackets too!
    Best wishes Kerry

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  53. Nita it looks beautiful! I love how you were able to cover them up! Such a great idea! Also loving the purple door!

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  54. This looks fantastic, Nita!
    As you know... I love white cabinets and dark countertops too.
    I especially love the brackets you used too.
    Awesome!
    xx
    A

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  55. What a beautiful makeover! You did a great job. At first, I was wondering if you painted the tile...that's really interesting about the vinyl :)

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  56. Wow! What a difference! I love the new colour and extra-gorgeous touches you've added.

    I'm certain I was following already but it appears not....but I am now!!!

    Thank you so much for linking up to my Kitchen Favourites party!

    Sarahx

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  57. You are so clever! Doesn't it look restful now!
    (visiting via Modern Country Style's link party)

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  58. Very nice! and boy do I understand what you mean about trying to take a picture with the window issue. Same with my kitchen!

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  59. What an amazing job--you really figured out a unique solution to make your tiles white. Your kitchen is beautiful! Thanks so much for linking to Share the Love Wednesday; hope you'll be back this week!
    Mary

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  60. Fantastic change...it looks so beautiful now! Love the blog header! Thanks for sharing your creative projects!
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  61. Even though I'm a fan of black and white, Nita, I have to say your backsplash looks fantastic! I think if given the choice I would go with the cream tiles myself. I do love your floor though. I'm actually hoping to put a black and white floor in whatever home we downsize to {I've wanted one for a long time and I'm not picky about where it is either!}.

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  62. Hi Nita!! I've seen your kitchen before and I love seeing it again. All I can say is 'envy'! Total 'envy'! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  63. What a smart idea...and it sounds like you really did your "homework" :) I LOVE your cute kitchen and all the lovely details. Laurel

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  64. looks so pretty ~ love the brackets ~ they add a special touch!

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  65. Love your makeover. You are featured on my project party tomorrow. Congrats!!

    toni
    ABFOL

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  66. I found you on DIY Showoff. Fabulous kitchen makeover, I love all of the details especially the brackets!

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  67. OMG took 10 minutes to scroll down to the bottom of your comments' page.
    Fantastic kitchen! The two whites on the backsplash look beautiful. so elegant. I love the brackets below the cupboard and think mirror would look great in there-if it's not there already. Oh, and I adore the silver tray with the chalkboard.

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  68. Saw you over at DIY Showoff... great kitchen! Love the details!

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  69. It is just perfect! Love those brackets....Great call on the red, I would have painted it too! Thanks for sharing at Rene's.

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  70. It is just perfect! Love those brackets....Great call on the red, I would have painted it too! Thanks for sharing at Rene's.

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  71. What an amazing transformation! Your colour palette, textures and overall feel are an inspiration for my home. Beautiful!

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  72. I have never heard of this vinyl before. What a difference the white makes. It is hard to beat a white kitchen. I also love old brackets and had no idea you could find something so cool at Hobby Lobby.

    Thanks for joining Room By Room!

    -Rene

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  73. I love your white kitchen and all the silver accents. There are so many beautiful details, it looks great!
    Debbie

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  74. Nita, your kitchen is so pretty and feminine! One of my favorite touches is the curtain below the sink. It's all just beautiful!

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  75. I enjoy reading through your article post, I wanted to write a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation All the best for all your blogging efforts. Appreciate the recommendation! Let me try it out. Keep working ,great job!

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  76. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I've truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

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  77. Ha-ha, Nita you’re soo cute with your ranting! :D I totally agree though that you improved your backsplash. Your kitchen countertop looks so much better and neater. Working in an environment with a tidier atmosphere would add to a wonderful cooking experience. Nice one! Renovate to your heart’s desire. :D

    Alana Geikie

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  78. Great post. I have been searching for this exact info for a while now. I will bookmark it in my list.

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  79. This surely looks so vintage. I really envy this because I have a thing for classic designs and materials. This house absolutely has a lot of vintage collections. Thank you for sharing.

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  80. We just couldn't leave your website before saying that we really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors… Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!

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  81. Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again













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  82. Nita, your silver spice rack was one of the first projects I ever found in blogland! I even bought a silver dish holder to do this with. I just don't have a place to hang it. I need a giant kitchen to hang all of the stuff I have that is kitchen related.

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  83. I must say that overall I am really impressed with this blog. It is easy to see that you are impassioned about your writing. I wish I had got your ability to write. I look forward to more updates and will be returning.

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