It's a great size and the layout is practical, but it's just a little...
Bland.
One of my least favorite things about it is the countertops. They're just soooooo borrrrrrring. Plus, they've withstood some abuse from previous tenets, but not without some battle scars.
Gross.
Interestingly enough, while searching Amazon for hole-in-countertop-fixer, I came across something way better. Something that solved my hole problem and my boring problem.
Contact paper.
Yes, contact paper. Something that had never occurred to me to use for countertops. This particular paper is thicker and seems to be much more durable than normal contact paper, so I trusted the reviews and gave it a shot.
I was not disappointed at all. As a matter of fact, I've been super impressed by how great it's been. The seams in the paper are basically invisible thanks to the pattern and it's held up to a lot of abuse from us.
Doesn't it look great? And the best part? It's removable! So when I'm ready for a change or we move out, no one will ever know it was there. Except you guys, of course.
Ready to give it a shot yourself?
Here are some tips:
- Buy extra. It took about 3 and a half rolls to do my countertops, and I have a little left over in case something messes up over time. It's always a good idea to have a little extra. :-)
- Don't wrap it around corners. Instead, cut a separate piece. This makes it look more natural and keeps it from peeling off so easily
- Use a smoother. Just trust me on this one. If you've ever used contact paper before, you know having something to smooth it with is a necessity.
- Use an Exacto knife to cut off your excess. This is also true for any contact paper application. It just makes it so much easier!
- USE POTHOLDERS. Don't sit a sizzling hot pan on this stuff. We haven't experienced this yet since we always use pot holders out of habit, but I'm sure it will probably melt. It is just plastic paper after all!
- Clean it just like you would your regular counters. It's held up to everything I've thrown at it so far!
If you're interested in giving your own counters a super simple and cheap make over, here's a list of the products I used. (Disclaimer: These are affiliate links, but I have used these products and love them!)
There is this print as well, and I'm thinking that my bathroom might need some purple countertops:
I have never heard of contact paper before. Might have to take a look at some to add some life to our bathroom counters.
ReplyDeleteI've used contact paper for tons of things but never countertops! I was really happy when I learned of this! :-)
DeleteWow, that's great, thanks for sharing, I will look into contact paper and maybe that will be my next project for my kitchen.
ReplyDeleteWow, that small fix has made such a huge difference in the aesthetic of your new home! I love the colour that you chose, as well :)
ReplyDeleteI love this. What a great idea and possible for everyone to do and it's cheap!! A few years ago I used contact paper or my bathroom wall. I thought it looked good but my mom let me know I should have laid it the other way, lol.
ReplyDeleteHaha jee thanks mom. :-)
DeleteThat's an incredible idea and so thirty. In a fraction of dollars, the kitchen shines like a star. I.love the ambiance of the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a transformation! It looks new and fresh. I love the idea and it saves money too.
ReplyDeleteI am totally impressed how well this turned out!! I never knew there was such an option and honestly it looks absolutely fabulous!!! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome DIY! Shell
ReplyDeleteWow that's a really great idea, because I have exactly the same problem with my kitchen, I guess I'm just using it too much lol )))) This one doesn't look like such a complicated fix so I'm going to try it!
ReplyDeleteDo it! It was soooo easy and it looks so good!
DeleteLOVE this idea and it looks incredible, you can't tell it is contact paper at all! I am off to look for some right now!!
ReplyDeleteDo it! It's great!
DeleteWow that really looks amazing! I would never know you used contact paper.
ReplyDeleteThis is INCREDIBLE! I would have never guessed that this wasn’t the original counter top! Great work!
ReplyDeleteTisha
That looks amazing!! We recently renovated our house and gutted our kitchen out down to the plumbing and I wish we had the option of sprucing our kitchen up, especially the counters because that looks AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteWHAT?!?! This looks AMAZING! You did such a great job. This is a great idea for renters for sure.
ReplyDeleteNo way, contact paper for counters? AMAZING! I can't believe I didn't hear about this sooner. It turned out really nice, great job!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool! Does the contact paper hold up well if water gets on it?
ReplyDeleteI love using contact paper. I have a few projects around the house that I have used it on, though not counter tops yet. It's such a great idea when you need to perk things up!
ReplyDeleteWow what a huge difference. I have pinned this for reference. I have a rental property that could use this one day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a big difference! This looks so good, contact paper really can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteIt makes such a difference doesn't it?! When we had our kitchen done I could hardly believe the difference!!
ReplyDeleteI love the redo of the counters! It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great idea ! Wish I would have known about this when we used to rent.
ReplyDeleteThat look remodel does gives it a nice touch. It looks so easy, I think I have do that for my kitchen.
ReplyDeleteWow the contact paper made it look like its brand new counter top! The best thing is you can always redo it anytime you wish!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea for changing your counter tops. I wonder how long it will last? It is looks really good, like you really changed the work tops.
ReplyDeletei love contact paper! this looks absolutely rad! such an awesome DIY!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea. You did an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteLove this simple and non=permanent idea. As a renter myself in order to give my space more of my own style I tend to seek for solutions such as this. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen looks so much better now! I absolutely love the renown look! and it now looks way more organized.
ReplyDeleteAwww how i wish my kitchen was good as your kitchen. I really have a messy kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great to know. I had never heard of contact paper. I love the kitchen specially areas around the burners.
ReplyDeleteThis turned out amazing! I had no idea that you could have something turn out this great with contact paper.
ReplyDelete