Any suggestions to spice up my kitchen?

corgimama2 · 2025-02-20T21:01:40+00:00

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Hello! I rent a place with nice kitchen amenities — but I'm thinking about either painting the wall color or even putting a peel & stick backsplash as the walls get scratched up with extended use.

I'm not sure what color or faux tile type would look best in this kitchen! Any suggestions?

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InspiredCFSUK

Your kitchen already has a great foundation with the warm wood tones, stainless steel appliances, and that beautiful exposed brick! A peel-and-stick backsplash could be a great way to add personality without a big commitment. Since your countertops have a mix of warm neutrals, something like a white or soft gray subway tile could brighten up the space while keeping it classic. If you want more contrast, a deep green or navy backsplash could add depth and complement the brick. For wall color, a warm white or a light greige would keep things fresh and cohesive without overpowering the space. Would you prefer something subtle or a bold pop of color?

corgimama2

@InspiredCFSUK I personally like a pop of color, but my husband is such a fan of a subtle neutral. A warm white would probably brighten things up so well! I'll have to get some paint swatches and see how they do in different light.

My main concern with peel and stick backsplash would be with those pipes that run behind my stove/oven. I don't even know what they're for, but they're difficult to get behind. Thank you for your insightful response :)

DanielaAraya

Love your space! I can totally picture some beautiful blues or greens in here. Painting the walls would make a big impact, but I think it's really about whether or not you want to deal with the hassle of painting (your ceilings look high!). You could also buff off any wear and tear with a magic eraser. It works like a charm 😊

For peel and stick, I can't recommend Quadrostyle enough. I used them in my kitchen, and they held up great! Is there a gap behind the pipes above your stove? If not, I wonder if you could just place it overtop it — a little janky, but you can hide it with artwork or maybe a magnetic knife holder. I made a little visual to get your ideas rolling!

InspiredCFSUK

https://community.apartmenttherapy.com/discussion/comment/3631#Comment_3631

A warm white would definitely help brighten the space while keeping things versatile. Testing out paint swatches in different lighting is a smart move! As for the peel-and-stick backsplash, those tricky pipes could be a challenge, but maybe cutting the material into smaller sections could help work around them more easily.

corgimama2

@DanielaAraya Thank you so much for the visual! I definitely am bouncing between the paint color being a warm white or a kind of duck-egg blue or light teal like that. Thank you for the recommendation of the peel and stick backsplash! It's been difficult to find things that are budget conscious and good quality.

So there isn't a gap to slide backsplash in behind those pipes - I think I'd likely put peel and stick behind my sink since that where the brunt of splash and scratches happen from leaning dishes against the wall to dry.

DanielaAraya

https://community.apartmenttherapy.com/discussion/comment/3639#Comment_3639

Oooh peel and stick around the sink would look great too! I think you should go for the blue paint, but maybe play around with some samples of both and see what feels right 😊

jamesandson

Hey, If you're looking to give your kitchen a fresh look, a peel-and-stick backsplash is a smart choice—easy to put up and gives you a lot of options without permanent changes. For color, I’d recommend something neutral like white or light grey for a timeless feel, or even a soft marble design for a more elegant touch. For the walls, maybe try light beige, soft grey, or a pale blue—they’re calming and complement a variety of styles. It all depends on your kitchen's vibe, but those colors are versatile and should work well with many different looks!