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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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The one that started it all

September 27, 2010 by Bethany Sy

Due to a miscommunication, we didn’t paint a backsplash this weekend. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share the story about how the backsplash painting came about. Because… it never fails: every time we paint a backsplash, the homeowner asks how we got started painting backsplashes to look like tile. And I think the hubs is getting sick of hearing this story.

I was living in Westminster, Colorado… my first apartment EVER! The owners were kind enough to allow me to paint the interior the way I wanted. So long as I paint it back to white before I leave. First I did my living room, bedroom, then I came to the kitchen. And as I was painting, I noticed the wall area under the cabinets, and thought to myself, “do I just paint that the same color as the wall?” I had never painted a kitchen before, and didn’t know what I was supposed to do with that area. Painting it the same wall color just didn’t seem right. And because installing tile in a rental didn’t seem economical… I set out to try and make it LOOK like tile.

Now, mind you, this was 7 years ago… I barely had a cell phone, let alone 1/4 inch tape. So I tediously cut my painters blue tape (with a box cutter) into long narrow strips to use as the ‘grout line,’ layed out my grid, and went to work painting. It was extremely fun, and looked alarmingly like stone tile.

My friends had to touch the wall to believe it was just paint. Then they started having me paint their backsplashes… then my mom. And neighbors. And ex-boyfriends.

Then, I decided I needed to start charging for this service, and the backsplash business was born. And I gotta say, has been a wonderful supplemental income in saving… so that we can go forth and multiply. Nick has been my partner in crime, and does just as much, if not more work when we’re doing a backsplash. His mathematic and meticulous engineering skills come in very handy. And he paints too!!

So here it is… my first ever backsplash. Not bad, eh?

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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 4

    Diana says

    October 5, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    sorry I missed the previous comments!

    Reply
  2. 5

    Diana says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    did the landlord want you to paint it back after he saw it?

    Reply
  3. 6

    Bethany says

    September 27, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    definitely painted it back to white. 🙂 their loss!

    Reply
  4. 7

    chantilly lace and a pretty face says

    September 27, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Did they let you leave it or did you have to paint over it when you left?

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
Please feel free to share or pin my posts! You're welcome to use ONE of my images (no collages or pinnables) with a link back to the corresponding post. Please do not edit or crop that single image in any way. Improper use of my photos, ideas or words is a violation of copyright. Thank you!

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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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