You might notice a theme when it comes to posts like this and this and this and this. Making this house feel like ours seems to be just as much about stripping things down and removing stuff as it is about adding new furnishings and wall colors. Just like the old matted carpets in the sunroom and the bathroom of our old house had to go (along with the crocheted duck curtains, the wallpaper, some small doorways, a few bi-fold doors, and the linen closet door) we’re all about working with what we have. Which could mean altering things a little bit to help them fit more within our aesthetic instead of just junking them and starting from scratch. Which is why the granite backsplash around the bathroom sink (which happens to live in a nook on one wall of our bedroom) had to go.
Wait, before you get all nervous, let me explain. We thought the backsplash made the sink scream “Look! I’m a sink! In the middle of the main bedroom!” And removing it might make it whisper “Hey. I’m a sink. But I look more like a piece of furniture because I’m slick like that.” We don’t actually mind the location of the sink, we just want to make it fit in more with the rest of the room instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. So this little project is step one of that process.
Thanks to some waterproofed caulk around the edge and some semi-gloss paint on the walls of that alcove, we won’t have any issues with splashing or water damage (our last house didn’t have a backsplash in either bathroom and the caulk and semi-gloss paint approach worked like a charm. I would even venture to say that the caulk & semi-gloss paint method took a licking and kept on ticking. Yes I just pulled out that hokey little rhyme. You’re welcome.
So here’s how it all went down. First I scored the clear silicone caulk by running a box cutter along the top of the backsplash:
Then I scored the caulk between the counter and the backsplash using the same method:
Next I used a thin metal spackle knife to get in there behind the backsplash and the wall and pry it away slowly:
I was able to teeter (yes, that’s a technical term) each of the three backsplash pieces back and forth away from the wall and back again until they completely broke free of the wall and could be lifted out. Those suckers were heavy but I got ‘er done. In fact I’m pretty psyched that I was also able to do this whole project on my own while John was on Clara duty (she says with pride, while simultaneously patting herself on the back and brushing her shoulders off).
Wait. Did I mention I started it without talking to John first? I just wanted to see if removal was even possible and once I got into it there was no turning back. Or telling John what I was doing since the sink looked like this. I would have been in so much trouble (cue all the kids in class saying “ooooh” when the principal gets on the loud speaker and calls someone down to her office by name).
I wasn’t totally going rogue though. I knew he’d go for the backsplashless concept since we had chosen it for both of our previous bathroom overhauls in the old house. So I just crossed my fingers that I could strip things down and make them look a bit more presentable before he and Clara came in to see what I was up to. So here I am furiously scraping the silicone caulk off the surface of the granite counter with the same spackle knife I used to remove the backsplash pieces (it worked really well without scratching the granite at all):
And here I am using the same trusty spackle knife to get in under all that nasty glue and flake it off to reveal a slightly roughed up (but much less gnarly and bumpy looking) piece of drywall:
Here’s what it looked like when John came in to see what all the noise was about. Thank goodness it was a lot less grody looking once all that glue was scraped off. And he was, dare I say it, pleased (!) with the surprise project that I sprung on him. Whew.
Then it was time to skim coat all the roughed up drywall so it would again look seamless like the rest of the wall. Some people would choose to mud the wall when skim coating, but I actually used some of the same lightweight Dap spackle that I mentioned in this post, which I was able to sand down to a totally smooth and even surface that looked seamless with the rest of the drywall (but remember, don’t sand until the spackle is totally dry). Then I used some white waterproof paintable caulk (I like the Dap door and window stuff) around the perimeter of the counter to fill and seal any tiny hairline cracks between the granite and the wall so no water could collect or drip back behind the counter or vanity.
Here’s what she looks like now from afar (ignore the baskets and all the junk that we have yet to organize):
It’s not too bad when you compare her to her glory days (this next photo was taken when we first moved in, before removing the bi-fold doors and of course that backsplash).
My apologies about the bad blue light, I’m still learning how to tell the Nikon who’s boss.
Anyway, I know the after pic above this one still might not look like much, but we’re psyched. We can picture how great some wipe-able semi-gloss paint will look on the walls of that little nook, and we have some other big plans for that area (to make it look even less bathroom-sink-ish). Oh and as for where those three slabs of granite that I removed will go, we’re sending them off to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore since someone else might be able to use ’em. You know in case they buy a house from someone who went crazy and stripped out their backsplash while the hubby was watching the baby and they’d now like to add it back in. Haha.
Najlee says
Sherry… you really are awesome! I wouldn’t have even thought of that. Your new house is looking really beautiful!
Angie K says
I would have never thought to do that, and it makes a huge difference! Looks great, starting to look very spa like!
Stephenie from Decorating Addiction says
OMG – it looks sooo much better after! I didn’t think I was going to like it, but I do. It makes me wonder if we should remove ours . . . but it’s in our KITCHEN?! We wanted to do something else back there (tile, beadboard, tin, etc) but there is a granite backsplash that matches the counter about two inches up. Thoughts anyone?
tammy says
what a big difference a couple of small changes makes! i don’t think it would have occurred to me to do that. quite inspirational as we are gearing up to paint our walls next week!
Jess says
I have not seen pics of your walk in closet! Will you be sharing soon? I thought I saw a peek of some shelving as you enter. Am I correct?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jess,
We’ll have to post pics one of these days! It’s a fairly standard layout for a walk-in (a hanging rod with a shelf above it on my side, two rods on John’s side with a shelf above those, and a few little cubbies).
xo,
s
Alyssa @ Perpetual Blind Date says
It looks better already! I would have never thought to do that!
Kim says
J&S-
Do you think the same idea would apply to laminate countertops? Granite is not in the budget for our new kitchen and bath. We are definitely doing a tasteful and earth-y laminate in the new small bath, and we are strongly considering it for the kitchen. Just wondering what you think about not doing a laminate backsplash in either area…also, any thoughts on countertop materials/color for light maple cabinets in a kitchen?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kim,
You could definitely caulk the space between your laminate counter and the wall and remove the backsplash if you’d like- just peel them back to ensure that the counter grazes the wall and there’s not a 2″ gap or anything. You could also upgrade your laminate counter to a butcher block one from Ikea on the cheap like Katie Bower just did in her master bathroom! Here’s that link: http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2010/12/hot-mess-makeover/
xo,
s
Jen_SD says
While I’m happy you removed that backsplash (the little things can make the biggest impacts, no?), the best part of the entire post is Clara laughing…and then trying to eat the mailing tube. Thanks for adding that in!
Caroline says
Ohh…I love the term “Backsplashless” I’m sure it’ll be on all the Hollywood red carpets soon! Can you rename the name of your post to “Backsplashless”? I can’t stop saying that word for some reason!
(PS – I have been an on and off reader but since your move I am SO EXCITED to follow the progress. I think it’s because I wish I could move myself…but alas, vicariously is my only train ticket outta here for now! Congrats!)
Reva says
I really love your wide-planked floors. And you were right about the backsplash, it does look much cleaner without it!
kyla says
Off current subject, but your Christmas gift post made me wonder about people gifting you “Decor” for your home? Do a lot of people buy you things? And what do you do if they are not in line with your taste or cohesive home decor? Just curious…I get a lot of random stuff.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kyla,
Funny enough people think we’re covered in that area, so we don’t get much home stuff (which is probably a blessing since we love to pick that stuff out ourselves). If we ever get something that we don’t love, we always sincerely thank the person, display it once or twice when they visit, move it to the Goodwill pile, and donate it a while later. Life’s too short to live with stuff you don’t love out of obligation!
xo,
s
JR says
Nice job, Sherry! Gosh you’re clever.
I was totally on board with the unusual sink placement from day one, believe it or not. Probably due to my extensive experience with strangely situated plumbing fixtures… something I’ve actually never bragged about. Weird.
Any plans to paint it dark and change the cabinet hardware? Then it would REALLY look like a special old piece that just “happened” to fit in that nook!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey JR,
Yup, we definitely can’t wait to switch out that hardware!
xo,
s
Amber says
The after picture from afar looks like a shot from a magazine. I thought it might have been an ispiration photo at first glance, and then I realized that was actually your bathroom. It’s looking great!
Kim says
I’m actually surprised at how much of a difference that made. It really does look less “sinky”, haha!
Kimberj says
I wish I could get my hubs to let me tear out the backsplash! I was a little bewildered when you started out but WOW… it looks so much better! Also, thanks for the video of the hilarious mailing tube. I sent it to my daughter in hopes that she’ll want to have kids some day, hehehe, sneaky future grandma.
kyla says
Thanks Sherry! I love that approach, and yes life is way too short. Good to hear you do not get too many things, I am a designer and people buy me things all the time, I find it fascinating!
Lisa says
Wow! I didn’t even know this was an option (or notice it at all in any of the homes I’ve lived in/rented). Learn something new everyday! I now know I like a backsplashless option! haha
Maha says
I would never have thought of removing the backsplash… but it looks much sleeker!
KK says
I would have never thought to do this and it looks FANTASTIC! Way to do something without asking for permission first. ;) (That’s how my bedroom ceiling got painted blue.)
Question: Have you guys ever considered or know how to install pocket doors? I bet it’s a big challenge, but I was thinking about it when I read your idea to put a velvet curtain to cover up your closet door. And then thought about it again looking at the bathroom.
XO
YoungHouseLove says
Hey KK,
We love pocket doors like crazy, but have yet to learn how to install them. We know we’d need enough wall for them to recess into (if that makes sense) so that’s not available for the closet but would definitely be available to close off the sink. We’ll have to see what it entails!
xo,
s
anna see says
I never would have thought of doing this! I have a vanity are in my mbr that has a “cultured marble” top. If I ever change it to granite, I can do this! Thanks!
Amy says
So funny tie in to the oddly placed sink, the one out of place item in our half bath at home is the furnace. True story.
Just thought I’d share too that the other day your Nate Berkus episode was on and I laughed pretty hard at the “PICKLE JARS!” outburst.
aj
YoungHouseLove says
Nothing says happy Friday like screaming: PICKLE JARS!!!!!
xo,
s
Katherine says
Sherry,
Have you seen the lamps at Anthropologie? Let’s just say they are white and shaped like little woodland creatures :) I thought of you when I saw them!
p.s. I love this project I would have never thought to take that backsplash off but it looks perfect, great idea!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh sounds fun!
xo,
s
jeanne says
Okay now I’m wacky and had to read this 3x’s to understand the backspash removal. And I have a hugely open mind. Silly since I’m married to The Cabinet Maker. I KNOW if you guys did it, then it’s part of a bigger plan.
I’m on board and even though the after pic doesn’t seem major, it totally is. It’s there – the bigger picture, which will be fab.
cori says
hi. not sure if you follow DEALSPLUS on twitter or anything..
but today there is a LOWES deal for 30% off bathroom vanities and vanity tops!
http://dealspl.us/lowes-coupons/p_bathroom-vanities-vanity-tops-30-off
i thought of you guys when i saw it because you are doing lots of remodeling! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sweet deal Cori! Thanks for the update!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
Wow, I can’t believe all the little changes you two have made to your new home already! Growing up with backsplashes I would never have thought to go backplashless! I thought you two were a bit crazy at first but the difference is amazing! Things are looking great! I love living vicariously through you as we don’t own :(
Shelley says
way better without the backsplash! Love the lucite towel rods, gotta know if those were already there or if you brought those in…where’d they come from?
YoungHouseLove says
They were here already. No idea where they’re from. Anyone know?
xo,
s
Michelle says
Looks great! I’m curious if you have a plan for the vanity side of that bathroom cabinet. I have a similar space and am not the “sit down in the bathroom” kind of person, which means right now it’s a huge waste of space, especially when storage is at a premium. But I’m not sure exactly what to do with it – I’d love to display towels, etc… there but my 18-month old would tear it down in a second. Thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle,
We have a bunch of ideas from a stool or chair to adding shelves or even a door to make it look more balanced. Of course the super easy thing would be to shove storage baskets or bins in there if you need the stash space. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jennifer M says
This totally gives me confidence to not put a backsplash in in the kitchen (I’m going with a different idea, I think.) This looks GREAT! Way to go, guys!
katy says
wow. big change!
Question:
I’ve hated our hall bathroom backsplash forever. The area where it meets the sink is grody and no amount of cleaning gets it good enough. I have NO idea what the material is…it looks like marble, but it’s not. It’s a really slick material…? Anyway, I’m so afraid if I rip the backsplash off, chunks of the back and sides will also come off too. Is that a possibilty?
Also, are backsplashes always added on or are they ever already welded (?) onto the sink already?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katy,
That sounds like a laminate counter (probably in a faux marble finish). We’re not sure how it’s attached (a separate backsplash or all one piece) but maybe if you look at the side you’ll see seams or cracks that show you it’s a separate slab of laminate (or not see them so you can assume it’s all one piece)? Good luck!
xo,
s
Jenny says
It’s amazing how removing such a a thin back splash really lightens up the area! Right now we’re renting, but I’ve been tucking away all of these little ideas for when (hopefully) we have the opportunity to build our own house.
Liz says
LOVE IT. At first I said, “Hmmm I don’t know about that,” but it really makes the sink blend into the room! I’m loving all these mini makeovers.
Monica says
This is precisely why I love this blog. Removing the backsplash on a bathroom sink is something that would NEVER have crossed my mind, but now you’ve got me envisioning backsplash-less bathrooms throughout the house!
It really does make a huge difference!
j says
Am I the only one who doesnt get it? I am not sure how it makes much of a differece!
fuzzy says
Pocket doors require adding reinforcing studs and a header b/c the door actually slides into a space made by halving the width of the existing studs. Probably a professional solution–I know I’ll tackle anything I read in Fine Homebuilding but this one sounded WAY beyond my skills. Tearing out extant drywall, reconfiguring studs AND making the dratted things hang level…….not to mention reinstalling and remudding or worse yet skim-coating drywall.
As much as I’m all about diy, it will be a long time before I drywall and mud an entire room by myself again.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah that definitely sounds really intimidating!
xo,
s
rebecca says
WOW!!! The difference is amazing! You go girl!!
Lonely Wife Project says
I can’t even believe the huge difference a small change like that makes. I’m going home to investigate my own backplash!
Gina says
I am doing this! No seriously, the hubs is out of town, and I’m doing this tonight in our powder bath. Thanks for all the inspiration and ideas – you guys are the best!
Erica says
What a difference! It looks great. I love it when small things make a big impact…
Emily @ NewlyWife says
I admit, I was skeptical at first, but it looks so much better!
Leigh says
OK, so I thought you were crazy when I first started reading, but it really does look so much better. And I am drooling over those wide planked floors.
Brianna {RMV} says
I always hate the granite backsplash. I always wonder what it is people like about the stubby splash? I could possibly see it in a busy kitchen otherwise why? Looks much better!
Renae says
It looks great!
hdstoker says
Looks SO much better!! After surfing through the Bower’s blog and seeing their new butcher block countertop, I was totally expecting your entire countertop to have vanished! If your granite had been a lighter color, it might have looked ok… but it definitely stood out being so dark. Good call!!
Stefanie says
Have you considered other master bath separation options, rather than leave it a breeze-thru? You may have covered this in a previous post (if so – sorry). I know you like an open floorplan, but I am wondering how it would look with some great glass or frosted glass french or sliding doors. Is there not enough room for either space to be 2 private spaces? Just curious – my mom’s new place has a similar in-room bathroom type thing.
Thanks!
And, PS – looks way better without the short-splash.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Stefanie,
We love open living (especially since we’re confident that once we’re done with that area it won’t look sink-y at all) but we have talked about gorgeous glass french doors for architecture (even if they’re always thrown open) way down the line. They’re not in the budget for now, but who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Erin says
I’m not a fan of the little half-splash, but I never could put my finger on why, and I never ever thought something so small would make such a huge difference! You have great vision!
Amy says
It looks so much better! I would have never imagined that little bit could make such a big change. I was just looking at that window and thinking about the vanity with no mirror, then started imagining a big bathroom makeover someday with a big tub in front of the windows. Seems like it would be fun to have a big open and airy master bath!
Michelle says
Not that you need any more reassurance..but nice work! :)
Evan says
I do think the sink looks much more unobtrusive sans backsplash, but I still think having that sink there would drive me nuts not aesthetically, but practically. For example, if someone wakes up in the middle of the night and has to use the facilities, wouldn’t the subsequent handwashing disturb the other person without a door to muffle the sounds of the running water? Here’s hoping you two are sound sleepers!
Lauren C says
Love it! PSST, Sherry we haven’t seen your smiling face (except for your arms in a few pics) in about a month! :)
YoungHouseLove says
I know! I was just telling John I have to stop worrying about being covered in dust or smashed peas and just get into a few pictures again or people won’t believe I exist anymore!
xo,
s
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Great idea! Can’t wait to see what else you do to spruce up the vanity!