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Moving into a new home is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also feel a little overwhelming. As I settled into my new place, I quickly realized the kitchen needed some attention. It was functional, yes, but it didn’t feel finished or reflect my style.

Since a full remodel wasn’t in the cards (hello, budget), I decided to focus on a few small, impactful upgrades that could make the space feel more like home.

The Challenge: A Dark, Busy Kitchen

The kitchen had dark cabinets and a bold, busy granite countertop—so visually, it felt heavy and a bit dated. While everything worked just fine, it was missing that clean, welcoming feeling I wanted. I knew I didn’t need a full overhaul—I just needed the right details to lighten and balance the space.

The Fix: A Classic Backsplash + Open Shelving

After some planning, I landed on two upgrades that would give me the most impact: a new backsplash and a couple of floating shelves.

Step 1: A Neutral Subway Tile Backsplash

I decided to skip the peel-and-stick route and go for a more permanent, professional look. I hired a handyman to install a classic ceramic subway tile using mastic and grout. Rather than going with a stark white tile, I specifically chose a creamy neutral with a bit of texture—something that wouldn’t compete with the granite countertops or dark cabinetry, but would instead complement them. A bright white tile would have felt too harsh and popped too much against the warm tones in the space.

It was the perfect call.

The soft texture of the tile helped break up the visual busyness of the counters, while the light warmer color brought balance and brightness to the room. It’s amazing what a simple, clean backsplash can do.

Step 2: Floating Shelves for a Touch of Warmth

On a previously blank wall, I added two floating wood shelves. They not only gave me extra space for mugs, spices, and a few decorative items, but they also helped soften the room and make it feel more lived-in. I kept the styling simple—just some small plants, decorative items, and a traditional mate handmade in Argentina that means a lot to me.

The shelves added just enough warmth and texture to make the kitchen feel thoughtfully styled without being cluttered.

The Result: A Kitchen That Finally Feels Finished

These changes didn’t require a huge renovation or a massive budget—but they made all the difference. With the backsplash up and the shelves styled, the kitchen finally feels complete. It’s brighter, more balanced, and much more my style.

If you’re in a new home or just feeling uninspired by your kitchen, don’t underestimate the power of a few small updates. Sometimes, a little tile and a few shelves are all it takes to turn a space into something special.

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Thinking of doing a kitchen mini-makeover? Let me know if you’d like tips, tile ideas, or shelf styling inspiration—I’m happy to share more!