Wallpaper the backsplash? Deb wants our help with her Retro Design Dilemma
Kate - Updated: September 20, 2020
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
Reader Deb and her husband are in the final stages of their DIY vintage style kitchen remodel. It’s coming together just beautifully — but now, they are stuck on a final design decision: Shoudld they add adorable 1940s style Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper to the backsplash? Or will it be too much? They want to hear from the ever-helpful tribe of Retro Renovation readers. To wallpaper or not to wallpaper, that is the question. Read on to hear Deb’s story and to weigh in. Pam and I will hold back and post our photoshopped ideas at noon.
Deb writes:
Hi Pam,
We’re in the final stages of our kitchen redo (having done all the work ourselves except for the sheetrocking) and we can’t agree on whether to use this wallpaper from Bradburyas our backsplash or not.
“Apple Betty” by Bradbury & Bradbury
I love it but my husband thinks it is too busy and takes away from the nickel outlet covers (which he has some strange attachment to lol). Behind the stove will be new/old fan with a sunburst stainless steel panel. Is this all too much? The wallpaper would be vinyl coated for protection and used only under the cabinets.
Also, I want to let you know that your explanation and pics of doing the metal edging on your counter tops helped immensely when it came time to do ours.
Kitchen before with original Youngstown “Diana” sink unit.
The original kitchen had the washer and dryer under the counter and a “Diana” Youngstown sink unit. It was too far gone to save but I did manage to pry off the the Diana emblem and will be putting it on my new sink cabinet. I know I said that we did it all by ourselves but that isn’t entirely true. We had the floor installed and we bought the RTA cabinetsfrom Barker Cabinets in Oregon. Barker also has slab front cabinets and they are a joy to do business with. Shipping took seven days from Oregon to upstate New York.
The walls are a very light blue. We have a Big Chill fridge in Buttercup yellow (ebay) that hasn’t been put in yet. The woman I bought it from in New Jersey, had won it in a raffle and could not fit it in her kitchen.
If anyone wants to know the particulars of putting in linoleum counter tops and stainless steel edging, my husband is willing to share what he did. It’s taken 1 year and 3 months of no vacations, working every single weekend and a lot of evenings to get to this point. And best of all my DH and I are still talking to each other.
So readers — now we need your thoughtful opinions — what should Deb do with her kitchen back splash?
Through the magic of Photoshop, Kate made some mock-ups of Deb’s kitchen to help her visualize how it would look with the three variations wallpaper and the sunburst stainless steel backsplash:
1. Sunny Day Combo:
For the first mock-up, we put the stainless steel sunburst backsplash over the stove and Bradbury & Bradbury Apple Betty wallpaper between the cabinets and counter top. This looks pretty nice… but we feel like the drama of the stainless steel backsplash might be overwhelming the rest of the kitchen design, which is so lovely. Hmmmm….
2. All wallpaper:
For the second mock-up, we extended the wallpaper all the way behind the stove and up to the ceiling. Deb wasn’t planning on having the wallpaper extend this far up, but if the stainless steel backsplash is not used, it would be a more finished look to have the wallpaper extend all the way to the ceiling, instead of being cut off at under cabinet height. We’re kind of digging the vintage charm starting to come together once this wallpaper is added…
3. Add a shelf to the combo:
Deb could also add a shelf for knick knacks — made using the same red linoleum and metal edging from the countertops — an idea that is similar to the shelf in Pam’s kitchen:
Note the shelf in Pam’s kitchen, above the stove. It is about 6″ deep, edged with stainless steel like the countertops (but a different size of SS.) I never did anything but paint my backsplash. Some day soon I think I will tile it; I have been mulling the issue… for years. As you can see, I adore wallpaper in a vintage style kitchen. ADORE. – Pam
4. Shelf plus stainless steel backsplash
If Deb’s husband still isn’t sold on the wallpaper, this option is for him. Combining the sunburst stainless steel backsplash with the shelf provides a more toned down look, while still allowing space for Deb to display vintage knick-knacks. Maybe paint the backsplash the same yellow as the refrigerator coming in… or tone the yellow paint down a bit… or, a shade similar to that of the floor might work, too.
Pam and I both agree on this one — the Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper that Deb chose is just perfect for the space. The pattern picks up the red from the counter tops, the blue from the floor and the buttery yellow from her Big Chill refrigerator. The space above the stove and fan is just calling out for a shelf to fill it — one that Deb could use to display some cute vintage knick-knacks. If it were our kitchen, Kate and I both are loving mood board number three.
We will be building soon and my kitchen is designed around a chambers stove and a double drainboard farm sink. I want to do a classic wall vent like shown above. I am getting a thumbs down. Anyone have knowledge on these and pros cons vs. newer exhaust hoods/fans? Thank you!!!
Pam Kuebersays
Hi Rachelle, on issues like this it’s recommended to consult with professionals — be aware that codes may be involved.
Ambersays
Deb! As a fellow Tappan owner, I was absolutely delighted to see this picture of your stove. Ours is original to our home and was given to the original owner by her husband in 1950. They built the house together beginning in 1949 and she lived here for 70 years. We’re now reversing the 1980’s remodel in the kitchen, which is how I ran across this. These were definitely built to last!
Anita Schrottsays
I stumbled on this article while surfing late note. Love the vintage kitchen & I have that same Tappan stove in my garage. I used it in my lower level for years for canning and when it was warm. I inherited it from my husband’s grandparents. It traveled 200 miles from Pittsburgh to where we live now & I’m praying my next home it will be in my kitchen. I’ve found a few homes. I’m hoping-it’s on my bucket list. Thanks for your design. I love pops of red & cream!!
Steve Skinnersays
I love the stainless steel with the shelf on it. Where did you ever find the stainless steel backsplash with the sunburst design on it? I have been looking everywhere with no luck. Please help.
Thank you so much.
Pam Kuebersays
There is a link to this product in the story — brite bold blue text — it was broken and I fixed it.
Rachelsays
I like the wallpaper option. But How would you protect it? I have found a vintage wallpaper that I am considering for our vintage kitchen but would like to know more about what you would coat it with to protect it from splashes and splatters.
pam kuebersays
I don’t know the answer to this one. I believe that Bradbury & Bradbury may offer some special coatings depending on the proposed use, so you could try asking them.
kellysays
I would love to know more about the linoleum counter tops and materials needed.
thanks
pam kuebersays
kelly, you should talk to the manufacturer about this for instructions
Jan Haresays
I love the wallpaper. As long as you can put something protective on it, I think you should do it. I think everything you’ve done so far is wonderful and the wallpaper makes it just that much more special.
I like the aluminum starburst but see that more in an aqua 50s kitchen. The shelf on the wallpaper is up to you; I’m 50-50 on it. I think whatever accessories you use on your counters will be enough; glomming it up with knick knacs on a shelf would be too much UNLESS you want to put your lovely dutch shakers on a shelf over the stove and maybe a match holder, which would fit right in. I realize I’m writing this so late that it’s probably already done and I’d love to see the finished product!! Great work!
Kathysays
There are some examples on Houzz that features colorful fabrics, artwork and wallpaper in a backsplash, protected by a sheet of glass. If they have finished their remodel, with yellow tile or with wallpaper or the sunburst, I’d love to see the result!
Lorysays
Deb,
I am interested in how your husband made the counter tops. Did he explain it and I missed it? If not, please ask him to. Thank you so much!
If anyone wants to know the particulars of putting in linoleum counter tops and stainless steel edging, my husband is willing to share what he did. It’s taken 1 year and 3 months of no vacations, working every single weekend and a lot of evenings to get to this point. And best of all my DH and I are still talking to each other.
For the second mock-up, we extended the wallpaper all the way behind the stove and up to the ceiling. Deb wasn’t planning on having the wallpaper extend this far up, but if the stainless steel backsplash is not used, it would be a more finished look to have the wallpaper extend all the way to the ceiling, instead of being cut off at under cabinet height. We’re kind of digging the vintage charm starting to come together once this wallpaper is added…
Deb could also add a shelf for knick knacks — made using the same red linoleum and metal edging from the countertops — an idea that is similar to the shelf in Pam’s kitchen:
If Deb’s husband still isn’t sold on the wallpaper, this option is for him. Combining the sunburst stainless steel backsplash with the shelf provides a more toned down look, while still allowing space for Deb to display vintage knick-knacks. Maybe paint the backsplash the same yellow as the refrigerator coming in… or tone the yellow paint down a bit… or, a shade similar to that of the floor might work, too.
Rachelle Bennett says
We will be building soon and my kitchen is designed around a chambers stove and a double drainboard farm sink. I want to do a classic wall vent like shown above. I am getting a thumbs down. Anyone have knowledge on these and pros cons vs. newer exhaust hoods/fans? Thank you!!!
Pam Kueber says
Hi Rachelle, on issues like this it’s recommended to consult with professionals — be aware that codes may be involved.
Amber says
Deb! As a fellow Tappan owner, I was absolutely delighted to see this picture of your stove. Ours is original to our home and was given to the original owner by her husband in 1950. They built the house together beginning in 1949 and she lived here for 70 years. We’re now reversing the 1980’s remodel in the kitchen, which is how I ran across this. These were definitely built to last!
Anita Schrott says
I stumbled on this article while surfing late note. Love the vintage kitchen & I have that same Tappan stove in my garage. I used it in my lower level for years for canning and when it was warm. I inherited it from my husband’s grandparents. It traveled 200 miles from Pittsburgh to where we live now & I’m praying my next home it will be in my kitchen. I’ve found a few homes. I’m hoping-it’s on my bucket list. Thanks for your design. I love pops of red & cream!!
Steve Skinner says
I love the stainless steel with the shelf on it. Where did you ever find the stainless steel backsplash with the sunburst design on it? I have been looking everywhere with no luck. Please help.
Thank you so much.
Pam Kueber says
There is a link to this product in the story — brite bold blue text — it was broken and I fixed it.
Rachel says
I like the wallpaper option. But How would you protect it? I have found a vintage wallpaper that I am considering for our vintage kitchen but would like to know more about what you would coat it with to protect it from splashes and splatters.
pam kueber says
I don’t know the answer to this one. I believe that Bradbury & Bradbury may offer some special coatings depending on the proposed use, so you could try asking them.
kelly says
I would love to know more about the linoleum counter tops and materials needed.
thanks
pam kueber says
kelly, you should talk to the manufacturer about this for instructions
Jan Hare says
I love the wallpaper. As long as you can put something protective on it, I think you should do it. I think everything you’ve done so far is wonderful and the wallpaper makes it just that much more special.
I like the aluminum starburst but see that more in an aqua 50s kitchen. The shelf on the wallpaper is up to you; I’m 50-50 on it. I think whatever accessories you use on your counters will be enough; glomming it up with knick knacs on a shelf would be too much UNLESS you want to put your lovely dutch shakers on a shelf over the stove and maybe a match holder, which would fit right in. I realize I’m writing this so late that it’s probably already done and I’d love to see the finished product!! Great work!
Kathy says
There are some examples on Houzz that features colorful fabrics, artwork and wallpaper in a backsplash, protected by a sheet of glass. If they have finished their remodel, with yellow tile or with wallpaper or the sunburst, I’d love to see the result!
Lory says
Deb,
I am interested in how your husband made the counter tops. Did he explain it and I missed it? If not, please ask him to. Thank you so much!