Install backsplash

The kitchen is a great workspace, but it’s a little bland. Dawn has always wanted a backsplash but she thinks installing one in such a large area might be difficult.

The traditional way to install a backsplash involves applying thinset adhesive, which is a bit messy, and would be involved for a relatively large area.

Homeowner Dawn Nelson installs backsplash while Today's Homeowner co-host Chelsea Lipford Wolf watches her
Installing a backsplash takes a fraction of the time when you use SimpleMat from Custom Building Products.

We’re going to skip that step and use SimpleMat from Custom Building Products. It’s a double-adhesive mat that sticks to the drywall.

SimpleMat simplifies backsplash installation because you just stick tiles on it and add pre-mixed SimpleGrout, also from Custom Building Products. The result is a beautiful view that Dawn can see from her living room.

Today's Homeowner hosts Chelsea Lipford Wolf and Danny Lipford install ceiling medallion in Dawn Nelson's dining room
Installing a light fixture can create drywall problems that you can easily — and stylishly — cover with a medallion.

Install Ceiling Medallion

We turned our attention from Dawn’s kitchen and helped out in other areas as well. Like the dining room, which had an eyesore of its own on the ceiling.

Ceiling medallions give light fixtures some pizzazz. But in this case, adding one also saves us some drywall work because we’re covering holes.

Installing a ceiling medallion couldn’t be easier. We just apply Titebond Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive to the back of the medallion and glue it up there. Then we caulk around the medallion.

Once the medallion is in place, we just reinstall the light fixture and attach it to the ceiling box.  

We also:

  • Built shelving and added a door to the pantry
  • Painted the walls and ceiling
  • Installed crown molding
  • Installed a new sink

Other Tips from this Episode

'Today's Homeowner' Simple Solution host Joe Truini wears a mask and safety glasses while working outside.Simple Solutions
How to Keep Your Safety Glasses from Fogging Up
Lockly Vision Smart Deadbolt Video DoorbellBest New Products
Lockly’s Smarter, Safer Home Security Option For Your Doors
Mid-century modern light fixture with a ceiling medallionWatch & Learn
How to Install a Ceiling Medallion

Watch the video above to find out more.


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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