Katie inspired me to update my kitchen with a faux butcher block and a few other simple touches.

Hi ladies! I’m Morgan and Katie’s “all or something” mantra saved my life.

Kidding! Well, kind of. This idea of doing something instead of abandoning everything when you can’t have it all is a valuable lesson for all people, but I especially love how Katie tailors it to motherhood. As a mother and blogger myself, my passion lies in simplifying your days so you have the space to live intentionally. This has the power to change your motherhood, but will also benefit any area of your life you implement it, just like all or something.

Case in point: Faux Butcher Block kitchen countertops.

I’ve attempted a few faux kitchen makeovers with varying degrees of success. The first was a total failure in our rental, but I took that same idea a step further with the purchase of our first home and it kind of worked. I used a mix of traditional and removable wallpaper to mask my ugly wood grain Formica countertop and backsplash. The space was improved, but I failed to follow through on all the details and eventually, the unfinished pieces made the whole thing unravel. My faux butcher block and subway tile backsplash was a different story.

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I wasn’t using the right products so the imperfection of it all killed my motivation. My mindset was definitely all or nothing. My kitchen needed a full remodel and no band-aid solution was going to come to my rescue.

When I saw Katie’s faux butcher block countertops on Instagram I was floored. Her gorgeous Georgia farmhouse kitchen looked like it belonged in a magazine! I knew if her space could look that good there was hope for mine. I had tried the faux marble look before so this time I opted for faux butcher block counters and subway tile backsplash. I ordered the exact butcher block Katie used and searched similar and recommended products until I found a subway tile I liked.

The rest needs little explanation. There’s basically no installation instructions beyond patience. And maybe wine to facilitate said patience. It’s tedious and slightly more involved than just peeling paper and slapping it on. I installed my countertops alone so it’s doable as a one-person project, but I’d recommend having someone assist. The faux butcher block is a continuous roll, which is ideal for a seamless, polished look, but handling big sheets of the extremely sticky paper solo is a challenge, especially when you’re trying to line it up perfectly.

The subway tile I used came in 12in. x 12in. sheets which I found easier to work with than the large butcher block paper. The backsplash was more time consuming because it was akin to putting together a puzzle. My husband removed our sink faucet for easier installation and measured, cut, and prepped the sheets that went around the electrical outlets, which was a huge help. The tile cut easily with scissors or a utility knife so cutting some sheets into strips and individual tiles to fully fit the space was a breeze.

I had come close to abandoning any hope for a kitchen makeover before our remodel and although that’s still years off, I had mostly found peace with my junky, old kitchen. I was blown away when this last ditch effort to spruce up the space exceeded my expectations so drastically. The area is lighter, brighter, and more polished. Unless you’re scrupulously inspecting every nook and cranny, it gives off every impression of a newly remodeled kitchen.

This home renovation hack is a prime example of Katie’s “all or something” mantra. I know the struggle of dreaming up and pinning all these gorgeous ways to upgrade your space knowing full well there’s no budget for it. You need windows or a roof or undoubtedly many other costly, boring replacements that will take years to save for and complete. Forget cosmetic upgrades. Or maybe you’re a renter and you just make due with whatever you’ve got. Never underestimate the power of cheap and simple. Just like accessories can transform an outfit, a few temporary fixes can give you the kitchen of your dreams while you await the actual kitchen of your dreams. You don’t need it ALL to be content, you just need the right products and a positive mindset to embrace the joy a little SOMETHING has to offer.

xo, Morgan
You can follow along with me @dameandscout on Instagram.

Want more renovation inspiration? Check out this amazing Modern Farmhouse.