At long last backsplash.

This DIY kitchen has been a long time coming. From the Ikea cabinet trek in October, to the initial demo over Thanksgiving, to just last weekend, we've come a long way, mod babies. The range hood should go up this weekend, and a little painting should happen as well. After that we will consider novel weekend experiences, such as sleeping in, going to the movies and driving past Lowe's with nary a glance in its direction.

The tiles are Sendai silk in the stacked brick pattern from Lunada Bay. These came face mounted on paper -- something I wouldn't recommend everyone try at home. If you are kitchen obsessed and a perfectionist (me) and have the aid of a willing and patient spouse (the Mister), then have at it. It took a good nine hours to get them set. A few more hours a few days later to grout and clean up. We're thrilled with the result. The hope was that it would bring an updated look with reference to materials past, and I think it is doing its job.

Oh, and the spot for the range hood chimney? You'd think it was intentional. You'd think wrong. I simply miscalculated the square footage by about two sheets of tile. This was our ad hoc solution, and I'm hoping no one will be able to tell the difference once it's all in place.

Updating an MCM home is always difficult. There are the purists who believe that technology is secondary and period-correctness is paramount. Then there are those who totally compromise the space with insensitive "improvements". I'm hoping we've landed somewhere in the middle. The footprint is the same, as are the pavers on the floor. But the cabinets, countertop and tiles are new, with a touch of the "Dwell" sensibility.

Let us know what you think!