The TikTok Find That'll Spruce Up Your Boring Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen upgrade projects can be laborious and expensive, which may leave you looking for easy and inexpensive ways to transform your space, particularly if you are a renter and stuck with drab, old, or ugly cabinetry and countertops. Contact paper and peel-and-stick wallpaper have remained popular solutions to renter problem areas, and now there's a new trend toward shiny surfaces with a little bit of glimmer, which create a distinctive look, particularly for vintage-inspired aesthetics. 

TikTok user @rosaliecruining1 recently showed off the installation of an oil- and moisture-proof self-adhesive paper that looks like embossed aluminum foil. The look is vaguely retro and space-age simultaneously, providing a distinctive way to cover kitchen counters. 

The paper, which is available in many finishes, from holographic and embossed to brushed or shiny aluminum, is available at places like Amazon and Home Depot. It is also sold to cover unsightly appliances like dishwashers and fridges, as well as coming in the form of an easy peel-and-stick backsplash option. With most rolls costing $10 to $20, it's a fast and dramatic way to transform any surface in your kitchen with a budget-friendly price tag.

Before beginning, measure your counters to determine how much paper you will need for the full job, including any parts on the front where it will wrap around and other areas like sides or backsplash. Make sure your surface is completely clean and free of any debris, using both soap and water and a little bit of rubbing alcohol for a final wipe-down. 

Cut pieces in segments for best results, ideally along natural seams that already exist. Peel back the paper covering the adhesive as you apply. Use a squeegee, spatula, or another flat object like a credit card to brush out bubbles and smooth as you go, creating a clean and even layer of paper on the surface. The oil and water-proof material will hold up well over time, is easy to clean, and is a great material for renters that can easily be removed with little residue when you leave.

For a chic stainless steel look, no matter what you are starting with, use the sleek brushed aluminum finish for a modern vibe.  This can look stunning and cohesive with the addition of new hardware on cabinets in a similar finish. Stainless steel gives an industrial look to any kitchen that resembles stylish restaurant workspaces, particularly great if you are a foodie or chef. Try a shiny or embossed copper paper on a backsplash for an old-world European or Victorian kitchen look.

Because they reflect light, metallic papers are great for brightening up a kitchen. Use an embossed paper for a retro look that has the feel of a cool vintage diner, which looks amazing combined with the pastels of red of 1950s-style kitchens. Pair it with chrome accents on appliances and glittery red counter stools.  A holographic paper is a fun way to bring a bit of sparkle in large or small doses, including on appliances, on shelves, or in the back of cabinets.