Okay, I have to share one of my favorite recent kitchen upgrades because I genuinely cannot stop staring at it. And the best part? It cost almost nothing and took no time at all.
I added scalloped wood trim along the top of my kitchen wall, right in that little gap between the tile backsplash and the ceiling. It’s the kind of detail that makes a space feel finished, intentional, and a little bit special. It looks custom and high-end, especially for such a beginner-friendly DIY.
It’s literally just wood trim from Amazon attached with double-sided tape! No demo. No mess. No contractor. Just instant character and I am obsessed.
Project at a Glance
- Skill level: Total beginner
- Time: A few hours (including dry time)
- Cost: Under $30
- Best for: Kitchen backsplash, bathroom walls, anywhere you want a little architectural detail without committing to a renovation
Tools & Materials
- Scalloped Wood Trim
- White paint
- A wide, short-handled bristle brush
- Double-Sided Tape
- White caulk + caulk gun
- Baby wipes(or a wet paper towel)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
Step 1: Measure Your Wall
Start by measuring the length of the wall where you’re adding the trim. This tells you exactly how many pieces you need to order. Better to have a little extra than to run short mid-project!
Step 2: Paint the Trim
Before you hang anything, paint your trim pieces first. It’s so much easier than trying to paint them once they’re on the wall.
Using your bristle brush, apply white paint to the front of each piece and along all the edges. Let it dry completely before moving on. One coat is usually enough, but do a second if you want more coverage.
Tip: I used paint I already had on hand that matched the rest of my kitchen trim. If you don’t have anything, a sample pot from your local hardware store is all you need since you really don’t use much.
Step 3: Apply the Double-Sided Tape
Cut the double-sided tape into roughly 2-inch pieces. Place one piece in each of the top corners on the back of every trim piece. Don’t peel the backing off yet! Just get them all taped up and ready to go.
Step 4: Hang the Trim
Now for the satisfying part! Starting at one end of the wall, peel the backing off the tape on your first trim piece and press it firmly against the backsplash, right up against the ceiling. Hold it in place for a few seconds and make sure it’s fully secure before moving on.
Continue down the wall, butting each piece up snugly against the last. Take a step back every few pieces to make sure everything looks level and even.
Step 5: Caulk for a Seamless Finish
This is the step that takes it from “cute DIY” to “wait, did you have that custom built?” and it only takes a few minutes.
Load your white caulk into the caulk gun and apply a thin line along the top edge where the trim meets the ceiling and at each seam where two pieces of trim meet each other.
Then, grab a baby wipe (or a wet paper towel) and run your finger along the caulk to smooth it out. Pick up any excess globs as you go. The caulk fills in all the little gaps and makes the whole thing look intentional and seamless.
Let it dry and you are done!
The Result
Honestly, this might be one of the highest impact, lowest effort upgrades I’ve done in this kitchen. The scalloped edge adds so much personality and coziness. It’s that little custom detail that makes the whole space feel more finished and thought-through. And the fact that it’s completely removable (hello, renters!) is just a bonus.
If you’ve been looking for a small project to make a big difference, this is it. I’d love to see yours if you try it — come find me on Instagram and show me what you do with it!
Interested in more easy home upgrades? Read more tutorials and get design inspo here!
