Your kitchen is the one room in your home where you probably make the most mess. Hot grease spatters from frying pans, mashed potatoes spin off the mixer beaters, and water splashes out of the sink when you are washing dishes. This means moisture resistant, easy to clean surfaces are a must.  Paint doesn’t react well to constant scrubbing, so it isn’t the best finish for this area. This is one reason backsplashes are often used as an alternative to painted surfaces in kitchens.

Installing a kitchen backsplash is a fairly simple DIY project that can spruce up the area behind your stovetop/sink or above all your countertops. Here are a few materials and design ideas to consider:

Stainless Steel

Brushed stainless steel is long lasting and attractive. You can purchase it in sheets that are flat or embossed. This material is easy to install – use a construction adhesive to glue it in place. Add a decorative molding around the edges or just caulk them. Wipe down stainless steel with a damp cloth and a gentle detergent to remove food splatters.

Decorative Tile

This is the most versatile option for your kitchen backsplash. Match the tile to your flooring or any other feature/decoration in the room. You can create a geometric pattern using tiles of different sizes or colors. Or, you might prefer a mural of fruit or a Tuscan countryside. It is important to measure and place the tiles carefully or you will end up with a crooked design. The grout will need to be well sealed (and cleaned frequently) to prevent staining.

Smooth Stone

If your kitchen countertops are high quality granite, you may want to simply continue this effect up the wall for a seamless backsplash effect. You can also top a low granite backsplash with marble tiles for a sophisticated accented look.

Related posts:

1. Kitchen Counter Backsplash
2. Why You Should Use Stainless Steel In A Kitchen Remodel
3. Design your dream kitchen
4. Kitchen Remodeling – Shaker Style
5. Replacing Your Old Kitchen Sink

Tags: backsplash, Kitchens

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 12:41 pm and is filed under Kitchens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.