If you are remodeling, updating a look, or just wanting a bit of a change in your kitchen, starting with the backsplash is a perfect place to get big impact.
A new backsplash can be a bit pricey depending on the materials you choose and if you have someone else install it, but it doesn't have to be. There are lots of eye catching DIY ideas out there that are quite painless and will have you hanging out in your kitchen with a big smile and a sense of accomplishment in no time. Home Edit put together a list of 10 projects worth a look from all around the web, here are a few of our favorites:
1. Chalkboard paint, draw a design, DONE!
2. Purchase or gather some river rock, hot glue them to a wire netting, and grout in the spaces.
3. Buy some colored glass or back paint it yourself using multiple coats of spray paint and then attach with a heavy weight silicon sealant.
4. Mirrored backsplashes can add dramatic effect and lots of reflected light in small dark kitchens.
5. Head to your local thrift or tile stores and grab up random tiles for a mix and match mosaic. Compose your tiles, adhere them to the wall, and grout.
Consider nailing up a thin sheet of plywood to the wall before gluing your backsplash for something less permanent. This would also allow you to customize your kitchen in rental units.
More Info: Home Edit.
(Images: Via Home Edit)
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I love the stones. I have thought about doing that myself. We'll see what happens in the future.
I'm sorry to be critical as these all look great....until they get dirty. I don't think any of them are practical nor attractive once covered with grease, water spots and splats from cooking :(
LISA13: Glass/mirror can pretty much withstand grease and dirt. With a good cleaner, they will be good as new. I do agree about the river rock though; that might be tough to clean in between the rocks.
I have mirrors I removed from a bathroom and did think about putting them up as backsplash but can't find a good cutter.
I 'wall-papered' my entire condo-kitchen in contact paper in a very simple design and love it. Love the colored glass idea too! Maybe put pictures on the back side and spray to keep them fresh.
@LISA13 - That's what backsplashes are designed for - to protect the walls from splashes! And given some of these are a breeze to clean or can be painted, there's no reason to worry about them looking/staying dirty :-)
I have been looking everywhere for the hanging jars in the first photo. Can someone please point me to where I can find them?
Stephanie those jars are Ikea - cheap too, I think I paid less then four bucks each for them.
@sugarshackeva & Stephanie - they are Ikea, but they've been recently discontinued, it seem. A few stores in the US still carry them, but they're going fast, and unfortunately not available to be shipped from Ikea's website. I found out this unpleasant fact this past weekend when I was seeking them out at the only Ikea for hundreds of miles (and I'm really not a fan of the white plastic pots they're replacing them with - ew). :/
I like the chalk paint idea
I did tin ceiling sheets cut to size. Pretty cheap and easy to install myself. I'm going to do a project for a friend who rents painting galvanized aluminum with chalkboard paint so they can use it for magnet baskets and shelves since the person doesn't have any counter space.
I used Bilk wall tiles on my backsplash -- wasn't sure how well they would hold up but they look great, easy to wipe off/remove, and are super easy to apply. This is the one I have:
http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore/trees-pattern-wall-tiles</a href>
I'm still wondering what to do ...I need to work on my backsplash & am torn between colored glass and chalkboard.
I loved the chalkboard paint idea and since I'm in a rental, thought it would be the least intrusive on the property and easiest to implement. So I made it happen today (chevron pattern and all) and I love it! The wall was white and dirty previously and this makes a great impact, is fun and I imagine, will hide dirt better. Cabinets, appliances and countertop items pop really nicely. http://instagram.com/p/R6PtBLiV3M/ http://instagram.com/p/R6QGFGCV3f/ @kassgood
I meant to leave the comment below for you! I'm sure the glass would look awesome but for me, would have been much harder to implement in my space (not to mention, more $$$). I did the chalkboard and I LOVE it. Such a great transformation. There are other photo of chalkboard backsplashes on AT, search!