apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Kim,

One great idea I've seen is to hang a piece of back-painted glass - a 22" X 60" piece should fall well within your budget.

Paint the back of the glass any color you like - talk to your hardware store to see what they recommend for glass. I've heard Kilz works well. They can also explain your hanging options - from little screw-in clips to a slotted channel. If you ever change your mind, it will be really easy to remove, too.

Hi Kim,

I created a stainless backsplash in my kitchen. I think this would be a good move in your kitchen, as far as budget I went through www.ajitiles.com, much more affordable and a decent selection.

Installation was simple, You grid out the wall so you know where the tiles need to go and affix them directly on the wall with construction adhesive, no grouting involved.

Hope that helps.

I like the glass idea, and may consider it myself! I too am in the process of remodeling my kitchen, so your question is near and dear to me. One option that you may want to consider is upholstering the wall. I think that a really rich brown leather-looking vynyl covering the entire space would do. Perhaps a way of securing to wall may involve some super duper glue, maybe tacking on... don't know. Then, you can hang a couple of pics on top to make it look really chic. Just a crazy idea. Good luck!

The Home Depot in my town hos awesome pressed tin backsplash "tiles" that I adore. they come in every metalic shade imaginiable. I'm partial to the bronze one. It has a sort of tarnished look. Also, you may think of just painting the wall with automotive or appliance paint. You'll get an awesome metallic sparkle from doing a pretty basic paint job.

over brick, you say? What about removing the drywall in the backsplash area and either leaving the (sealed) brick exposed or putting a piece of clear glass over it? All you'd need to treat the cut edges where the drywall was removed is a bit of wood or metal trim that could also act as the holder for the glass.

Kludd notice board from Ikea ... but you would have to install using screws meant for brick or concrete. Would like nice there if you can still buy them (last I saw they were closeout for 4.99 each).

We like our mirror backsplash even if they take a bit more upkeep.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83878962@N00/2295093077/in/set-72157603997320989/

Hi everyone... this is Kim. Thanks for the great, great ideas! I should have mentioned that this is a rental... so I cant do any major renovations like exposing the brick. But there are plenty of good ideas here so far!

Someone posted about painted glass earlier this week. There were several cautions to make sure you are using tempered glass and a couple of horror stories about doing it yourself.

Here's the info. According to the SF commentors, it is an affordable DIY project, if there are not too many crazy cutouts (for outlets, etc). But tempered glass is highly recommended.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/good-questions/sf-good-questions-back-painted-glass-backsplash-048097

What about Venetian plaster? It's not terribly hard to learn to do and it's very forgiving on uneven surfaces...

Try white subway tiles from u.s. ceramic.
Home depot has them in stock. You can buy them by the box or by the piece including all the trims. It costs about 14 cents a tile.
The size is 3x6.
They are in stock all the time.

Kim: How about a vintage postcard backsplash? It's easy to install, adds a bit of visual interest and color, is soft on the wallet, and incorporates a repurpose. What do you think?

A fabric backsplash might work...This was recently discussed on the SF AT site....Here's the URL to the thread....

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/good-questions/sf-good-questions-how-do-i-create-this-fabric-and-perspex-backsplash-045486#comments

run the same material as the countertop up the wall...