The Beautiful Backsplash

Figure A

The choices for a backsplash have become varied and artistic:

• Today's kitchen backsplash can be the focal point of the room, as they've become works of art. They can be made of wood, stainless steel, stone or decorative tiles, which transforms the area into a kind of artist's canvas.
• The beauty of tile backsplashes is in their imperfections. Craftsmen are creating handmade art tiles so no two are exactly alike and because they're handcrafted, each has a slightly different texture and hue (figure A).
• Kitchens in particular use art tiles as decorative elements in backsplashes. They take the seriousness out of what typically needs to be solid, hard, easy-to-clean surface, making it friendlier to the homeowners.
• Handcrafted tiles are made from a variety of materials including seashells, painted clay and metal. Metal gives a very contemporary look but it can also blend in with stone beautifully for a splash of texture. A protective seal is applied to metal tiles that won't scratch as long as it's maintained.

Figure B

The use of small mosaic tiles that were once reserved for the bathroom is catching on in the kitchen. They create a striking and beautiful look in their new surrounding. Glass tiles--another favorite in the bathroom--are also making their way into the kitchen.

Black grout was rubbed over a terra-cotta tile backsplash to give it an aged look and blend it in with the range (figure B).

Splatter away because backsplashes are as functional as ever. It's difficult to hurt them since ceramic tile is predominately used and can be cleaned with just about anything.

Figure C

Hand-crafted or handpainted tiles do cost more than machine-pressed, but keeping the decorative tiles to no more than 20 percent of the kitchen area keeps costs down. Experiment by creating various patterns on the counter before the tiles are applied to the wall.

Blackboard paint can be applied to a kitchen wall for an unusual yet practical idea. It creates a sleek, dark surface that can then be used to jot down messages, phone numbers and grocery lists (figure C).

Guests
Marsha Crane
Owner, Charles Tiles
4401 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-482-8440
Fax: 215-482-8441
URL: www.charles-tiles.com

Neil Cooper
Owner, Cooper Pacific Kitchens
Pacific Design Center, Center Green 299
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-659-6147
Toll Free Phone: 800-743-6284
Fax: 310-659-1835
URL: www.cooperpacific.com

Brian Flynn
California Art Tiles
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-659-2614
Fax: 310-854-6502
Email: info@californiaarttile.com
URL: www.californiaarttile.com
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-104
•	Handpainted Furniture
•	The Beautiful Backsplash
•	Slipcovers
•	Modern Murano Glass