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Unique Kitchen Backsplashes
Emilee Ramsier
Unique kitchen backsplashes are becoming more common in homes, and they can be a great way to add personality and visual interest to your kitchen.
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The possibilities for creating a unique kitchen backsplash are just about endless, and it's likely that the type of backsplash you ultimately choose to install will have everything to do with your personal design style and creativity.
Before you decide on a theme or materials for your unique kitchen backsplash, you'll want to define the scope of your project. Measuring the surface area of the walls above your kitchen countertops to determine the square footage is a good place to start, but keep in mind that you don't always have to cover the entire wall with the backsplash. Many homeowners choose to cover only the portion that will actually get "splashed" during cooking or cleaning, covering anywhere from 25% to 75% of the wall's surface area.
When you've decided on the scope of your unique backsplash project, it's time to get creative and start thinking about materials. While it's certainly possible to create a unique and eye-catching backsplash design with traditional materials like ceramic tile or stone in styles like mosaic or subway, you may want to explore more out-of-the-box styles for your kitchen. For example, many homeowners have begun repurposing common materials for their backsplashes—things like bottle caps, coasters, used gift cards and even pennies can be used to create a truly unique and visually stunning backsplash in your kitchen. Obviously, any backsplash that you assemble on your own from these types of found materials will require a significant investment of DIY time, as well as some know-how when it comes to the required materials. But if you're contemplating an eye-catching design that incorporates an array of items like these, you can also find great resources online with step-by-step instructions on how to create the unique backsplash in your imagination.
If assembling a backsplash from uniquely repurposed common materials doesn't fit your plans, but you still want to create a fun and funky backsplash design in your kitchen, you may want to consider a backsplash of lacquered paper. Using heavy duty scrapbook paper featuring interesting designs and bold colors can give you an efficient, attractive and unique backsplash at a fraction of the cost for one constructed from tile, metal or stone. If this approach is appealing, all you'll need to do is procure some heavy duty paper, then glue or paste it to the wall. Once it's up, coat it with a finish that will allow you to easily wipe it clean without damaging the paper.
