It took me a long time to decide on our back splash.  It was a great lesson for me.  I have since designed many back splashes for my clients with a whole new appreciation for a space that is usually only the period at the end of a sentence.

Let’s change that period into an exclamation point. The possibilities are endless.  For example, travertine tiles are quite popular sprinkled with accent tiles like glass or granite inserts that coordinate with the counter top.  I have used metal, antique glass, mirror, vintage tin and full height granite.  A four inch granite splash usually accompanies a granite counter top however, this tends to make the space appear to be smaller.

On a trip to New York City, I visited the wonderful vintage wallpaper shop Second Hand Rose.  They describe themselves as  ”rare wallpapers from the most avant-garde designs of the period”.  Wallpapers spanning the era from 1860 to 1970. It was there that I found my back splash.  A beautiful vinyl paper from the turn of the century.  The adjacent wall is painted with black chalkboard paint.  My daughter and I stenciled a favorite quote and topped it off with a marble shelf supported by brackets from a local architectural salvage yard.  And voila, a $369.00 back splash.

There are so many ways to add that wow factor to your kitchen using these non-traditional materials. I’d love to hear your comments about things you have tried.  And if this is all too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to get professional help.  If you do choose an interior designer, make sure to get one that specializes in kitchen and bath design like  me.  Of course, if you are in Florida, I would be happy to help you!

photo credit – Amanda Elsbree