The kitchen backsplash is often seen as one of the best opportunities to really be creative with your design. It’s a chance to play with a variety of colors, textures and patterns that might be seen as overwhelming if incorporated into other elements of the room. However, when it comes time for a remodel, undoing that level of customization can often feel overwhelming.
If you’re due for a makeover, don’t fret. We’ve compiled 5 ways to redo your kitchen backsplash (without tearing it out). These easy DIYs will give your space an entirely new look at a fraction of the time, cost, and effort of a true replacement.
1. Add A Coat Of Paint
Sometimes, the simplest approach is best and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to reimagining your backsplash. If you’re happy with the material you’ve used in the past, just not the particular shade or aesthetic, a can of paint is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen an entirely new look.
Our favorite part of the paint solution is that it works on a variety of materials, ranging from wood to tile to glass. You can keep the new style simple by just sticking to one shade or add a bit more flair by using a stencil to create a design in a secondary accent color.
2. Go Rustic With Wood
For those who love the idea of a rustic kitchen, there’s no better way to go than a wooden backsplash. All you need for this remodel is a wood of your choice and some liquid nails to help adhere the new planks over your existing material.
Those who want the final project to have a more streamlined feel should opt for the manufactured tongue and groove pieces that are sold at home improvement stores. But anyone who wants a truly unique look can try creating a one-of-a-kind design from reclaimed wood pieces. In both cases, consider staining the wood to protect it from eventual cooking wear and tear.
3. Give Glamour With Tin
In the past, tin used to be an incredibly expensive material and was viewed as a sign of wealth for anyone who was able to incorporate it into their kitchen designs. These days, faux tin sheets are easy to come by and offer the same look at a fraction of the price. As an added bonus, this is a great choice to replace tile because the texture of the tin finish will make any grout lines disappear.
However, the key to using tin successfully is moderation. Since the designs imprinted on the finish are often very detailed, too much of this material can feel overwhelming to the eye. For best results, treat tin like a focal point. Use it in places where you’ll want to draw extra attention like behind a high-end stove or over a sink.
4. Warm Up With Beadboard
There are few sensations more inviting than being welcomed into a country kitchen and one of the easiest ways to really give off that “down home” aesthetic is by adding a beadboard backsplash. All it takes is the same liquid nail application from above and a few finishing nails around the perimeter for you to create a truly cozy space.
Since beadboard is often sold in long strips, you’ll likely need to cut pieces down to size. Be sure to measure beforehand and to lay out your design before gluing to ensure that you’ll be happy with the final design. Once you’re finished, don’t hesitate to add some paint or stain to really make the look pop.
5. Mirror A Modern Look
When it comes to modern spaces, the same materials come to mind again and again: cool metals, smooth stone, and reflective glass. This makes the shine of a mirrored backsplash an easy choice for those looking to achieve a sleek design.
In this case, there are two options. Mirrored tiles are often sold in adhesive sheets that can be easily applied over an existing textured design. However, those with a smoother surface to work with should look for opportunity to buy the mirrored product in one larger slab.