How to Make a Personalized Backsplash

Take your backsplash from plain to lovely.

If your kitchen needs a face lift, don't fret about buying new cabinets or replacing the flooring. Look at your backsplash first. Plain backsplashes offer a blank canvas just waiting for your creativity and style. A decorated backsplash can tie your counter and cabinets together or bring in colors from other parts of the kitchen. You can also turn your backsplash into a practical space with just a few simple touches. Think about creating a message center or an area to contain a few of your kitchen tools.

Things You'll Need

• Chalkboard paint, any color
• Paintbrushes
• Chalk
• Eraser
• Measuring tape
• Spice bottles
• 2-inch-wide wooden boards
• Electric handsaw
• L-brackets
• Screws
• Electric hand drill
• Magnetic kitchen stripping

Instructions

1. Paint your backsplash with chalkboard paint using smooth, even strokes. Chalkboard paint gives you an instant message center. Try writing menus, grocery lists and household chores on your backsplash. You can also write encouraging messages to your family members or copy recipes onto the backsplash for easier cooking.

2. Allow the first coat of chalkboard paint to dry overnight. Apply a second coat and let it dry, also. Prime your chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire space and erasing the chalk. This gives the board a light chalk coating, making it easier to use.

3. Measure the height and width of the area above your stove or cooking space. Measure the height of your favorite spice bottles. Divide the height of your cooking space by the height of your tallest spice bottle. For instance, if your basil bottle measures 5 inches high and your cooking backsplash measures 20 inches high, you have room for four spice rack shelves.

4. Cut three or four 2 inch wide boards to the width of your cooking space with your electric handsaw. So if your cooking space measures 15 inches across, your boards should too.

5. Screw four sets of L-brackets into the wall 15 inches apart. Leave 5 inches of space above and below each set of L-brackets. Screw a board into each set of L-brackets. This gives you an instant spice rack.

6. Screw a magnet strip into your backsplash next to your spice rack. Magnet strips can hold knives, metal measuring cups and even metal graters. This way, your backsplash is cozy and practical at the same time.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Splashy Kitchen Backsplashes
• Apartment Therapy: Simple Kitchen Backsplashes