When people think kitchen renovations, they think a new refrigerator, oven, sink, maybe professional stove. However, one of the most used items is often left unnoticed. The backsplash in the kitchen is used every time an item is cooked; it protects the wall from splatter or stains. If properly thought out, the backsplash can be a very attractive part of the kitchen.

Tiles are commonly used to create the backsplash. Porcelain, metal, stone, glass or ceramic tiles are readily available. A creative person could buy the tiles in a plain white, and decorate them, themselves. Or perhaps letting each member of the family decorate one tile each would make the cook in the family happiest.  Not all tiles readily accept paint, so think what they will be used for, before they are purchased. Make sure the paint used to decorate the tiles, will not wash off, the first time the tiles need to be cleaned.

If on a low budget, a more economical option is simple wallpaper. However with wallpaper food must be cleaned up immediately. It will be a formidable challenge to get dried food off the wallpaper.

Stainless steel is an attractive option. The reason that stainless steel is popular for cooking pots is the same reason it’s appealing as a backsplash. Hot soap and water is all that’s needed to clean it. Unlike tiles which can chip, crack or break, metal surfaces are virtually impossible to damage. They are also the easiest option to install of all the backsplash options.

The fanciest option, making the most statement is a backlit backsplash. A common looking kitchen instantly will be spruced up with a backlit backsplash. Many people just want to spruce up the kitchen a little, not wanting to undertake the whole renovation. Changing the backsplash is an easy way to make a big difference in the kitchen.

Be careful of the cost though. It is an important part of the kitchen, but you do not want the cost of the backsplash to be as much as the stove. Glass tiles can be found costing over twenty five dollars a tile.

Make sure to match the theme of the backsplash to the whole theme of the kitchen. It will be noticeable if you do not. Also take into consideration the other rooms of the house visible from the kitchen. Bringing some materials from other rooms into the backsplash is an easy way to tie the whole house together.