Backsplash Tips - Don't Do This!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5FwkqhzEnyMjusHUY34yCjBeEETlZm9-7Utu95CWytuOt47gin5oaPu3N1gwF4Vc7XQ0Ub17IpQ-tVSuR4OYO5ugOOCIkczXvZuq0gnX3vgtMm2w_5FuJBiol_YuAUaEHu4Bit68n-T8/s1600/bad+backsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5FwkqhzEnyMjusHUY34yCjBeEETlZm9-7Utu95CWytuOt47gin5oaPu3N1gwF4Vc7XQ0Ub17IpQ-tVSuR4OYO5ugOOCIkczXvZuq0gnX3vgtMm2w_5FuJBiol_YuAUaEHu4Bit68n-T8/s400/bad+backsplash.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my pet peeves with kitchen backsplashes is this side backsplash <em>hanging</em> way up in mid-air for no apparent reason.  This is a bad detail.  You see it in many builder homes and it's primarily the tile guy just making a decision on the job site of where to stop and start the tile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jlWKAxjsbAYyoi5atJjT4BGmMABTayDwrcT7R2TXou3D2AoMnRNS5rB8HHlT0Yr-BgjGK1HFENpumyUMXZcJKKMa1UiPjZfZ7BgWoiNm3wzrQvqVlfWq7Si9f4WLuZJ9pU81nBC0MX71/s1600/DSCF0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jlWKAxjsbAYyoi5atJjT4BGmMABTayDwrcT7R2TXou3D2AoMnRNS5rB8HHlT0Yr-BgjGK1HFENpumyUMXZcJKKMa1UiPjZfZ7BgWoiNm3wzrQvqVlfWq7Si9f4WLuZJ9pU81nBC0MX71/s400/DSCF0991.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only reason to have a side backsplash like this is if there is a water source close by where the wall will get repeated dousing on a regular basis.  Of course the other reason is if the countertop installer was not very good and didn't scribe the counter to the wall so that a tight joint sealed with a small caulking is impossible.  Many contractors use this side backsplash to "cover" the large gap between the counter and the wall.  Even if the wall is uneven or is tight at one place and wide at another, a good countertop installer should be able to cut the counters to butt tightly to the wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE0BUrIF_DyjATGy7ETytKBk3j-UDuNqgRjMozhh18DXJnVCn5ThppSY7vmQg51nhudjjith24x0chzuS96wt1juze5TDv0SdI28EP_F4UC4SvAUiIzG87vILWyaWoRcsEbRZNyT_p0aL/s1600/DSCF0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE0BUrIF_DyjATGy7ETytKBk3j-UDuNqgRjMozhh18DXJnVCn5ThppSY7vmQg51nhudjjith24x0chzuS96wt1juze5TDv0SdI28EP_F4UC4SvAUiIzG87vILWyaWoRcsEbRZNyT_p0aL/s400/DSCF0980.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you MUST have a side backsplash for any of the above reasons, make sure the tile is the color of the wall so that visually it doesn't call attention to itself and please use either a tumbled tile with a rounded edge, or get the tile guy to bullnose the edge pieces for a finished look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JnsZ2a2kQOwzQHdYYDbHPfnBxEkLrZ9uJeEAEyBHc1Bt6cAQZ-fWbFIr_paaaNLRmlMz4o7rNTuktX0yeYv4JwbWUIz8YRrlALhAHTp8iYkvMit8qt2lUNSC-eh9HhiPIg3zLsI8W1ed/s1600/tile+details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JnsZ2a2kQOwzQHdYYDbHPfnBxEkLrZ9uJeEAEyBHc1Bt6cAQZ-fWbFIr_paaaNLRmlMz4o7rNTuktX0yeYv4JwbWUIz8YRrlALhAHTp8iYkvMit8qt2lUNSC-eh9HhiPIg3zLsI8W1ed/s320/tile+details.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Perfect bullnosing of the tile at the unfinished edge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Otherwise....DON'T do it!  My basic rule (which sometimes has to be broken) is to always try to die two different finishes in an inside corner. See how this works with backsplashes?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC0FLwUQhjoThZSH8G0x2n9fvrhOLSaEM3D4c9InRQ4nhTvl8QGuaNjInKeJzoD_nIn4sU7FQjCqdVbsN5wuYbXGg-Z1RtHvsVembFnHniXb9hJDUsoJYZSbzvxQ7czcX2h-OzC5XTxNh/s1600/Kitchen+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC0FLwUQhjoThZSH8G0x2n9fvrhOLSaEM3D4c9InRQ4nhTvl8QGuaNjInKeJzoD_nIn4sU7FQjCqdVbsN5wuYbXGg-Z1RtHvsVembFnHniXb9hJDUsoJYZSbzvxQ7czcX2h-OzC5XTxNh/s400/Kitchen+before.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my "Before" kitchen remodels. See the backsplash on the left hanging in mid-air?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT2MkMQIIuJpmLlxSDnhmzJNZBjtIzLpAv019kSthwCuqADyHiuvFpx4092BSkiGLycJWa6cd9fO4AR5gZoLUxpPfkXfFQnyx0gXe29diC-2SPFQBbMFtRGPFH8j9v1iu7Wai_8NtNuu5/s1600/DSCF9876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT2MkMQIIuJpmLlxSDnhmzJNZBjtIzLpAv019kSthwCuqADyHiuvFpx4092BSkiGLycJWa6cd9fO4AR5gZoLUxpPfkXfFQnyx0gXe29diC-2SPFQBbMFtRGPFH8j9v1iu7Wai_8NtNuu5/s400/DSCF9876.JPG" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax6GN5Eo3sjuGy2ngzlmoyNv5LUrKev27-VKtfKtG-3mCUiO-qgw-48NmajxOySV2vbsRelRtzBeNKZMHqT1lCWNlQP-4dFwJfTB4oMWVZ0lKMgPBoVX0D7_N4hDrrIYPuQz8KHjjhQkT/s1600/15+Misted+Lilac+Kitchen+view+2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax6GN5Eo3sjuGy2ngzlmoyNv5LUrKev27-VKtfKtG-3mCUiO-qgw-48NmajxOySV2vbsRelRtzBeNKZMHqT1lCWNlQP-4dFwJfTB4oMWVZ0lKMgPBoVX0D7_N4hDrrIYPuQz8KHjjhQkT/s400/15+Misted+Lilac+Kitchen+view+2_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"After" - See how there is no need for a backsplash on the far left and how neat and tidy it looks?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have many hard and fast "rules" that I use, but this is definitely one of them.</div>

Backsplash Tips - Don't Do This!

No. One of my pet peeves with kitchen backsplashes is this side backsplash hanging way up in mid-air for no apparent reason.  This is a bad...

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Backsplash Tips - Part 2, Dealing with Outlets and Switches

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYwoiGcpCZQ7ZGarFPBCA7kgdDbZlRyK2lp6FIFH8QrROC6DOhn6jqW_KWI8n25qx7ZmTJg1PIWPik2aY-O-q4R8tf4px46nijzyXMPtKBvAs2J1bqEM_H0BfK-bJEW-1Le9Ym4VXQmBs/s1600/backsplash_glass.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582315379425742242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYwoiGcpCZQ7ZGarFPBCA7kgdDbZlRyK2lp6FIFH8QrROC6DOhn6jqW_KWI8n25qx7ZmTJg1PIWPik2aY-O-q4R8tf4px46nijzyXMPtKBvAs2J1bqEM_H0BfK-bJEW-1Le9Ym4VXQmBs/s400/backsplash_glass.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />You can have the most beautiful, expensive tile with a fabulous pattern for your kitchen backsplash and ruin it with a few missteps. Not dealing with the outlets and switches in a splash can render it the biggest eyesore in the room. Doesn't this above just scream, "You forgot about me!"<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oaY_zUWKPXKUsw2fMVXlmpuWcky3nBqqGWzdq1XAMtJFIzhYld59Xq3SXD-wy1liGat91YcxCxwq2t2KykhlPRv-AMStM8VysN1XUaKgmXx1ww5ambUW-Og7dyBDvHF7PaVkJ-BovlNT/s1600/backsplash.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582315375883427810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oaY_zUWKPXKUsw2fMVXlmpuWcky3nBqqGWzdq1XAMtJFIzhYld59Xq3SXD-wy1liGat91YcxCxwq2t2KykhlPRv-AMStM8VysN1XUaKgmXx1ww5ambUW-Og7dyBDvHF7PaVkJ-BovlNT/s400/backsplash.jpg" style="display: block; height: 260px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Each project is different and has different circumstances so there are no hard and fast rules except one, you <strong><em>don't</em></strong> want them to stand out or contrast with your material. You don't want outlets and switches to take the thunder away from the star, your beautiful backsplash. </div><div></div><div><br />The best way to do that is to blend. I usually recommend having the electrician change out all the electrical in the splash to a standard color that is as close to the backsplash field color as possible. Then, you are really only paying for labor, outlets are not that expensive. Standard colors are white, light almond, ivory, brown, and black. Stainless covers are also available and can blend in to a lot of materials. If you are using travertine, a light almond is good. Ivory for a more yellowed color of tile and brown is good on wood, like on an island. It doesn't have to be perfect, just not such a high contrast. It's not just the plates, the receptacles need to be changed too, that's why you need an electrician.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTRjE_oB_NCA4uqJPFeFV9Wpu3fxiMZ_5wBL_eFNjpbpqFYBC64MsnptQT34HO5E0se0z0sJJWuiLQND3D3FGP0eO83jw2ebymYxaVVrxsRnO_3nsOPX88C0Sy4K-5F9da1pRL588jxM7/s1600/DP_Inman-kitchen-window-over-sink_s4x3_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582312742115079170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTRjE_oB_NCA4uqJPFeFV9Wpu3fxiMZ_5wBL_eFNjpbpqFYBC64MsnptQT34HO5E0se0z0sJJWuiLQND3D3FGP0eO83jw2ebymYxaVVrxsRnO_3nsOPX88C0Sy4K-5F9da1pRL588jxM7/s400/DP_Inman-kitchen-window-over-sink_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="display: block; height: 283px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 376px;" /></a> These dark outlets really distract from the pattern of the backsplash in this kitchen. A light neutral would have helped hide them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVFpZfKURMtkBqIZ3huyDEDbuaScXzrri9FV4Ji6nxwF7vfnFmby-BP6rcMxYoONKiZEjWfjPGKckHcOcEhZSVuSCnkR46mbSGHdc1H8N2OfOFbhCc39u2pdVMx-kSIaTyair_8dMEspA/s1600/kitchen-renovation.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582312738473894050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVFpZfKURMtkBqIZ3huyDEDbuaScXzrri9FV4Ji6nxwF7vfnFmby-BP6rcMxYoONKiZEjWfjPGKckHcOcEhZSVuSCnkR46mbSGHdc1H8N2OfOFbhCc39u2pdVMx-kSIaTyair_8dMEspA/s400/kitchen-renovation.jpg" style="display: block; height: 275px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 367px;" /></a> The white outlets here interrupt the pattern and have a high contrast with the gray tile. Your eye goes right to the bright white spot. A gray color and a horizontal mounting at the base of the splash would have been a good solution.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xrlEdaNLbrcAWDbp-JqLEV4QbIFna7-URL8fKzEQPx2V1sE1EFG444HKqh5B_xDvq43HvnFF_3kuQSYSGtfZe3MOYRpHfCQMH3otvfiUaLJpJXKajCTeraNsqcL9evnfAQGb2ZUWlDtw/s1600/DP_Zaveloff-traditional-kitchen-countertops_s4x3_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582312737511596786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xrlEdaNLbrcAWDbp-JqLEV4QbIFna7-URL8fKzEQPx2V1sE1EFG444HKqh5B_xDvq43HvnFF_3kuQSYSGtfZe3MOYRpHfCQMH3otvfiUaLJpJXKajCTeraNsqcL9evnfAQGb2ZUWlDtw/s400/DP_Zaveloff-traditional-kitchen-countertops_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="display: block; height: 283px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 376px;" /></a> Simple white outlets on this white tile would have blended in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR-FmIBtPuIwSFCNebg23pUDFd1IEb9SZgP-djDLB-GFz9nk8OAsr1cyUZoVX5O8BIWF9jdgIUXhZF7T3gmFvgMl9PNO0hPMpoL0jOTjyIcZEj-NYbAfGtUwgpJfOluJpBWFC5SWUve18/s1600/212_convenience.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582311422924984434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR-FmIBtPuIwSFCNebg23pUDFd1IEb9SZgP-djDLB-GFz9nk8OAsr1cyUZoVX5O8BIWF9jdgIUXhZF7T3gmFvgMl9PNO0hPMpoL0jOTjyIcZEj-NYbAfGtUwgpJfOluJpBWFC5SWUve18/s400/212_convenience.jpg" style="display: block; height: 183px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 201px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.lutron.com/Residential-Commercial-Solutions/Residential-Solutions/ColorStyleFabrics/Pages/Color.aspx">Lutron </a>controls have a great color selection to choose from. They are somewhat more costly than standard outlets and switches, but you can really get a good match and a very sophisticated look for your backsplash. </div><br /><div>Some contractors and designers like to put a plug strip directly under the upper cabinets. While it can create a clean look, if you plug anything in, the cord is highly visible.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMKTzmwIOBmIvQgzZFwssB-KlZuzgu4cVNtD2RLrbiN3wUkRGOJqDEMky3o2olNDkasawIXrlpvIrLWwl61ipFp73sCxzB4uf193P91gYa-o7ySLdIwkRducmosbY25ZhMK-6Z1DmVsiD/s1600/DP_Helen-Richardson-Traditional-Kitchen-Countertops_s4x3_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582307422638277138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMKTzmwIOBmIvQgzZFwssB-KlZuzgu4cVNtD2RLrbiN3wUkRGOJqDEMky3o2olNDkasawIXrlpvIrLWwl61ipFp73sCxzB4uf193P91gYa-o7ySLdIwkRducmosbY25ZhMK-6Z1DmVsiD/s400/DP_Helen-Richardson-Traditional-Kitchen-Countertops_s4x3_lg.jpg" style="display: block; height: 279px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 306px;" /></a>If you are going to use your outlets a lot on that wall or leave items plugged in, the trailing cord can be more unsightly than the outlet. It's also a pain to bend down and look under the cabinet to see where the outlet is every time you want to plug something in.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh8yDtJfCTTHePmkH2jQj59tsK4UcCG-RKLTBEJxY8asZAro5MBiH6aUDDbH7OHZ7Uv5Y4YzTXsoSyEpRZO3ToCgqkwD1K-Oh_0gD1pgJ0aCCDemE7_nbkP8rSGaVrWPB5YrLE7KORYrB/s1600/Mcdougal+backsplash.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303917035530146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh8yDtJfCTTHePmkH2jQj59tsK4UcCG-RKLTBEJxY8asZAro5MBiH6aUDDbH7OHZ7Uv5Y4YzTXsoSyEpRZO3ToCgqkwD1K-Oh_0gD1pgJ0aCCDemE7_nbkP8rSGaVrWPB5YrLE7KORYrB/s400/Mcdougal+backsplash.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Here is a standard light almond color outlet on a neutral tumbled limestone splash. It blends in really well.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUOAA9Cafp4F0jMVx0Fz1y-6CWyPj0hGgOsVzA64I9bK3QHsQ0MsEhBkVkmC0ma0g4CCoa84e136FLcKHwYzNf9YZ0v2u3QbN15jHMJNO0_c0fwf3SWGd0iwXUHzQorbgdK-_Yh5rlnnl/s1600/copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303914671574322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUOAA9Cafp4F0jMVx0Fz1y-6CWyPj0hGgOsVzA64I9bK3QHsQ0MsEhBkVkmC0ma0g4CCoa84e136FLcKHwYzNf9YZ0v2u3QbN15jHMJNO0_c0fwf3SWGd0iwXUHzQorbgdK-_Yh5rlnnl/s400/copy.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 283px;" /></a> The outlet above is mounted horizontally and blends with the backsplash colors. This is a Lutron greige color and is as inconspicuous as possible.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwN2Jk6b6_-RGy-fignDivuZhDZFjDDMw-EfIJceAB73P2doVa5z-3oi0hqWXK_C6l0x1o_kfhRHNSuX16mSMVhafkM94G6gM7D5aropKHF-uWHGn3AN4tI1s4FYYCKG9w7B4RKAtQ-oGQ/s1600/Greenspan+backsplash.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303252557678930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwN2Jk6b6_-RGy-fignDivuZhDZFjDDMw-EfIJceAB73P2doVa5z-3oi0hqWXK_C6l0x1o_kfhRHNSuX16mSMVhafkM94G6gM7D5aropKHF-uWHGn3AN4tI1s4FYYCKG9w7B4RKAtQ-oGQ/s400/Greenspan+backsplash.jpg" style="display: block; height: 248px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The outlets here are mounted horizontally and fit within the size of the tile and just underneath the inset. The expensive handmade glass tile mosaic is uninterrupted. This takes careful planning when locating the outlets on the wall.<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcR8T82nbK60BVDz_I2onj18M7SB0XHPzSPdl5UTSZPwXHvMvaL4fmz7a4iCyS9jCqEeIYqRJHoZ4jtlyx3wjqCm5_IYwU9GHZYAAcgCqhbFz5LQEJjfxsQSYDiolbIYubVNLBtHosiK3F/s1600/a6bd82a59213.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582302729714577234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcR8T82nbK60BVDz_I2onj18M7SB0XHPzSPdl5UTSZPwXHvMvaL4fmz7a4iCyS9jCqEeIYqRJHoZ4jtlyx3wjqCm5_IYwU9GHZYAAcgCqhbFz5LQEJjfxsQSYDiolbIYubVNLBtHosiK3F/s400/a6bd82a59213.png" style="display: block; height: 309px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> A beautiful kitchen with unobtrusive outlets and switches. You notice the marble tile, not the white switch plates. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Careful planning and attention to detail are essential to making the most of your backsplash. You don't want to spend all that money on beautiful tile just to ruin it with an ill placed, contrasting outlet.</div><br /><div>For more info on backsplash design see this post.....<a href="http://designinthewoods.blogspot.com/2012/05/walls-of-tile.html">Walls of Tile</a></div><br />Check out my new blog, <a href="http://carlaaston.com/designed/" target="_blank">Designed w/Carla Aston</a>. See you there!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Backsplash Tips - Part 2, Dealing with Outlets and Switches

You can have the most beautiful, expensive tile with a fabulous pattern for your kitchen backsplash and ruin it with a few missteps. Not dea...

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Backsplash Tips - Part 1, Overall Color and Design

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T1b-e-xpky6E94RJHPGEbYDPPpIBGzoSmNGJJr7jXuafz8i3dsMMeuDtc5jwP_yucAHUvuoNBfrYqrpXoWxXLV0tOR-tzNZ9AGaUOsBhrQ6VcdbOrpaR8qVlJa-tWUO122fooCJrVe3T/s1600/_DSC1487.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579349066110141298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T1b-e-xpky6E94RJHPGEbYDPPpIBGzoSmNGJJr7jXuafz8i3dsMMeuDtc5jwP_yucAHUvuoNBfrYqrpXoWxXLV0tOR-tzNZ9AGaUOsBhrQ6VcdbOrpaR8qVlJa-tWUO122fooCJrVe3T/s400/_DSC1487.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br /><br />You've found your countertop and cabinets and now you're stuck. You can't decide what to do with the backsplash. Many people get hung up here. They tend to overthink it and make more of it than it really is. The reality is, most of the time a backsplash is covered up with kitchen items, small appliances, etc. The <em>stuff</em> on a counter left out most of the time is visually becoming part of the backsplash. The pattern that you carefully laid out is interrupted.<br /><br />Take a look at all the stuff out on your counter now. Chances are it will be there after you build/remodel. Most people don't want to acknowledge that but it's true. I like to keep things out on my counter. It just makes cooking more convenient. As long as it's good looking, a crock of utensils, a pretty tray of oils and vinegars, a bowl of fruit, I don't see anything wrong with that. Add in a busy backsplash though and things can start to look cluttered. Keeping a <strong>simple design</strong> can make a nice backdrop for objects you keep out on the counter.<br /><br />When you look at a kitchen wall, with lower cabinet, counter, backsplash, upper cabinet, then maybe wall space and crown moulding, there are lots of elements to consider. So many things on a wall in a different color or tone are busy looking and not visually strong. I usually like to blend the backsplash with either the counter or the cabinets or have it recede by matching the color tone to the wall color it's on. It needs to <strong>relate</strong> to something.<br /><br />Lastly, if everything in your space is toned down or all one color and you want your backsplash to be the <strong>stand alone element</strong> in the room, go for it. Get some bold pattern or color going, just make sure everything else is subdued and plays a supporting role.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LSW0iEG7u_ZuL0Av6UY_yM3CjVQpuyaNxvBDzhJjMTrR5WU0dO4cu5YcJX5Orp-kk5riIHgQ_h-QyIcKs152qQ9-jZVzjWsLe7QP2jgD__AgJfsnmXPrNkPPDfk8eDdl86uyfWkkwMTS/s1600/minimalist-small-kitchen-glass-tile-backsplash-21.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579347331230769730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LSW0iEG7u_ZuL0Av6UY_yM3CjVQpuyaNxvBDzhJjMTrR5WU0dO4cu5YcJX5Orp-kk5riIHgQ_h-QyIcKs152qQ9-jZVzjWsLe7QP2jgD__AgJfsnmXPrNkPPDfk8eDdl86uyfWkkwMTS/s400/minimalist-small-kitchen-glass-tile-backsplash-21.jpg" style="display: block; height: 283px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 376px;" /></a> This red tile doesn't relate to anything else in this space. It looks out of place and maybe like the homeowner added it at the end of the job.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vWPrrQbDyzed7osfzwaeSShYsmrTslxH-BAnfuX6-L-r6Zb0mpNrN5RtkOp1ZRGaA-bwSv2kYx6hfR1DoWXQ4R36TzKwUowQrRcdVrYsWbhr6OBfLdIgjKotygSqhk14H_l4DqZqkscI/s1600/2a6f3cde531d.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579347332349693874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vWPrrQbDyzed7osfzwaeSShYsmrTslxH-BAnfuX6-L-r6Zb0mpNrN5RtkOp1ZRGaA-bwSv2kYx6hfR1DoWXQ4R36TzKwUowQrRcdVrYsWbhr6OBfLdIgjKotygSqhk14H_l4DqZqkscI/s400/2a6f3cde531d.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><em>Decorpad</em></span></div><div></div><div align="center"><br /><br />I usually prefer simple backsplashes where subtle variation is the pattern.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGnV0Uj0prI0T6AOqnhlqK5U7cBpRNYbz15Qm-LNM9TrfyQ93_hLEN6J7ds6EOLzqTtbVwHrJY4fTlHD89LvwSgSZojynkzPN9X7ciMmUBqzY2JlMcyVt9LXVKwhxP2sUgLfdFi0fYuD-/s1600/6-southern-kitchen-dec0807_xlg-14566864.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579347326358255058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGnV0Uj0prI0T6AOqnhlqK5U7cBpRNYbz15Qm-LNM9TrfyQ93_hLEN6J7ds6EOLzqTtbVwHrJY4fTlHD89LvwSgSZojynkzPN9X7ciMmUBqzY2JlMcyVt9LXVKwhxP2sUgLfdFi0fYuD-/s400/6-southern-kitchen-dec0807_xlg-14566864.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 313px;" /></a><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><em> House Beautiful, John Oetgen</em></span></div><div align="center"><br />I love subway tile, especially here because it goes to the ceiling.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgIFTcyKAGuN-yvuY5F1TrbCCY6FDeROE1QaJzgLq3UEOgQDwD54tBFgWMRHbnvtdRXIL_vezNI7XrZcklY8q5100bbLAWExNz12bE0YFCPtcArB3bhWI9Hd1wV_WzKCQIYpJI_GNn4h0/s1600/white-kitchen-0106_xlg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346865068003762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgIFTcyKAGuN-yvuY5F1TrbCCY6FDeROE1QaJzgLq3UEOgQDwD54tBFgWMRHbnvtdRXIL_vezNI7XrZcklY8q5100bbLAWExNz12bE0YFCPtcArB3bhWI9Hd1wV_WzKCQIYpJI_GNn4h0/s400/white-kitchen-0106_xlg.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 313px;" /></a><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">House Beautiful, Michael Berman</span></em> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />I think this is such a strong kitchen design. Simple and straightforward, it's all about the integrity of materials. The backsplash and counter are both the same color....unifying color in different elements to make a stronger statement.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeLoQH8Eb-xnfCw63uy_YFvvZaYiNt814Rg5V9by-w1Ik3MTU0-kyHQS5ZTbTr0BP0zeCaWavsT7eCUbUL-rP5ZAP9d0gaefeAfrkvmKafnmVQJO02_ec4FDO8WAcGz-cJNjqMKFsOSse/s1600/5-blue-kitchen-0408-xlg+HB.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346865370000098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeLoQH8Eb-xnfCw63uy_YFvvZaYiNt814Rg5V9by-w1Ik3MTU0-kyHQS5ZTbTr0BP0zeCaWavsT7eCUbUL-rP5ZAP9d0gaefeAfrkvmKafnmVQJO02_ec4FDO8WAcGz-cJNjqMKFsOSse/s400/5-blue-kitchen-0408-xlg+HB.jpg" style="display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> House Beautiful, Frank Roop</span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />This project also blends the backsplash with the counter for a bolder statement and high contrast with the white cabinets. That dark turquoise is beautiful!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNXSGqy80GYV0IMopK-dyOGnvLvZu-NgQtwU_EizXZtCIa3E-SDPYrw-WlYt9MnHaf7HVoAXbsVJUf3sYS1qh_Zlelb6ri5XZOzn4u-J46PmdTr2dupNKBAjxQiAATyiSg8FRSpLMEB-/s1600/011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346865671018946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNXSGqy80GYV0IMopK-dyOGnvLvZu-NgQtwU_EizXZtCIa3E-SDPYrw-WlYt9MnHaf7HVoAXbsVJUf3sYS1qh_Zlelb6ri5XZOzn4u-J46PmdTr2dupNKBAjxQiAATyiSg8FRSpLMEB-/s400/011.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" /></a><br />This backsplash, counter, and hood of the same color and tone bring great contrast to the medium oak cabinets.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSdmgUsI4DvwzG3SsmZXDDNhziTPV9BkofoS8Bj0scw-itOi-eZhdHHG8OLcOypT7j0QoVM23Pd7M2K7KQDXjSTZqIjOn2qmsAEiyil0UEM88LQ0PmDsRGu1X-idOIR_Lq8a9O4Cii6uI/s1600/THome.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346187943395362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSdmgUsI4DvwzG3SsmZXDDNhziTPV9BkofoS8Bj0scw-itOi-eZhdHHG8OLcOypT7j0QoVM23Pd7M2K7KQDXjSTZqIjOn2qmsAEiyil0UEM88LQ0PmDsRGu1X-idOIR_Lq8a9O4Cii6uI/s400/THome.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 276px;" /></a> <em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">Traditional Home</span></em></div><div align="left">If you like pattern, try some mosaics all over the backsplash. They appear as a wonderful texture from a distance and still provide a solid appearance.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcXusVHEh7EryxZT19HlTIOKSssWf7VV9YKqHMe49wmVLROz60yHsHq8GTjl6poUKO9t-B5hU-N7EGg933vDh490OQtm62Gp6GiXM-7wpUuNTTCCLewr0tlxcPdxhxB965q8GepQYx_xb/s1600/Trad+Home.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346188019331298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcXusVHEh7EryxZT19HlTIOKSssWf7VV9YKqHMe49wmVLROz60yHsHq8GTjl6poUKO9t-B5hU-N7EGg933vDh490OQtm62Gp6GiXM-7wpUuNTTCCLewr0tlxcPdxhxB965q8GepQYx_xb/s400/Trad+Home.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> Traditional Home</span></em></div><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCaxYZlcwVU56p3_i5FC0t_bz0ZjrkB2eV2zA3cl3TK10CsRyJBUqGzZ_lciR8zuLclHT-1yI_jidIT4Rqr7Z7GQOQGb3YysELa0vRPBeshKve_ZS6zbJ0y0SV4xplrg7ShvZX6-Yt0mt/s1600/TH.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579346184922327730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCaxYZlcwVU56p3_i5FC0t_bz0ZjrkB2eV2zA3cl3TK10CsRyJBUqGzZ_lciR8zuLclHT-1yI_jidIT4Rqr7Z7GQOQGb3YysELa0vRPBeshKve_ZS6zbJ0y0SV4xplrg7ShvZX6-Yt0mt/s400/TH.jpg" style="display: block; height: 304px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">Traditional Home</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">This tile has such a small repetitive pattern that it reads as a mosaic. Beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh1uUWXxfcg7G-CbtE2qWVlVcvAwfUZoAl7HsY7fPq7VuKY6vtAyagHOlrD8SsorFvTi8H8OGMWD61SPjsUYn7CUbKQDcxCQiEOLqWzj-0y8FwAezoO7Dghpn17nrairfqh72IllVZmq6/s1600/3-easyandbold-0508-xlgHB.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579343877312794114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh1uUWXxfcg7G-CbtE2qWVlVcvAwfUZoAl7HsY7fPq7VuKY6vtAyagHOlrD8SsorFvTi8H8OGMWD61SPjsUYn7CUbKQDcxCQiEOLqWzj-0y8FwAezoO7Dghpn17nrairfqh72IllVZmq6/s400/3-easyandbold-0508-xlgHB.jpg" style="display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><em>House Beautiful, Jay Jeffers</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">The overall repetition in this pattern is showcased here. The same pattern is repeated in the chair backs.....great design! That pattern stands out even though it's subtle because everything else is a soft tone on tone scheme.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwBrKgvkkfR-ZxOjVAUiNQpkfi3ZmazlAXhPRx8RycgTDLRO5moJ_ZFtUE2VNFwfsH2OowqiROdTJmYlC3v9ZIwUlYFCKxxVXQNEeXQPMmhq-Vhd9bczl0e-gxtlrSEN1MQwgoqKgdQ9E/s1600/3_kitchen-decorating-ideas-ss26.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579342486765604546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwBrKgvkkfR-ZxOjVAUiNQpkfi3ZmazlAXhPRx8RycgTDLRO5moJ_ZFtUE2VNFwfsH2OowqiROdTJmYlC3v9ZIwUlYFCKxxVXQNEeXQPMmhq-Vhd9bczl0e-gxtlrSEN1MQwgoqKgdQ9E/s400/3_kitchen-decorating-ideas-ss26.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><em>Elle Decor</em></span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">This bold pattern is the showpiece here. Nothing tries to outshine it. Not that it could....love it.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n0w23w8CsdjTzYSCuATThEALGoWTft6HLTrAK3LK-AMR0XxmPM81KmgUPcAkYJE0myAxy5xBi7ymiS9caGp06sRm8mjCT-c4cVoRVEyMy-HEGE5HYf_OQIp4RVDLnlJSMX3v-ga4J5J_/s1600/hbx-watson-fireisland-0310-de-28162212.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579342486325650178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n0w23w8CsdjTzYSCuATThEALGoWTft6HLTrAK3LK-AMR0XxmPM81KmgUPcAkYJE0myAxy5xBi7ymiS9caGp06sRm8mjCT-c4cVoRVEyMy-HEGE5HYf_OQIp4RVDLnlJSMX3v-ga4J5J_/s400/hbx-watson-fireisland-0310-de-28162212.jpg" style="display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> House Beautiful, Marshall Watson</span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />I love this blue glass tile. Everything else in this kitchen is toned down and allows the blue tile to become the star! It's like the ocean has come into the house.</div><div align="left"><br />To recap......<strong>KEEP IT SIMPLE</strong> if you have a lot of items you keep out on your counters, <strong>RELATE</strong> the backsplash to something else to create a stronger look (i.e. same color as an adjacent element), or <strong>MAKE A STATEMENT</strong> with some stand out tile and nothing else around for it to compete with.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />To read another post about backsplash design...go<a href="http://designinthewoods.blogspot.com/2012/05/walls-of-tile.html"> HERE.</a><br /><br />I've Moved! Visit my new blog at <a href="http://carlaaston.com/designed/" target="_blank">Designed w/Carla Aston</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>

Backsplash Tips - Part 1, Overall Color and Design

You've found your countertop and cabinets and now you're stuck. You can't decide what to do with the backsplash. Many people get...

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Jazzing Up a Kitchen Backsplash

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FDYXs6OxhzaTmCIwiE4YGYQSduEaq_toeG-nYk1gvcuT-fx5iBOfXgUETujUmnC3wxNxgwS-vCtfQ8hkUij3-Zl3cIcMsqOGKt7JlJCp6jFZwe9v75hN-v76YyoIC7gG_RQqV96EziF7/s1600/Before.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509873703214227362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FDYXs6OxhzaTmCIwiE4YGYQSduEaq_toeG-nYk1gvcuT-fx5iBOfXgUETujUmnC3wxNxgwS-vCtfQ8hkUij3-Zl3cIcMsqOGKt7JlJCp6jFZwe9v75hN-v76YyoIC7gG_RQqV96EziF7/s400/Before.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Boring backsplash, right? Would that beige tile make you want to cook at that cooktop? I don't think I'd want to spend much time there. <br /><br />The homeowner loved glass tile and wanted to reuse the existing countertops, white cabinets, etc. with a minimal update in the kitchen.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1keWV9SZTsl53WLwHZfGPGAoA4fSMoJhVd6O15PGUhz3YapkD5cZ-Qxcd3dEMzjHcyF6yxge6JkIhUkGOQyzzLdglR63tZp9DyZJqogwYy93CmsozZyKBdkuM2gZ7h_SXD6gwXn_T66X/s1600/After.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509873692402877522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1keWV9SZTsl53WLwHZfGPGAoA4fSMoJhVd6O15PGUhz3YapkD5cZ-Qxcd3dEMzjHcyF6yxge6JkIhUkGOQyzzLdglR63tZp9DyZJqogwYy93CmsozZyKBdkuM2gZ7h_SXD6gwXn_T66X/s400/After.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div align="center">Jazzed!</div><div></div><div>Beautiful, handmade glass tiles are expensive, so I didn't go all the way up the side walls. I used a larger solid green glass tile at the base all around the cooktop to protect the walls and make it easy to clean. I bordered that with the same glass listelle to end that tile and then did the mosaic above on the back wall only as a feature. The dark green at the base marries the granite and tile together visually and sets off the mosaic. It really added some life to this kitchen and made it an inspiring place to cook.</div><div></div><div>Tile from Walker Zanger, <a href="http://www.walkerzanger.com/">http://www.walkerzanger.com/</a></div><div></div>

Jazzing Up a Kitchen Backsplash

Boring backsplash, right? Would that beige tile make you want to cook at that cooktop? I don't think I'd want to spend much time th...

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