When the kitchen remodeling budget is tight: 10 ideas for finessing the backsplash issue.
1. Glass
![an artist\2\17;s studio kitchen is full of creative and inexpensive remo 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/jochen-holz-studio-kitchen-counter-kim-lightbody-733x916.jpg)
2. Chalkboard Paint
![designer c.s. valentin\2\17;s apartment features a kitchen backsplash fa 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cs-valentin-cobble-hill-brooklyn-jonathan-hokklo-4-733x489.jpg)
3. Painted Plywood
![norwegian blogger nina holst of stylizmo created a backsplash using birch plywo 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Nina-Holst-Stylizimo-kitchen-DIY-black-backsplash-Remodelista-3-1.png)
4. Selective Tiling
![a trend we\2\17;re seeing everywhere lately: instead of tiling the entir 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1934-mare-street-project-abel-sloane-ruby-woodhouse-4-733x1100.jpg)
5. Marble Scrap
![in fabr studio’s office kitchen, a slab of marble, left over from a kitc 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fabr-studio-brooklyn-studio-kitchen-sink-crop-733x535.jpg)
6. Metal Sheet
![at riverside house: a normandy guesthouse from an upstart american restaur 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/riverside-house-normandy-jordan-feilders-10-768x1024-1-733x977.jpg)
![and brass sheet as backsplash, as seen in the catskills farmhouse of two brookl 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lisa-przystup-rip-tan-april-valencia-kitchen-733x489.jpg)
7. Stick-Up Tiles
![smart tile backsplash](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/smart-tile-backsplash-733x489.jpg)
8. Colorblocking
![Remodeling Wisdom 10 Budget Backsplash Hacks portrait 7](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/British-Standard-North London-Kitchen-Remodelista-05-733x494.jpg)
![another example of paint as backsplash, from a kitchen for the people, courtesy 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/british-standard-ideal-kitchen-prince-charles-5-733x510.jpg)
9. Beadboard
![abbey hendrickson of aesthetic outburst installed a diy beadboard backspla 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Abbey-Hendrickson-of-Aesthetic-Outburst-DIY-beadboard-backsplash-Remodelista-733x986.jpg)
10. Waterproof Wallpaper
![kitchen walls, a company out of the netherlands, has developed a hea 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kitchen-walls-backsplash-wallpaper-11-733x733.jpg)
N.B. This post is a favorite from our archives; the original story ran on June 27, 2019 and has been updated with new ideas and images.
For more budget remodeling ideas, see:
- Kitchen of the Week: Seattle Cookbook Author Aran Goyoaga’s Under-Budget Kitchen Remodel
- Sink Skirt Revival: 16 Fresh Examples of a New Old Trend
- Expert Advice: 23 Genius, Reversible, Budget-Friendly Hacks to Transform a Rental Apartment
Frequently asked questions
What are backsplash hacks for an urban edition?
Backsplash hacks for an urban edition refer to creative and practical ideas for enhancing the backsplash in urban kitchens or urban-inspired spaces. These hacks are aimed at adding style, functionality, and personality to the backsplash area. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to urban backsplash hacks.
How can I make my urban backsplash stand out?
You can make your urban backsplash stand out by incorporating the following ideas:
Unique materials: Consider using unconventional materials like reclaimed wood, metal tiles, or patterned cement tiles to add an urban-industrial vibe.
Bold colors: Opt for vibrant or contrasting colors to create a focal point and add a touch of urban flair.
Graphic patterns: Choose backsplash tiles with bold graphic patterns or geometric designs for a modern and urban look.
Artistic touches: Incorporate artwork, murals, or custom-designed tiles to make your backsplash a unique and visually appealing feature.
How can I add functionality to my urban backsplash?
You can add functionality to your urban backsplash in several ways:
Open shelving: Install open shelves on the backsplash to provide additional storage for commonly used items or display decorative accessories.
Magnetic panels: Use magnetic panels on the backsplash to attach knives, utensils, or metal spice containers for easy access and organization.
Hanging hooks: Install hooks or racks on the backsplash to hang kitchen tools, pots, or mugs, maximizing vertical space and keeping items within reach.
Built-in storage: Consider integrating recessed niches or cubbies into the backsplash design to store spices, oils, or cooking essentials.
How can I create an urban-industrial look with my backsplash?
To create an urban-industrial look with your backsplash, you can try the following:
Exposed brick: Expose and showcase the brickwork behind your walls to add a raw and urban feel to the kitchen.
Subway tiles: Install subway tiles in a herringbone pattern or use darker grout to give a nod to the classic urban subway stations.
Concrete finishes: Consider using concrete tiles or a concrete-like finish on the backsplash for an industrial and urban appeal.
Metal accents: Incorporate metal accents like stainless steel, copper, or brushed brass tiles or sheets to add a touch of urban sophistication.
Are there budget-friendly options for an urban backsplash?
Yes, there are budget-friendly options for creating an urban backsplash. Some ideas include:
Painted backsplash: Use paint to create a faux backsplash in a solid color or experiment with stencils or geometric patterns for an urban-inspired look.
Vinyl decals: Apply removable vinyl decals or stickers in a variety of designs to achieve an urban aesthetic without the commitment or expense of permanent materials.
Reclaimed materials: Utilize salvaged or repurposed materials such as reclaimed wood, old tin ceiling tiles, or salvaged bricks for an affordable and eco-friendly backsplash.
How can I personalize my urban backsplash?
Personalizing your urban backsplash can be achieved through the following methods:
Custom artwork or murals: Commission an artist or create your own artwork or mural to be installed as a backsplash, adding a personal and artistic touch.
Photographic tiles: Use custom-printed ceramic or glass tiles featuring personal photographs or images that reflect your urban lifestyle.
Display collections: Showcase your collection of vintage plates, antique tiles, or unique ceramic pieces as a backsplash focal point, reflecting your personal style and interests.
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