Backsplash-the "Blush" of the Kitchen

When you are in a hurry to get out the door you may just go for a little lipstick and a quick coat of mascara, right?  But if you really want to look your best, the final touch may be a light dusting of blush on your cheeks.  It makes all the other makeup come together and look that much better.  Well, that's how I feel about a kitchen backsplash.  Some people don't feel it's really a necessity but I feel as if it sets off your cabinets and countertops so they look their best.  Finished down to the last detail. 

I didn't get to pick my cabinets and countertops in this house although it was new when we bought it.  The original buyer backed out at the last minute and we stepped in and inherited his design choices-some good, some not so good.  I came from a house with cream painted cabinets and a light gray patterned countertop and I would have been happy to have that combination again.  Instead I wound up with cherry cabinets and black granite.  A little dark for my taste but still very nice.

  If anyone tells you that when you buy a new house, you just move in and enjoy, I have news for you!  There is still a lot of things to do.  We have been busy for the past year and a half with one project after another to make this house a home.  We finally got around to the kitchen backsplash last month.  My first inclination was to go with slate.  I don't like to pick anything trendy for a house we plan on being in for a long time.  The room is already dark so slate wouldn't work.  I like the look of glass tiles (trendy) but thought they might look too busy.  Most of the ceramic tile was just okay.  No wow factor.  Then I found travertine tiles at Home Depot and knew it would work.  I love the way each tile is different and they feel soooo good (really!).

 Here is a before picture when we first looked at the house.

Please disregard my purse and soda cup!

And now for the after...

I picked out these specialty tiles to add some interest.

Each tile is different, some have more shine than others.

I had the tile guy lay the tiles like subway tile for a timeless look. You don't need to use bullnose tiles on the edges because these have an attractive natural edge to them.

A few more shots!

I'm pretty tall so I really like the 42" cabinets.  I have tons of storage.

If you want to know more about using travertine tile for a backsplash just look HERE.

Beside the fact that I love how it turned out, it was very inexpensive.  The tile was bought at Hone Depot and installed by a retired tile guy who golfs with my husband.

  It may not be the "latest" thing in kitchen design but I don't think it will look dated in 5 years either.  Let me leave you with one last tip about kitchen surfaces.  I don't know if it applies to all black granite countertops but ours is a nightmare to keep looking good.  It shows every water ring and it takes a lot of elbow grease to polish it.  Don't get me wrong, I love granite.  It looks high end and I love being able to put hot pots down on it but not all the maintenance!  So is my kitchen done?  Of course not, where is my under cabinet lighting?  Next project!

I will be joining the following parties...

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Wow us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Be sure to visit my sister at Creating Wonderful Spaces to learn how to make your own painted wineglasses!