I saw a picture in a kitchen magazine - as I recall, the family lived by the lake & liked to fish. I think the backsplash was river rocks with several glass fish. It looked really cool. I think it was over a "special feature" area like the range or something, not the entire backsplash, which might be a little much depending on how large an area you are talking about.

fwiw, at one point in my planning for backsplash, I'd begun to collect red stones--jaspar, granite, agates, and such--which are found in pebble mixes here in Upper Midwest. Did I actually plan to put them up in backsplash? Well, ya, but the idea passed, primarily because another equally manic and wonderful idea took its place. But I loved the idea for a few weeks.

Now that you bring the memory back, I still like the red stones idea. What color are your stones? [take that any way you like]

I can't for the life of me remember who, but I think someone on this forum DID use pebbles/rocks. Maybe someone with a better memory can recall or googling it will turn up a thread and pics?

Hmm...tried to find it. Can't find the pics I remember, but I did find this thread that might be helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: diy pebble backsplash

It's amylucy. Here's the link

Here is a link that might be useful: Amylucy's pebble backsplash thread

I love amylucy's. I think it gives a very zen-like quality, too.

Two comments. One, I would do it sparingly- ie in one area. Two, I would not use my own rocks. There is probably a lot more to sorting and stacking then youd think. Plus, there are many variants of this available so I would find a commercial product.

Have fun!

The skipping stones are the same shade of blue/green that is in the Wilsonart HDlaminate that I chose, Crystalline Onyx.
I thought of doing a pebble mosaic like the one Breezygirl did for her garden but I just don't have the artistic talent.
The stacked pebbles are GORGEOUS!! Wonder how many I would have to collect? Now, to show DH the picture of the stacked ones and hope he doesn't shut me down!

Go for it. Be weird. It's only a room.

I'm thinking about a leather backsplash. A little S&M with the S&P.

In fact, I'm wondering if a backsplash has to be permanent. Why can't it be a panel held to the wall under the upper cabinets by - strong magnets? A picture hanger rail? A discreet bolt at each corner?

You could change backsplashes as other people change hairstyles. One year, river pebbles. The next, mirror glass. When the Ladies Who Lunch visit, white subways. A Santa backsplash for the holidays.

I am the same way. I fought stainless appliances but had to cave there.. I'm also not doing granite or centering my sink. My MIL just can't believe I'm not wrapping upper cabinets around my room, and just cannot understand why I have so many drawers below. She's worried I won't have enough storage.

I think pebbles would be really cool, I just wonder how hard it would be to clean them? I'm a super messy cook though, so maybe it wouldn't be an issue for you.

"In fact, I'm wondering if a backsplash has to be permanent. Why can't it be a panel held to the wall under the upper cabinets by - strong magnets? A picture hanger rail? A discreet bolt at each corner? "

no problem with that. exactly what I plan for behind the stove. if i have a stove -

Kellie, would you put your rocks from counter to uppers or just in a smaller strip at counter level?

BTW, now I know what color your counters are!!!

AAAGHH!! Kitchen hints to Breezygirl! Me and my big mouth.

I did a Google search for pebble tile and there are so many options out there. I even started toying with the idea of mixing tile with pebble borders.

mtnrdredux - I took your advice and have started researching the commercial products.

Breezy- did ya notice how much I like your pebble mosaic? it can live at my house anytime!

johnliu - I like how you think!

joyjoyjoy-messy cook myself. i think the thing that would save me is that none are going behind the stove.
I am on the fence between running from counter to uppers or just using a pebble border at counter height and hanging decorative accents below the cupboards. Hey, we still have a bedroom a laundry room and two bathrooms to finish before the kitchen walls get torn down.

Being a DIY couple is an interesting challenge sometimes. Oh, well. After 33 1/2 years and several houses later, I think the marriage will survive.

I think it's a terrific idea, especially if it comes from within your own sphere, as it were. Sounds like you might live along a pebbly riverbank or something. I love the idea of incorporating your outdoors surroundings into your indoors ones.

That said, I think the point is well-taken that this is probably a Herculean effort. Sounds like you're probably up to it for one reason or another, but maybe ... maybe try planning it for just a small section at first so you can see just how hard it's going to be overall? It's possible you'll want to bail and if you build the possibility in you may be better off.

I really like the idea.

Sorry -- posted too soon: I was going to add - what's the point of going to all this trouble if it's not to be different in your own special way?

as an aside - think about sing the pebbles as door knobs. I almost did but the rest of the style wouldn't work. i thought about it when i saw these

Here is a link that might be useful: idea of rock hardware