We are pay-as-you go updaters. We did hardware, granite, sink & faucet. Paint is my backsplash for now. Actually I don't even know when I might get around to a backsplash because the next change will be my floor and then the ceiling. I can change out the paint color easily!

In our remodel, we decided that since we never had hardware or a backsplash that we would this time. So it really is preference. Its like getting all dressed up for a party and not putting on any jewelry. You look nice but you lack pizazz!

I think a backsplash does add a finishing touch, but if you have the 4" up the wall, then practicality wise, you do not need one. I have seen several lovely kitchens with painted or bead board or also the tin/copper/molding which is relatively cheap and not complicated at all.
I did not get the 4" backsplash so I do need a backsplash. I just got the granite installed, and put up something temporary (very temporary- a wood board) right around the sink. I have looked a bit but now I kind of think I am going to go for a more simple tile. I too am worn out from the decisions and we did a minor remodel. And to answer your question again, in my opinion, no you do not need a backsplash.

Thanks, everyone!

Neesie - your set up is very similar to mine. Are your outlet covers ivory colored? I am thinking that might look better than white, like I previously planned. It actually picks up the ivory tones in your countertop.

We haven't has a backsplash for the 8 years since we moved in. (POs had done the kitchen but never got around to it, and neither have we!) I did finally get a stainless backsplash from Pottery Barn for behind the cootktop, and I am very glad to have that as it was getting gross with the grease, and makes the area more of a focal point. Otherwise I have not missed it that much (we also have the 4 inch backsplash). In our remodel, if it ever happens :), I am going to have beadboard, and possibly tile behind the cooktop (not stainless anymore because we will have a copper hood). I think beaboard might be nice if it's your style and would tie in with the white appliances. It is also easily painted or switched out if you do decide you want tile. It seems like it would be more durable too.

I agree that I just don't have the energy to decide on the "perfect" backsplash. I think I'm scared off too because tile seems so permanent. I see people agonizing here and while I think they end up with some beautiful things, I also often think that their backsplash is the first thing that is going to look dated.

Trailrunner has a beautiful kitchen with no backsplash, and she has posted before that she doesn't miss it. I know she used Ben Moore paint on it but I'm not sure of the finish...Trailrunner?

Holly - beadboard is an interesting idea... But, when it reaches the top of the 4 inch backsplash, doesn't the beading create small gaps for water/debris to get stuck in?

Gardenwebber: I'm with you! We finished our remodel last August and I was out of energy, time, and money. We have silicone caulk between granite and painted wall w/o any backsplash. I've been very careful to wipe up water behind sink/faucet and any other wet places. After 9 months, it looks as good as last August.

I found a 20 inch metal, square art piece for about $20 at TJ Maxx that is mounted behind stove for a focal point. It looks quite nice.

I'm not missing the tile backsplash which some day I'd like. Meanwhile, I check out this site for dreaming ideas. So far, the energy, motivation and $ haven't come together for action. I'm thinking that might be a year or more down the road. It is fun to dream about possibilities.

So I am really thinking about this beadboard idea...

Would white beadboard look ok with Butterum Granite Formica with a 4 inch backsplash?

Or, should I just leave it be and paint the wall green? I'm just wondering if this could pull the white appliances together better (the white beadboard backsplash) and it seems like an easy enough thing to add.

Also, do you do the beadboard after the cabinets and counter are installed?

No you don't necessarily need a backsplash. If you are a visual person like I am I wouldn't waste any time "visualizing" what backsplash would work! The time I wasted looking at tile on the internet and in stores, while fun, could have been better spent. We are total DIYer's and have just finished pouring polishing and sealing 3 of 8, 2 1/2" thick concrete countertop slabs. The island alone weighs 750lbs. They are stunning, if I can say so myself and as reflective as glass. I have struggled with what backsplash would be just right but when we placed the slabs I took a great breath as I realized that for our kitchen, the right backsplash is none. Anything other than a uniform surface would detract from the counters. So we will either add a 4" perimeter of concrete or go with sheet glass with stainless bolts. We are fortunate in that our cooktop is on the island and our sink below a window so grease etc is not a worry but I have read on this forum that with the right paint it shouldn't be much of an issue.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0509294013046.html

I had the same/similar question inregards to beadboard backsplashes. I am not sure how to link to my previous post (waynescoating/beadboard backsplash) but the above might work, and there are some nice pictures in there too! We are still deciding on what to do...

So I guess what I'm saying is wait until everything is put together. I think you will have an AHA moment at that point and will know what is right for your kitchen!

Thanks again everyone... After a few mood swings here in the last hour, I am pretty sure I am going to stick with my original idea of not having a backsplash. I think that even beadboard would be too much texture or something - too much business. Between the granite pattern and the glaze on the cabinets, I think thats plenty of "interest".

I am more concerned about pulling my white appliances together in the design, so I guess a more appropriate question at this point is:

What color do I paint my backsplash area?

Should I paint it green along with the walls? Or, should I paint it a different color than the walls - perhaps something that is in my Butterum Granite Formica tops? A gold, or a brown?

I may have to do what you said, Biner, and just wait till its all put together, then choose a paint color for the backsplash area then.

Wait! Honestly it'll save a ton of time and will be so much easier.

No, you don't need an additional backsplash.

You already have the 4". For behind the stove, I would paint an extra coat or two of your wall paint ahead of time, the longer it cures the better. And you could do that behind the sink and any area you anticipate splatters, like where you use your mixmaster, blender, etc.

I have white appliances, and I think having the four ties things in enough, but the beauty of no tile BS, is you can hang things on the wall- use decorative tiles/placques/plates what have you, have some fun!

If you are planning possible replacement of the formica, I would definitely avoid the hassle of tiling now. That would be a mess to redo!

IMO - no. We didn't use one in our new kitchen, and so far so good.

I had the same feeling as you - I would spend hours obsessing over tile and pick one and 2 years later be sick of it and not be able to afford to change it. I think I'm just not a tile peron...and its okay

{{!gwi}}

No, you don't need anything more than your 4 inches of granite. We have a 4 inch granite backsplash and then paint the same color as our walls. What bugged me was the ivory switch/outlet covers. To me they looked like they were not integrated and stuck out like a sore thumb. So, I roughed them up with 100 or 150 grit sandpaper, primed and painted them the same color as the walls (not the switches, just the covers). Now, they blend in and two years later the paint is holding up fine. Paint is our friend!

I don't have one in my new house yet and I'm not planning on one soon. Did the granite, etc. Too much stress and money right now.

I would, however, paint in the same color as your wall. Baby Turtle is a great color and you wouldn't want anything messing with it, IMO.

Gardenwebber, you asked about my light switches. I'm embarrassed to admit they are the same plastic ivory ones that have been in the house for e-ons. BFWIW, I think they do go better with the granite than white would. Lightbulb moment! They also match my biscuit sink!

I wouldn't do the backsplash until you're ready to. We had no backsplash in our last house (just the lip from the laminate counters). We had a matte sage green that held up well to my messy, splattery cooking. I even had one of my dogs knock a bowl of garlic infused olive oil on to the side/backsplash once and it came right out. There were some areas that got a little nasty, and the nice thing was that when we decided to move, we just touched up the paint here and there in the areas that were a little dingy. Made it easy!

Gardenwebber, I feel for you. Personally, I love painted walls and have never had a backsplash. In fact, before starting to read in this forum in the last year or so, I didn't know they existed, really. In my kitchen makeover, I'm so tickled to actually HAVE some wall (took out some claustrophobic cabs that didn't have much wall exposed) that I'm going with paint again. My experience has been that at least a satin or a semi gloss makes it much much easier to keep clean than a flat paint will.

I think you should paint the backsplash area the color of your walls and then add some white touches...canisters, vase with flowers, hang framed art, photos, a pretty tray on the wall to help integrate your appliance color if you like.

My Mom just redid her kitchen with no backsplash and it looks great. She has the 4" of granite though.

In my last two houses, I had tile backsplashes and it drove me nuts trying to keep the grout clean. In my next kitchen I am going to put up paint. Can anyone here speak to ceramic paint? Is it more scrubbable than regular paint? Gardenwebber, if ceramic paint is indeed scrubbable, perhaps that would be your answer.

I would definitely like no backsplash--just paint, but didn't think you could do that over built-in cooking burners (no back)...Is paint really scrubbable enough..? I'd also like more info on types of paint...Does it have to be shiny? Then it wouldn't be the same as the wall above it...

If you might be upgrading your countertop eventually, then I wouldn't bother with anything more than the 4". If you went through the trouble and expense of putting in a backsplash now, you might not like it with a different countertop. And even if you did get something that would go well with your backsplash, you might not want the 4" in the new countertop material, so then you'd be stuck with 4" of space to be filled.

Until we did our remodel last year, I'd never had a home with anything more than a 4" backsplash and I'd never had a problem with any of them.

The only "backsplash" I have is over the cook-top area...but I like the look of the color between the counter and cabiners.

Trailrunner- that green is so gorgeous with the white and the stunning glass!!! And take it from me, I am so NOT a green person but you got me thinking I should paint my kitchen that shade of green.
Really really attractive!!!

I'm a believer that you don't HAVE to do anything. Particularly something reversible like not having a backsplash.

The only problems I have seen are kind of gross areas around stoves where people have cooked a lot of bacon that has spattered and soaked into the matte paint. But it's definitely worth a try.

The other thing you can do in an area that needs protection is lean or clip a picture, decorative tray cutting board, tile or even a slab of stone (the safest option around a stove) to keep water or food splashes, or heat, away from the wall. Obviously, think safety.

I also believe, if this makes a difference to anyone, that they make tile that looks like beadboard. Anyone know the manufacturer?

Trailrunner: I have been looking high and low for a pendant like your yellow one, with the thin twisted cord. Where did you get it? Or did you have to assemble it? Is it glass or ceramic? I'd love to know.

I have soapstone countertops with 3" soapstone tile against the walls. My fabricator customized a small shelf to fit around the back of my slide in range to continue the look and prevent things from falling behind the stove. Other than that, I haven't done anything for a backsplash.

My kitchen is open to the living and dining areas, so I didn't want anything that would require me to match decor in those rooms to the backsplash. I have considered both beadboard and white subway tiles, but don't feel the need to act on it right away.

I've cooked in the kitchen for nearly half a year and have had no issues keeping the painted surface under the cabs clean. So, in answer to your question, I don't think you NEED a backsplash.

I love the simplicity of Trailrunner's backsplash treatment. A true illustration that sometimes less really is more.

I only have a full-hieght backsplash directly behind my range. The rest of the kitchen just has the 4" soapstone backsplash around the perimeter. I'm not the neatest cook, but the only place that I've ever had splatter issues is behind the range. I painted the rest of the wall area above the lower cabinets.

{{!gwi}}

p.s. I have baby turtle in my dining room. LOVE that color!

arlosmom i love your walls with the white cupboards and soapstone - how clean and neat

Just my two cents hubby and I have renovated 4 homes. The worst redoes were the homes with a backsplash. Those homes always looked the most outdated. I think counters and backslashes are usually the first things to run out of style in a kitchen. Much easier to tear out a counter then a wall with tile or laminate that someone put up with liquid nail. That being said, we are getting new granite counters and I did consider a tile backsplash. There are so many lovely choices now. We opted to just go with the 4 in. that matches the counters. Sometimes people paint the area between the counter and cabinets a contrasting color. That looks nice. I am grateful that the previous owners never put in a backsplash. It would have upped our costs on the counter replacement. The homes in my area were built in the 90's when pickled oak cabinets and mauve was the rage. My neighbor has a mauve backsplash. They just replaced the counters and decided to leave the mauve tile backsplash due to the work involved in removing it. Anyway, I think you are good without it.

Backsplashes often make a finished kitchen look too busy, and if you're installing an expensive granite or quartz countertop, the backsplash will steal the focus away from it, and no glass or ceramic tile can hold a candle to the elegance and beauty of your countertops.

As far as the cooking mess, I use splatter screens and cook my bacon in a countertop grill rather than stove top frying pan, so I rarely get anything on my backsplash area. By having my painters use the "eggshell" finish rather than the flat, everything wipes up in an instant.

NEVER do anything in your kitchen just because you think everyone else is doing it or because a professional says,"it's a must!"

At some point, when the latest thing is kitchen robots, gem studded ceilings, and cabinet door pulls that glow in the dark, I won't be jumping on the bandwagon then either.

*sigh* This person no longer needs help. Please do not post on these old threads. If you have a question that is not already answered elsewhere, start your own thread. If you're just posting to post, please find a more recent thread to do so.

By posting to such an old thread (started in 2008), you've knocked someone off the first page who needs help today - not 7 years ago. (Yes, even WhisperingWIllow should not have posted three years ago, but at least his/her post did not bump someone off the first page b/c pre-Houzz these random posts on old threads did not bump the thread back to the first page. I wish we had that functionality back!!!!)

I strongly disagree. Such discussions are not solely for the original poster. This is a timeless topic and many have this very question. I myself frequently search specific topics and have learned a great deal from past threads. As for knocking someone off the first page...do people really only read the first page? Is it that difficult to click on NEXT?