beadboard, glass, metal ceiling tiles.

(i think wallpaper would like very strange)

Thanks edlakin. I am looking for something that I can do by myself. I will post some pics tonight and maybe get more ideas from you all.
thanks again.

Vinyl coated wallpaper holds up very nicely as a backsplash. (I used to have one.) It's a great interim solution, is inexpensive and easy to change when you get tired of it or find exactly The Backsplash you want.

We purchased some inexpensive (4x6 inch?) identical frames from IKEA and hung photos in the area between the 4 inch backsplash and the upper cupboards. You could do anything that fit with your decor.

Our kitchen (which we are in the midst of renovating) had white cupboards with strong blue walls and stainless accents, so for us, we chose plain silverleaf wooden frames to display some arty black & white photos we took on a special vacation in Italy. We hung 6 of them in a row about an inch and a half apart, the middle 4 vertical and the ones on each end horizontal.

It's a nice way to personalize the space and is easy to change (without having to dispose of it) if you ever decide to put something different in its place.

Cheers!
sb

A ceramic tile backsplash is as elementary a tile installation as it gets. In addition, working on it won't preclude you from using the kitchen, so you can take as long as you need.

Additionally, you have me here, as well as dozens of other pros over at johnbridge.com ready and willing to help and answer any quesitons you might have as you do the installation.

These look like fun:

Here is a link that might be useful: Recycled aluminum tiles

Thanks, here are a few pics of my new kitchen, they came out pretty grainy not sure why...
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

The wall between the counters and cabinets on either side of the sink is what I am looking to cover with something nice and easy. Thanks for any suggestions.

check these out; nail or glue directly onto drywall. not expensive.

Here is a link that might be useful: tin backsplash panels

That looks awesome, thanks so much!
Have you used these? Just wondering if this is something that can be DIY. How about cutouts for the switchplates?
I will watch the videos and read about it on the website, but I will truly appreciate any firsthand info.
thanks again!

I agree that tin tiles is a fun idea. I personally love the look of glass mosaic and think your kitchen would provide a great palette for that. They come in 12x12 sheets and really shouldn't be too dreadful to install; especially with all the great support and info on this forum. I've seen Bill help a number of people and he's always been very specific and DIY user friendly. I've also checked out the John Bridge site and they seem very helpful over there. When I finally get to that exciting point (someday in this lifetime I hope!) I definitely plan to use them
I would love to see a couple of different options in there but it was so hard to pick from the susan jablon site that I figured I should send you the site and let you play around.

Here is a link that might be useful: endless tile options.

Have you used these?

i have them on my ceiling.

Just wondering if this is something that can be DIY. How about cutouts for the switchplates?

i didn't DIY, but i don't think they're hard to deal with at all. my contractors used tin snips for the minimal cutouts (we had a few round ones for can lights and such--straight cuts for outlets should be easier). we applied furring strips to the existing drywall to provide additional support, but for a smaller wall application, i don't think that'd be necessary.

good luck!

Not to highjack, but how wide and what brand is your hood? I need a 42" wall hood and want a style similar to the one you used. Imposible to find!!

Its an electrolux 30" hood. Electrolux hoods come in 30 and 36 inches. You should check out www.euro-kitchen.com, they have some stylish ones in 42". good luck!

thanks to everyone for the suggestions. My options so far are :
1. Tin tiles
2. Glass mosaic tiles
3. Vinyl coated wallpaper

The height that needs to be covered is 14 inches and all the backsplash tiles seem to be designed for 18" height.
Tin tiles seem easy to install, I have to read up about installing glass mosaic tiles, those look really cool. Vinyl coated textured wallpaper border seems like a good temporary solution too.
thanks so much, am still not decided, will read up more about all the options.

sam b, my husband absolutely loved your idea of picture frames for backsplash, he says that is the most original, so we might opt for that, atleast for now!
thanks so much, please share some pics if you can.