Get Graphic

• If the idea of a traditional tile backsplash bores you, try a less conventional approach to decorating your backsplash by using postcards, small posters or other graphic paper to decorate. Print out graphics on high quality paper, glue them to plexiglass cut to size, and mount them on your backsplash in a pattern of your choosing. Use anything from vintage postcards to favorite photographs to create a colorful accent for your kitchen backsplash.
  
  

Chalk It Up

• To keep the creativity rolling long after you've finished your do-it-yourself backsplash, paint the backsplash with chalkboard paint. Once the paint is dry, draw your own temporary decor or encourage your guests to do the same. The resulting look is playful but also very useful. In addition to making chalk illustrations, you can temporary write recipes on the chalkboard paint backsplash for quick reference or leave notes and messages for the rest of your family.
  
  

Perky Paint

• Painting the backsplash is one of the easiest ways to change up the look of your backsplash on your own. Pick a bold color that complements the rest of your kitchen and paint a few coast. You can even paint tile, but use a base coat and a protective finish for those pesky food splatters. Or paint a stenciled design for a more graphic look, or even paint an entire mural if you're artistic enough.
  
  

Fantastic Finishes

• Flat paint can be attractive, but it doesn't always suit the look of every kitchen. Create your own painted finish on the kitchen backsplash for a more specific look. Use antiquing mediums to give your backsplash an aged look, or try sponge painting for a textured look. For a blend of several colors, try creating a marbled finish with a sponge and paintbrushes. These finishes usually require several coats and careful technique, so they tend to take much longer to complete than a simple solid paint job.