Creative Backsplash Inspiration

What a coincidence...no sooner did I do a post on Decorati on alternative backsplash inspiration via decorative panels, than I see this post on Design*Sponge! It's a very similar, actually, identical concept, and a good one.

As we see on Design*Sponge famous for great ideas, it can be a DIY project or not. However you tackle it, it's different, it's creative, and it makes an alternative design statement with material other than tile, which is beautiful, of course, often stunning, but, let's face it, there really ARE more possibilities for the backsplash than tile.

Laura is the owner of Open Face Designs and this is a printed design that she created! Laura used plexiglass on top of her printed fabric, but I'd recommend that plexiglass not be used behind a cooktop or range. Glass is a better material, or, I could definitely see engineered stone or corian behind the cooktop to not clash with the beautiful pattern of the fabric. 

Think beyond tile...I think in this situation the backsplash looks warm, inviting, and "living room like." Don't you? 

Use any kind of fabric behind glass, decorative panels, yarns (wow, that could be amazing!) shade material, take a fuzzy throw blanket, the list goes on. What textures you could dream up! I want someone to put a chenille throw blanket behind glass and then send me a picture when you do, please! 

Dream Kitchens

Yay....Meredith has just reprinted, back by popular demand (so they say, but I like to believe it if you don't mind!) a previous version of Dream Kitchens. 

Here's a sneak preview....one of my kitchens is on pages 24-29.

These are just two of the many images you'll find of this kitchen...get it while it's hot!

Kitchen Design Inspiration at the Flea Market

I probably have access to one of the best flea markets anywhere, on the upper west side of New York in the mid 70s on Columbus Avenue, so there's not much need to do deep searching for great finds, I admit it! Regardless of my good fortune, it's worth it to do the searching at your local flea markets and garage sales to find those great deals on items that can give a fresh look to your kitchen.

Come on along with me to the flea market I went to the other day. You may have seen those very modern dish arrangements on walls, often using vintage dishes. Many of the dishes you can find are inexpensive - LOTS of bang for the buck. This table's treasures are from A Vintage Home.

Start a new obsession collection! My husband and I both enjoy our stop at the bottle man's table. You can get very old bottles for as little as $10, maybe even less. We have a nice collection now and purchased one at this last trip...this one with a top on it, unusual! Our collection used to be on the long window sill in my previous kitchen. In my new home, they are all on a tray in the dining room. Hmm, I don't have this contact at the moment. If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll try to find it. I think there might be a website.

Here is a collection that you don't see every day...working vintage toasters! This is a small sample of what was on display. I think these are super cool, high art and functional all wrapped into one. They are beautiful pieces of history. Excuse me while I go put my gown and lipstick on...go to Toaster Central.

Another very fun kitchen find were these decoupage handmade tiles. These are tiles made from maps! I can see this in a retro kitchen, complete with soda fountain bar stools! They can be used as coasters, as they can also have a cork backing if desired. Not good for behind a cooktop or range, but elsewhere, they're fine. Contact: wendyola @ aol.com

Not really last, but all I have time for now is this fantastic exhibit of asian accessories, many of which can be useful in a kitchen or just for decorative purposes. I mean, here are your color accents! Here are your shapes and forms. Let your imagination run.

For another teriffic New York City source, go to the Housing Works auctions...see what are in the windows of the various Housing Works thrift shops. "Housing Works is committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness. We believe that all people have the right to a rich and empowering life."

A great note to end on...shop on!