How to Create a Nonpermanent Backsplash

The long strip of wall above the sink called the backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom is often a focal point in the room's design. But sometimes someone else's idea of good design is quite different from your own. If you're renting, this can pose an aesthetic problem. Create a nonpermanent backsplash to address boring tile jobs, problematic blank walls or just to add another personal touch to your kitchen or bathroom. Remember that the backsplash should be waterproof; don't put objects that can't withstand moisture in this temporary home.

Instructions

1

Stick temporary "tile tattoos" on ceramic tiles over the sink. Contemporary designs include geometric patterns, flowers and birds. Find them at home renovation centers or online boutiques. Alternatively, look for wall decals that can cover several tiles at once. Trim a large wall decal such as a roaring tiger and adhere small portions of it onto individual tiles to create a one-of-a-kind abstracted design.

2

Hang photos in frames of a uniform size adjacent to one another in a long row along the wall to create a temporary backsplash. Use copies of photos in plexiglass frames to avoid damaging your art. Alternatively, cut a long narrow piece of plexiglass, attach it to the wall with screws just above the countertop and slip a collection of images, such as your postcards of Michael Jackson through the years, behind it.

3

Cut a strip of temporary wallpaper for an elegant look. Measure it precisely. Cut it with a ruler and utility knife. Temporary wallpaper is designed for easy removal and won't harm the wall. Find a design you love and paint the rest of the kitchen or bathroom to complement it.

4

Hang a long narrow strip of tin ceiling tiles on nails behind the sink area to create a reflective and hip backsplash that is especially appropriate in a small apartment. Choose antique tiles with dark red walls and weathered wooden cabinetry to create an Old World effect in a kitchen.

5

Hang a long strip of metal and cover it with magnets to create a rotating display of postcards, laminated photos or artwork. Find fantastical magnets in Chinatown, at carnivals or in specialty home decor boutiques for additional visual interest.