Published on Oct 02, 2008

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It is no doubt that the kitchen is the center of the home because of its function and its location on the floor plan. Ranch style architecture offers an open floor plan with a minimum amount of walls. This style of plan is very popular in today’s home design. At the center of the open floor plan is the kitchen which can be viewed from the dinette, family room, great room, and dining room. Because the kitchen can be viewed from so many areas, it must be beautiful as well as functional.
A kitchen backsplash appeal is a guaranteed way to upgrade the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank because you don’t have to change the entire “kit and kaboodle” meaning the cabinets and appliances.

There are several reasons to consider a new backsplash to enhance your kitchen:

• Backsplashes have a height location that is at eye level.
• Backsplashes are generally 18 inches from the lower counter top
to the upper cabinet. The standard height makes for easy
material selection.
• Old backsplashes can be removed and new backsplash installed without
altering the function of the kitchen.
• Backsplashes of bright colors or exotic materials will draw the eye away
from dull or out-dated cabinets.
• Backsplashes can be made of any material that is durable and easy to clean.
• Backsplashes love mixing different materials and sizes, bargains from a close out sale can create a work of art.
• Backsplash materials range in cost and can be made beautiful on any budget.
• Installation of a backsplash can be a “do it yourself” project.

Note: I recommend that you plan your backsplash design before you start the installation. Use a rigid material such as cardboard or plywood to create a template by cutting the material the height and width of the backsplash. Draw your design on the template or place the actual material before starting the installation; this is a guaranteed method to size up your design.