Forget Traditional Tile Backsplashes: You've Never Seen This Unique Alternative

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Gone are the days when homeowners bought matching furniture sets from boxes and chose safe colors and plain tiles over bright spaces. These design trends can make your home look dated. Instead, curated spaces are in and can make your house feel more like home. If you're tired of staring at the same plain white subway tiles in your kitchen, it's time to move toward something more personal. A definite conversation starter, printed map backsplashes are an alternative to tile and add a nautical touch while turning your kitchen into a gallery of exploration.

The average cost to install a traditional tile backsplash is between $700 and $1,000. Peel-and-stick wallpaper often costs less than $30, saving you hundreds of dollars for an updated look that tells a story. Consider something like the Kanworse Kitchen Backsplash Peel and Stick Wall Mural, available at Walmart, which delivers old-world personality. But you don't even necessarily have to buy a wallpaper for this project. To keep things sustainable, check to see if you have a collection of old maps from your past travels littering up your attic or junk drawer. By making your own backsplash from a map of one of your favorite locations, you can inject even more personality into your space. However, do bear in mind that a repurposed map won't be as durable as dedicated peel-and-stick offerings.

Installing a map backsplash requires a different method than tile, especially if you're planning on using regular paper maps. Before you start, be sure to clean your walls with warm, soapy water and remove any outlet covers that will be in the way. Choose a ½ to ¾-inch sheet of plywood cut to the exact dimensions of your wall space, and be sure to cut holes for outlets. Glue the paper to the wood using a high-quality adhesive to secure the map into place. Then smooth out any bubbles and wrinkles with a vinyl application tool or a straight edge. Let the glue dry and apply multiple coats of clear, water-based polyurethane or polyacrylic. Once it dries, mount the backsplash using a Loctite PL adhesive. This glue is waterproof and stands up better than traditional construction glue. It also keeps you from needing to drill holes into your walls.

For peel-and-stick maps, apply adhesive to the back of the map to ensure it sticks. Position it in place and use a flat edge to remove bubbles. Again, let the paper dry and apply a sealant. Consider installing LED light strips under the cabinet to highlight the fine details of the map. To keep it clean, wipe down the surface with a soft towel and warm, soapy water. One bit of advice is to avoid using shellac to seal the paper because it doesn't stand up well in warm, moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens.