- Blackboard. Have kids? How about using blackboard paint for the backsplash area above the countertops? You can write notes to the kids, grocery lists and art masterpieces on the area.
- Using tile. If you don't want to tile your entire backsplash, mount terracotta tile or pavers in a strip, rectangle or square pattern. Check your local home improvement store for broken lots or discontinued patterns that cost much less than a current or unopened box of tile.
- Decoupage. Remember decoupage? You can decoupage your cabinet fronts in a variety of woven or canvas pattern papers. You can even find papers that look like leather. Scrapbooking papers are especially popular now and come in wonderful patterns.
- Grass inserts. Glue inexpensive rectangles cut from woven grass placemats from the dollar store to your cabinet doors. Frame with thin strips of molding to simulate grass inserts.
- Put a cork in it. Cork squares can also be used as dramatic interest to the front of cabinet doors. And the cork is useful for leaving messages!
As you can see, a dramatic makeover in your kitchen needn't cost the moon. All it takes is just a few inexpensive touches!

