A kitchen backsplash is a design opportunity to use color and pattern, experiment with materials, and add a dose of personality to the most frequently used gathering space in the house. It’s also a relatively small canvas that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to renovate if you change your mind and want to try something new.

Whether you are looking for a custom-designed tile pattern, a gorgeous piece of stone, peel and stick, an unconventional material, a jolt of color, a metallic finish, or a classic finishing touch like subway tile, a backsplash can be more than just a practical piece of kitchen armor against unwanted splashes and splatters. Think of it like a great necklace or a pocket square—that finishing touch that brings the whole ensemble together. Check out these inspiring modern kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget to spark your own creativity and turn your kitchen into a conversation piece.

Peel and stick

You may not think wallpaper and kitchens go hand in hand, but this pretty modern kitchen backsplash peel-and-stick product will prove you wrong. Whether you opt for a floral, geometric, speckled, or lattice pictures design, kitchen backsplash peel and stick wallpaper can serve as the basis for an exceptionally clever and inexpensive backsplash. Not only is this project simple to assemble—measure, cut, stick, and press—but you can also choose from a seemingly endless variety of colors and pictures to create a backsplash that’s perfectly suited to your modern kitchen backsplash on a budget.

Markdown tile

Tile has a reputation of being a pricey material, which is why some homeowners avoid kitchen backsplash tile ideas. While kitchen backsplash tile ideas can come with a big price tag, that’s not always the case. Savvy shoppers know that shops offer deep discounts of donated tile. No matter where you source your tile, you can save a bundle by installing it yourself. If mortar and grout seems intimidating, consider a mess-free solution like the SimpleMat, which makes your kitchen backsplash tile ideas installed faster, cleaner, and less of a hassle.

Savvy stencils

Stenciling is a great way to add some personal flair to walls, furniture, and even modern kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget. While there are plenty of ready-made stencils available, you can also purchase versions that allow you to fashion a custom picture design. Working in one small area at a time, paint your pattern in the colors of your choice for a finished product that’s guaranteed to boost the style quotient of the busiest room of the house.

Fabric fake-out 

This DIY temporary faux-wallpaper is a great alternative for renters, or for those who can’t quite decide on a tile. All you need is lightweight fabric, liquid starch, and a paint roller or sponge. Measure and cut your fabric of choice, wipe the walls with liquid starch, then apply, smoothing as you go to get rid of any bumps for a seamlessly stunning result.

Wine time

For all the wine lovers out there, we’ve found your perfect backsplash match. Whenever you pour yourself a glass, save your cork—and enlist friends, family, and local stores to save corks for you too, until you collect enough to cover the surface area of your modern kitchen backsplash design. Cut corks in half vertically, then adhere them to plywood board templates that you’ve measured and fit to your backsplash area. Finish with a clear sealant for an offbeat kitchen accent that’s full of personal charm.

Beyond-basic beadboard

Beadboard makes for an elegant and easy backsplash—just witness its cozy, tidy appeal in this modern kitchen. An economical alternative to kitchen backsplash tile ideas, beadboard is also relatively easy to install. Start by measuring and cutting the panels. Once you’ve made sure they fit, press them into place with adhesive, and finish by securing them to the wall with nails for a minimalist look that makes a huge impact. 

CD show-off

In our world of iPods and MP3 players, CDs have become a thing of the past. But there’s no need to toss those Technicolor disks! Instead, consider repurposing your favorite tunes into a decorative modern DIY project, just like the clever creators of this mosaic backsplash did. Use plastic-cutting scissors to break the CDs into pieces, glue them in position, and then grout. You’ll love how the finished product bounces colorful light around your kitchen backsplash on a budget. .

As with every project, proper planning will help you save money, get the best design, and a timeless look that you can enjoy for years to come. If you are not a DIY-er be sure to access your professionals for design and installation services, contact My Reno Diary. As an interior designer firm, My Reno Diary approach to each project renders one of a kind spaces, which distill essence and spirit of the individual.