Chalkboard backsplash

As we've mentioned, we have lots of plans for an interior redesign of our current home. So many inspired ideas in fact it is quite dizzying at times! While we're accustomed to completing redesign and remodel projects in one fell swoop, in this case we're taking our time and, for now, focusing on small things here and there. Take the kitchen for example: the master plan includes new counters, backsplash, and painting out the cabinets. However there were some things I we simply couldn't live with until then. Like the backsplash...

Who knew they still made such lovely 1980's-esque hunter green 6x6 matte ceramic tile? I say, if you've managed to get your hands on it for installation in a 2007-built home, why not really set it off with giant grout joints, in, I don't know, maybe a dull whitish-gray color? Yes? Excellent! So our dilemma was this: How to do away with this dismal backsplash without spending (wasting) money on a new tile one given that it would sooner than later be ripped out when it comes time for the new counters and such? Our solution: chalkboard. You've probably seen this before in traditional black, but we created a custom color chalk paint using this easy recipe from Martha Stewart. I'll  be the first to admit, it's not as practical as tile, but for a temporary solution that looks really pretty and is lots of fun (note the Mojito recipe we used for quickly mixing multiple pitchers during our holiday party) it's great - and even better, it cost less than $50 start to finish.