Dear Melissa:

We just finished picking out cabinets for a new kitchen. We are going to use either a neutral granite or granite-like Corian for the countertops. We would like to create an unusual backsplash and I need some suggestions. D.S., North Carolina

Dear D.:

I am assuming you are planning a full-height backsplash, rather than a 4-5” high one. You probably know by now that your choice of materials is endless, but I’ll share some of my personal favorites with you.

There is nothing simpler nor cleaner looking than continuing the same countertop material up the backsplash or using tile. These can look a little uninspired, though, so I prefer to highlight several key areas along the wall -- such as behind the range, under glass cabinets, and above a planning desk, for example – with accents.

If your kitchen is traditional, the accents can consist of ceramic tile murals or picture-frame molding surrounding contrasting tiles set on a diagonal. When using ceramic tile, decorative molding is also critical.

If your kitchen is contemporary, I suggest either a simple stainless steel backsplash; glass tiles; stone tile with accents of quilted stainless steel or patterned sheet copper, or a combination of ceramic, metal and glass tiles in a collage. Regarding the latter, if you are artistically challenged, just copy some simple modern art of your choosing.

My absolute favorite and signature look is a reverse-painted glass backsplash. The painted design under the glass can be classic, traditional or contemporary. And it’s so unique and cleanable. You will need an artist, however.

If you have difficulty picturing patterns and materials, turn to the many kitchen and bath books on the market for some great visual aides. M.A.K.

Traditional vs Contemporary Kitchen

Dear Melissa:

My husband and I are trying to renovate our turn of the century kitchen and butler’s pantry. Unfortunately we can’t agree on a style. Neither one of us likes Victorian, but my husband likes a more traditional look and I want a more modern look. Can we have different cabinets in the butler’s pantry and kitchen? Could we combine the two styles somehow? We’re under enough pressure with the costs and construction and everything related to it that we really don’t need this. Plus I’m right and he’s wrong. Could you please give us your opinion? Closer to Divorce

Dear C2D:

Now, now, children. Play nice. You’re creating unnecessary stress. (For me.) Construction is bad enough. You two are going to need a united front to deal with the contractors, so don’t turn on each other. It’s your house. You can do whatever you want to it. It’s just tricky when a couple has different tastes.

If you are sticklers for historical accuracy, the two rooms have almost always been treated differently. The pantry was a staging area for the staff, and usually contained wall-to-wall cabinetry for storage of dishware, flatware, and serving pieces. Sometimes there was a utility sink. The kitchen was more of a workroom and larder, with free-standing workspaces. If the two rooms are open to one another, you might consider some type of continuity, but it’s not necessary to make one area a direct extension of the other. It’s more authentic not to.

Having said that, whether or not you have both rooms match, you can create a highly customized vision of a kitchen. Styles are not mutually exclusive and I feel very strongly about personalizing a kitchen. In fact, I get a little crazy seeing the same kitchen everywhere I go. They cost too much to be ordinary.

It doesn’t take a lot to mix styles. Choose a door style that you can both at least live with. Recessed panels can go either way. Simple traditional cabinetry looks great in unusual colors with funky hardware. A modern take on historical accuracy is to use one stain or glaze on the upper cabinets and another on the bases, or at least use a different finish on the island, if you have one. Consider a more unusual backsplash or countertop. Copper, zinc, quartz or cement countertops are very cool and work with both traditional and contemporary styles. Open shelving is very big right now and can also go both ways. If your modern sensibility requires empty counters, use built-ins and organizers – or make good use of that butler’s pantry.

Life is compromise. So, too, are kitchens. M.A.K.