2011_01_05-Stove01.jpgMirrors and artwork in the kitchen — especially in splash-prone areas like over the stove and sink — have inspired some heated comments in the past! But I have no backsplash (or vent hood, for that matter) above my stove, and this past fall I made the decision to hang a framed piece of art there. I don't regret it one bit; in fact, I'm loving it. Here's why!

2011_01_05-Stove02.jpgI do not have a proper backsplash anywhere in my small rental kitchen. Instead a previous owner made the regrettable decision to carry the textured Formica all the way up the wall. This stuff gives a wrinkled texture to the bottom half of the walls. It has been painted over many times and is a devil to clean. I've made quite a few upgrades to this rental kitchen, but I drew the line at a backsplash. If you don't know what you're doing, or don't prep the space properly, a true backsplash can be very tricky to install. (Think water damage buildup or tiles that crash down at an unexpected moment.)

But I wanted something behind my stove that was easier to clean. I bought two pretty yet inexpensive prints from an artist on Etsy, and framed them in a cheap IKEA frame.

This has two benefits. First, that glass is way easier to clean than my painted Formica wall. Second, the glass shows grease and splatters more clearly than the wall, so I clean behind the stove much more regularly. And look — anything behind the stove is going to get splattered and dirty. Why not put a piece of glass there, to cover up the hard-to-clean paint?

And then, of course, I have something pleasing and pretty to look at behind the stove while cooking — instead of a blank wall!

I think that there is this misconception that putting a piece of artwork in the kitchen signals a kitchen that isn't used often, or is unfriendly to "real" cooking. I beg to differ! I love having pretty things around me in the kitchen, since I spend so much time there. I want to enjoy the things I love, and to feel that my kitchen is just one more room in my house — a room with its own aesthetic and beauty. So I am loving a little extra artwork in the kitchen.

And, like I said, this particular piece of art actually has a practical aspect. In fact, I have found that it's easy to take it down and spray it clean from time to time. Much easier than cleaning that dratted wall!

Do you have artwork or mirrors in your kitchen? Maybe above the stove or behind the sink? How has it worked out for you?

2011_01_05-Stove03.jpgAlso, I would be remiss to not give a shout-out to the artist who did these pretty prints! They are from artist Amy Soczka, who sells at Etsy under the shop name amyMarcella.

• See more from Amy Soczka: amyMarcella at Etsy

More Projects from My Kitchen

Pictured above, left to right:
• Hall Closet Converted Into a Pantry
• Kitchen Breakfast Nook Makeover
• Dark to Bright: On Painting the Kitchen

Not pictured above:
• New Under Cabinet Lighting: Utilitech Xenon Lights
• How To Replace a Kitchen Faucet
• Small Rental Kitchen Upgrade: Swap Out the Switch Plates

(Images: Faith Durand)