Pegboard? You mean beadboard?

You could also do sheet cork (super easy) over foam core or sheet foam. Then pin up some notes, kids' artwork, photos.

people have used tin ceiling tiles. don't know how economical, but nice look, and could be easily removed.
Lisa

cork isn't washable so it probably wouldn't look very good as stains and splatters accumulated. cork is beautiful otherwise

Wall paper! It "can" be cheap if you can find some on sale, eBay, tag sale, or Habitat For Humanity Restore. Or even at regular price, a roll or two wouldn't break the bank. It's 55 square feet to the roll. I saw some jewel colors in a Harlequin design that would work just fine for a back splash. there are many papers that would do. I'll be papering mine. These vinyl papers are strippable and they scrub up easily. When you're ready to move on, strip the vinyl face off, wet the backing and peel or wash off. You're back to the wall you had before.

A scrubbable paint is super cheap and you can go with something dramatic since it's a temporary commitment.

Even though the wall is too battered to paint the way it is now, you may be able to DIY a fix pretty cheaply by skim coating the backsplash area with a thin coat of joint compound (or even several coats in the worst areas). There is a joint compound that spreads on pink-colored while it's wet and dries to white. I used it to skim my son's bathroom after wallpaper removal, and it's so easy, even for a first time user like me. The stuff just spreads with a flexible wide putty knife, and is so soft to sand after it's dry. With a gallon of joint compound, a quart of primer (be SURE to prime raw joint compound!), and a quart of paint, you could likely do the whole thing for about $50. It might give you the chance to try out several backsplash colors while you save up for tile.

stained plywood? I've seen people use it as flooring and I always liked the look.

I also vote joint compound and paint. If you wallpaper then you still have to use the joint compound to fix the wall or the paper will look sloppy. A painter can do this for you if you don't think you can do it yourself or your unhappy with your own work.

Ohhhhh this is a fun project. Lets get creative...

How about chalk board paint?

I know, I know a pain to clean but you can alway keep the paint handy for touch ups.

How about a wood backsplash?

Instead of beadboard paint a tile pattern on your wood
backsplash. Put the wood up with tiny screws to keep it
up. Meanwhile you can even paint some beautiful pattern or
subtle lines to look like marble or mini tiles.

How about paint and plexiglass?

Paint the wall and cover with a piece of plexi glass so it
is easy to clean. You can do any color.

Faux painted tile?

Or just painted with a paint that is scrubbable From
Lulu Painting

Rulers lined up? Maybe difficult to keep clean but no one
else would have this. From Apartment therapy

Someone mentioned cork already.
This one is lovely. Yes, a bathroom but still lovely.

This is similar to the dry erase on the link below.

My vote is chalk board paint. So much fun!!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Magnetic Dry Erase board backsplash HGTV

The cheap kind of beadboard sheet paneling - comes in 3/8 or 1/4 inch (forget which) at big box store for about $20? Cut into pieces, cut to fit, light sanding and paint it.

Ikea has some wall panels that come in different colors/designs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea Wall Panels

I definitely think tin ceiling tiles - you can get them at Home Depot in basic designs or online for a bigger variety. Get a pair of tin snips (which are basically tough scissor) and you are ready to roll - they are flexible and with a little bit of measuring and some brad nails, it would be up in a few hours. I think the shine factor would be great in your kitchen. Good luck!

wow. thanks for all of the replies. there are some wonderful ideas here. i'm not sure which one i will go with but i will post a picture when done.

btw, the cabinets are repainted oak. there was another thread or two about painting oak cabinets which i also posted to. it was a lot of work but the end result is quite good. i only wish my off-white was less bright and more creamy white

thanks again for all of the suggestions.

boxerpups: thanks for all of those different suggestions and pictures. Chalkboard would be great. i also like the plexiglass over paint.

Where did you find the wood backsplash right above the plexiglass photo? It looks interesting I'd like to see a bigger picture if there is one.

Hi jimyyz,

If you click on the picture it gets bigger.
I also have the link below. A blog called
Daddybuiltit.

http://daddybuiltit.com/indoorphotos.html

Hope that helps,
~boxerpups