• Create a mosaic backsplash.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  A mosaic backsplash may be put into place to cover up a stained wall or protect a wall from future splashes but functionality doesn't rule out decoration. Take advantage of the artistic style of mosaics, made up of ceramic tiles, to inject color and design into a wall space. Tile by tile, go the extra mile.
  
  

Multi-use Mosaic

• Turn your mosaic backsplash into a handy place to jot notes by painting the tiles with chalkboard paint. Called chalkboard paint (also known as blackboard paint) because of its resemblance to what teachers write on in classrooms, the paint goes on like any other paint, and, when it dries, is ready for your grocery list, recipes, weekly chore assignments or even a personal motivational thought of the day. Create your own version of the chalkboard paint from a couple of craft supplies, or purchase it directly from a paint or home supply store. The more tiles in the mosaic painted with blackboard paint, the larger the canvas for your scribbles and notes.
  
  

Team Spirit

• Sports fanatics usually find a way to work their support and love of a team all around the house, from bed sheets to pillows to placemats to pennants. Incorporate the colors of a favorite team into a mosaic backsplash as a decorative way to say "Go Team." Most professional (or state-level, or even local-level) sports teams have at least two "official" colors, which may be found on the team's website or industry sites such as ColorWerx. Fans of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, for example, may find their team spirit creating a backsplash featuring blue and white tiles. True sports fans may even seek out specially-made paints to get the exact color, such as "Carolina Blue," in this case. Get a little dose of pep each time you pass the backsplash with a team mosaic.
  
  

Animal Antics

• Animal prints, such as zebra stripes, leopard spots and giraffe swirls, show up in everything from handbags to blankets, and, while these designs don't come in blocky square shapes, mimicking their colors and style with a mosaic backsplash is an ideal way to add a bit of nature into the home. Imitate zebra stripes, for example, by creating a mosaic backsplash with alternating or zigzag black and white tiles. Achieve a look similar to leopard spots by placing one light tile surrounded by a ring of darker tiles surrounded by a ring of lighter tiles. Bring the animal kingdom into your own kingdom by creating patterned mosaics.