Backsplashes have become an integral part of kitchen design over the last decade. As homeowners continue to look for ways to make their spaces unique to their lifestyles, the backsplash has become the focal point of many kitchens across the United States. From elegant tumbled stone, to the ever-popular subway tile, to colorful and trendy glass tiles, the designs and patterns you can create are virtually endless. Pittsburgh artist Michael Lotenero had a tough time making a decision several years ago when he remodeled his kitchen, so he decided to create his own backsplash.
“I’ve done a lot of glass painting over the years, so I just tried it in my own kitchen and it turned into something unbelievable and truly unique,” Lotenero says.
About one year ago, he started creating backsplashes for customers looking to add artwork to their home’s design. “I can do virtually anything, from matching paint colors to favorite elements,” he says. “I did one for a friend shortly after his mother passed away. She loved hummingbirds, so he had one incorporated into the backsplash.”
He creates the backsplashes by painting backwards on 3/8 or ¼ inch glass. He uses heat-resistant enamels and engine paint. When completed, the glass is slid into a special channel and mounted to the wall. “Art is a major purchase,” Lotenero says. “The great thing about this is that homeowners can justify buying it because of its functionality.”
The backsplashes are highly durable and easy to clean. And since they aren’t permanently attached, you can take them with you if you decide to move.