Colored glass makes a splash in the kitchen

The kitchen backsplash is getting more colorful, but it has nothing to do with tile.

Back-painted glass is a big trend, says Bethesda, Md.-based kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer. This style, in which the back of installed glass is painted, is a popular choice because of its contemporary look and the seamless shot of color it provides, she says.

Her showroom window currently features a glass backsplash painted a bright orange. ''People like the non-interruption,'' she says. ``No grout lines.''

Jennifer Gilmer designed a kitchen with a glass backsplash painted orange.

Gilmer also reports that kitchens are simplifying and that more folks are requesting fewer cabinets and more wall space.

Floating shelving can be installed to counter a lack of cabinetry. This type of open storage works best for often-used dishes and glasses. If there's no need for extra storage, the shelving can be used to display collections or artwork, making the space more personal.

Green materials continue to gain momentum, with renewable and engineered woods now included among the standard offerings of many manufacturers. Also on the upswing: Asian accents, Gilmer says. Subtle touches on cabinetry include sliding doors, which can remain open while you cook, and glass doors with horizontal panes of glass to resemble shoji screens.