Homeowners can make an attractive feature of their kitchen sink area by using a creative backsplash, a kitchen expert has said.Clay Lyon, owner of Lyon Construction and Design, told Northjersey.com that the wipeable surface above the countertop and sink could offer visual appeal, as well as protecting the wall from splashed liquids.The 18-inch space between the cabinet and countertop is prime real estate for the eye, Mr Lyon told the news provider. Homeowners have to decide if they want the backsplash to become a visual accent or simply fade into the background. Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular materials for backsplashes, the website said, with glazes creating a wide range of colours and designs. It added that a range of materials were now available for backsplashes including glass, metal and stone tiles.Mr Lyon said that metal backsplashes suited kitchen sink areas in modern homes while stone tiles were ideal for rustic kitchens.A professional couple recently showed the Baltimore Sun how they made use of a wide variety of materials in order to turn the kitchen in their custom-built townhouse into an elegant living space.