Considering designs for your kitchen? Don’t underestimate the importance of a good kitchen splashback. Much like icing is to a cake, you can’t expect to perfect the design without one. But, with so many options to select from, how do you know which splashback is best for your kitchen? Here we break down some typical splashback design ideas.
Putting the final touches to kitchen design, a good splashback can often be the real hero of kitchen décor. So, whether you’re building a new home and kitchen or renovating your existing cooking quarters, it is important to put some extra thought into your splashback options. But, where do you start?
From different materials and textures, shapes and sizes, to all the colours of the rainbow and beyond; following is a quick guide to help determine which splashback options are most suited to your kitchen.
#1. Tiled splashback
Tiles are a great splashback option for any design style or theme as they are now so versatile in size, pattern, and texture. And thanks to this versatility, tiled splashbacks are making a big comeback, taking over many of the other popular splashback options like glass and steel.
Some common tiled splashback finishes to coincide with various kitchen designs include:
Subway tiling
Subway tiling is the name given to rectangular-shaped tiles laid so the longer side is typically at the top and bottom (landscape orientation) when placed on the wall.
Subway tiled splashbacks look especially great in:
- industrial-style kitchens – subway tiles used as a splashback with darker exposed grout lines work great with this design
- modern kitchens – a simple gloss or semi-gloss subway tiled splashback offers a crisp look that coincides with clean lines and modern trims
- monochrome kitchens – a black subway tiled splashback works a treat against white kitchen cabinets and black tapware
- Hamptons kitchens – subway tiling works great as a splashback with this beach vibe-styled design
- country kitchen – a splashback featuring subway tiling is perfect for some country chic. Go for a gloss finish against some matt Shaker-style cabinetry or a matt splashback against timber cabinets
Patterned tiling
Patterned tiling can be as vast and varied as you like. Some common patterns for a kitchen splashback include;
- houndstooth – a recognisable houndstooth design is that associated with the David Jones logo and this looks particularly striking as a splashback in a monochrome kitchen
- geometric – working with basic shapes like squares and triangles, you could include a geometric splashback into a modern country kitchen to introduce some visual contrast to space. Work with basic colours such as seafoam green and white against timber features within your existing kitchen décor.
Textured tiling
Textures bring a new level of interest to a kitchen splashback.
- render – rendered subway tiles make an excellent splashback option for an industrial-styled kitchen
- third-dimensional patterns – regular tiling with a 3D effect bring added interest when you need just a subtle bit of noise. For example, a white matt tile with an exposed pattern such as raised dots or squares in the same colour offers interest against woodgrain-designed cabinetry. This is a subtle effect that won’t clash with the natural wood grain patterns
Unless you are experienced at tiling, we recommend you employ the services of a professional to create a tiled splashback instead of trying to do it yourself. It might seem like a good idea to save a few dollars, but a single tile out of place can make a feature of your splashback for all the wrong reasons.
#2. Glass splashback
Glass splashbacks get one over tiles straight away due to their ease of cleaning. With no grout lines to capture dirt and grime, they make a very convenient splashback option. Toughened glass, which is required for a splashback due to safety requirements, comes in a wide variety of colours as well as prints.
- clear glass – clear glass looks great laid over natural, exposed brickwork for a splashback. It provides a layer of protection from the dirt and grime that we mentioned above
- coloured glass – glass can be coloured to a wide range of tints and hues to coincide with any kitchen design style
- printed glass – glass also offers the flexibility to have an image or pattern printed on the back. This offers endless possibilities for coordinating your kitchen splashback with any design theme using a particular pattern or image or you could create a truly unique and one-of-a-kind feature piece in your own home.
You can purchase single pieces of toughened glass to install as a splashback yourself. However, if you run with this option you will need to ensure you get the measurements to spot on. You cannot cut glass which is already toughened if you make a wrong measurement.
Another thing to consider is power outlets. We recommend the help of a professional installer if you want to have an outlet on the wall of your splashback as the glass will need to have the holes cut first.
#3. Mirrored splashback
A mirrored splashback works a treat in smaller-sized kitchens. The mirror can help to make space look larger by bouncing light and reflections throughout the area.
Mirrored splashbacks are prepared a little different to regular mirrors to make them safe for use near heat and in the kitchen. If you opt for a mirror splashback, be sure to purchase one that is specifically prepared and intended for this use.
#4. Stone splashback
Stone as a splashback is not as popular as tiles and glass and is generally more common in European kitchens. However, the stone is especially worth considering in modern kitchen designs and works well if you already have stone benchtops. Simply continue the same material up the wall to create a seamless transition from wall to bench. But if you do decide on this option it is recommended you get both installed at the same time. This guarantees there is no colour or pattern variance that could come from different batches.
Although one of the more expensive options, you can almost bet on a stone splashback adding some extra value to your kitchen.
These splashback options above are some of our favourites. However, other splashback options worthy of investigating are stainless steel, pressed metal, acrylic and natural stone like slate. And, for existing kitchens, you could also consider having a splashback hand painted to give it a new lease of life instead of starting from scratch. Just ask our team how it is done!
For personal and professional advice regarding your splashback options contact Highlands Handpainting on 1300 662 112, submit an online enquiry, or visit us at 12 Graham Hill Road Narellan NSW.