Kitchen splashback ideas for your new home

As anybody who has gone through the process of designing a kitchen, the heart of the home is made up of many different parts.

From benchtops and butlers pantries to refrigerators and recycling bins, each feature in your kitchen must be carefully considered for functionality as much as form – it is, after all, the most important room in the house.

Long dismissed as a practical necessity to protect walls from spills and splatters, the splashback has seen its status skyrocket as a statement piece that can set the tone for your entire kitchen.

From playful patterned tiles that pack a punch to sleek natural stone that continues from the countertops, there are plenty of different options to enhance your kitchen

“A lot of people use the splashback to inject some personality into their kitchen designs – it’s one of the easiest elements to have a bit of fun with,” Rawson Homes interior design manager Julia Johnston explains.

How to choose the best materials for your kitchen splashback?

When choosing a material for your splashback, it’s important to first establish the functional requirements. Will it be positioned behind a sink and therefore need to withstand a lot of water? Or perhaps it needs to cope with intense heat from a gas stove? You will also want a material that is chip and dent-resistant and, perhaps most importantly, easy to clean. The most common materials for kitchen splashbacks include:

• Tiles
• Natural stone
• Mirrored glass
• Toughened glass
• Stainless steel
• Clear glass/window splashbacks

Budget will also be a factor, and a natural stone will set you back considerably more than glass or stainless steel. But if you have your heart set on the natural stone look, there are some fantastic acrylic and glass products on the market that create the same look at a much lower price point.

Splashback inspiration for your new kitchen

Once you know the functional requirements of your kitchen splashback, it’s time to have a bit of fun with colour, pattern and texture that reflects your personality and sets the tone for the heart of your home. Here, Julia shares five on-trend ideas for a show stopping kitchen splashback:

1.  Continue benchtop stone up the splashback

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“This has been a popular look for a few years now because there is such a wide variety of stone options available,” Julia says. “It’s a great option for people who prefer a minimalist look, or don’t really know what they want to do with their splashback.” The warmer toned Calcutta marble look is right on trend, replacing the cooler grey marbling we’ve seen in previous seasons.

TIP: If you are investing in natural stone benchtops in your kitchen, make sure you carefully consider the splashbacks at the same time as it will be difficult to find the same grain and texture if you change your mind down the track.

2.  Play with tile shape and laying pattern

White subway tiles are a cult classic for a reason – they’re cost-effective, easy to clean and work well in a wide variety of interior themes. But if you’re looking to make a statement with your tile choice while maintaining a neutral colour scheme, consider unique shapes or even a different laying pattern. “Chalk stick tiles are still big, but we’re seeing people opt for a matte finish and laying them in a herringbone pattern rather than horizontal,” Julia says.

TIP: Dark grout creates a chic contrast against white subway tiles, and can help to hide stains.

3.  Keep the splashback simple and opt for coloured cabinetry

“Coloured joinery is back in a big way – think soft blues, mint and eucalyptus in a matte finish,” Julia says. “If you decide to go with coloured cabinetry, keep the splashback subdued with some simple white subway tiles or a stone look with some subtle veining.”

4.  Consider open shelving to finish things off

Rather than adding bulky overhead cabinetry above your splashback, consider some open shelving to finish things off. “Floating shelves are a great way to add storage,” Julia says. They also add depth and dimension to the space, which will make all the difference to a kitchen that is full of straight lines and hard surfaces.

TIP: Have fun decorating your open shelves with chic crockery, pots, and indoor plants but don’t go overboard – less is more when it comes to styling, particularly in a modern kitchen.

5.  A window splashback will never go out of style

Bring the outdoors into your kitchen by replacing your splashback with a pane of clear glass. A window splashback can make your kitchen feel more spacious and inject natural light into the space.

TIP: “A window splashback will always look good, so long as you have a nice garden,” Julia says. “Consider any privacy issues that might come with the window position, and make sure you stock up on evergreen plants that will provide a leafy outlook year round.