8 Splashback ideas for gorgeous kitchens

A splashback adds an extra design element to your kitchen and can be a really eye-catching feature. Try these ideas for style. 

Although it's not the biggest part of the kitchen, a splashback can pack a big punch. It's one of the most important design elements that sets the tone of your kitchen. It may be your home is a new build, or you're ripping out the old kitchen and remodeling, or perhaps your current space just needs a perk up; a well-chosen splashback can make all the difference. Choosing it is where you can really have fun.

In a kitchen, the splashback generally runs the length of the countertops and behind the stove, if it's against a wall. It plays an important functional role in protecting walls from splashes of food and grease and is also a vital part of the aesthetics, creating a bridge between the countertops and your walls.

Trends have come and gone, as they tend to do, however tiles remain the most popular splashbacks, both because they're easy to clean, and because there are so many tile options available, from colourful printed patterns to decorative textured tiles. 

Wood effect tiles add warmth

Add the ambience of natural wood with the easy-care of tiles by choosing a wood-effect tile for your kitchen splashback.

Wood-effect tiles are becoming increasingly popular for both floors and walls. They add a wonderful warmth and, with so many designs and finishes, can be used to create modern, industrial, rustic and traditional looks.

Pretty and practical decor tiles 

Decor tiles add texture and interest to a kitchen or bathroom splashback and are much easier to clean than mosaics.

Decor tiles are a great way to add texture and interest. This was often the task of mosaics in the splashback department, however mosaics are quickly being surpassed by decor relief tiles. One of the big advantages of decor tiles is that they're easy to clean, so they're particularly suited to areas behind the stove. Fewer grout lines means you can opt for lighter grout colours with less risk of fatty splashes making the splashback look grubby. Choose from a wide range of textures and patterns in all the trendy finishes from marble-effect to concrete-effect tiles.

Retro-style splashback with geometric patterns

This striking geometric design can be laid two ways: to show off a diamond pattern or at 45 degrees switches it up to a squares.

Geometric patterns plus calming shades of blue... does it get better than that? The elegant symmetry of the Optick tile makes a lovely kitchen splashback and is also suited for floors, so you can make this retro-look tile front and centre in your kitchen. Pre-scored grout lines give the effect of smaller tiles once grouted, rekindling the encaustic patterned tiles of old.

Marble-effect tiles for a classic splashback

Harness the beauty of classic and timeless marble with marble-effect tiles for a kitchen splashback.

There are many options to incorporate marble-effect tiles into kitchen splashbacks, thanks so a huge selection of designs and sizes. You can go for a high-end luxury kitchen with large-format porcelain tiles and have minimal grout lines, giving the appearance of vast sheets of marble on the walls at a fraction of the price of the real stone. On the other end of the scale there are small rectangular tiles, including metro styles. The marble look is classic and versatile, complimenting many decorative styles.   

Subway tiles are always in style

The classic kitchen splashback tile, glossy subway tiles will never go out of style. New colours and creative tile patterns keep this trend fresh.

You'll not go wrong with subway tiles, they just keep on coming back into fashion. New colours and creative tile patterns keep the look fresh. As styles of cabinetry have changed, subway tiles have kept pace with most of the trends.

Patchwork patterns make a comeback

Nana's patchwork quilt has made a comeback, this time in patchwork tiles, a trend that's being embraced by lovers of all things traditional.

Traditional and charming, patterned tiles will always have a place in kitchen decor. Patchwork tiles are making a comeback in kitchens as they compliment shaker-style cabinetry, which is giving the farmhouse kitchen a fresh look.

Mosaic splashbacks are far from ordinary

Mosaics have really come into their own in recent years as they push the limits with new tile shapes and sizes and mix-and-match unusual materials such as metallics, glass and natural stone.

The kitchen splashback of choice over decades, mosaics haven't lost their lustre. In fact, they've become more decorative and exciting as new materials such as metallics have been added and tile shapes get ever-more creative. Added to that, modern grout has anti-mould properties, making mosaics a more appealing proposition in kitchens and bathrooms.  

Go traditional or industrial with brick-look tiles 

They look like brick but they're far more practical. The Subway Collection will work well in both traditional- and industrial-style kitchens.

Brick is just lovely for both a traditional and an industrial kitchen. However, the real bricks do have some practical drawbacks, notably when it comes to keeping them clean. Enter brick-effect tiles, which have the rustic appearance you're looking for but are a glazed and sealed porcelain that's so easy to give a quick wipe clean.