Looking for inspiration for your next kitchen renovation? You’d be amazed how dramatically the right kitchen splashback can make your cooking area come alive with personality and style. Not only do they serve the practical purpose of protecting your walls from cooking-related spills and splashes, but they can also have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen design.
With so many materials, colours, and designs to choose from, you can easily find a backsplash that complements your existing decor or adds a pop of colour and character to your space. You can also make a stylish statement by highlighting your kitchen’s focal point, such as the stove or sink.
Adding a splashback is a simple and affordable way to refresh your kitchen and make it a more functional and aesthetically-pleasing space to use.
If you’re looking for kitchen splashback ideas for your home, keep scrolling! We’ll cover the many benefits, the most popular materials, and the critical next step in your renovation plan.
What is a kitchen backsplash?
A kitchen splashback, otherwise known as a backsplash, is a panel or material that is installed behind a cooktop, sink, or countertop. It serves as a protective barrier against spills, splashes, and stains that may occur while cooking.
Kitchen splashbacks are typically made of durable materials such as glass, ceramic tile, stainless steel, or stone, and are specifically designed to be easily cleaned. They can also double as an eye-catching design feature, matching or complementing the interior design of the kitchen.
Key benefits of adding a splashback to your cooking area
As mentioned earlier, kitchen splashbacks are much more than decorative finishes in your kitchen; they are also designed for maximum functionality and durability.
Here are 3 reasons that you should consider adding a splashback to your kitchen.
- PROTECTION
Trying out some new recipes? The last thing you want is for your food to become your next headache. A kitchen splashback provides a barrier that protects your walls from spills, splashes, and stains. This makes messes much easier to wipe away, all while preventing damage and discolouration to your walls. - EASY TO CLEAN
Many of the materials used for kitchen splashbacks are easy to clean and maintain. A splashback made of glass or tiles can be cleaned with a damp cloth, whereas stainless steel splashbacks can just as easily be wiped down with soap and water. - DESIGN ENHANCEMENT
The practicality of kitchen splashbacks is equally matched by their potential for style and visual value. They are at their best when made from materials that also match or complement the aesthetic of your kitchen. Next time you’re considering adding a pop of colour or character to your kitchen, a backsplash should be at the top of your list.
Have a specific design in mind? If you’re in the Brisbane area, click here to find out what kitchen design service we can offer you and your home.
The most popular materials for kitchen splashbacks
Kitchen splashbacks are available in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. The options are vast, so it’s important to consider what is most important to you in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Here are 4 of the most popular materials to consider for your kitchen splashback.
GLASS
Key Benefits
REFLECTIVE PROPERTIES: Glass has high reflective properties, which can help to make even the smallest of kitchens feel larger and more open. Additionally, if the glass splashback has a colour or design, it can be a great way to bring an accent colour or pattern to your space.
CUSTOMISATION: Glass splashbacks can be made to measure and can come in any colour you choose. This means it can be easily customised to match your kitchen decor. Glass is suitable behind cooking areas. Glass splashbacks are a set and forget. No grout, easy to clean and looks amazing.
Drawbacks
FRAGILITY: It is extremely rare for glass splashbacks to be fragile against hard hits.
INSTALLATION: Installing a glass splashback can be more difficult than installing other materials, such as tiles. It requires special tools and a professional installer. If the installation is not done properly, the glass splashback can crack or fall off, so it’s important to make sure the installation is done by an experienced professional.
CERAMIC
Key Benefits
AFFORDABILITY: Ceramic tile is relatively inexpensive depending on what tiles you choose and widely available, coming in a wide range of colours and patterns. This makes it the perfect option for households on a budget.
DESIGN: Ceramic is available in numerous patterns and colours, which makes it a great option for adding a unique design element to your kitchen. It’s commonly used to create a traditional, rustic, and Moroccan look.
Drawbacks
INSTALLATION: Depending on the tiles you choose some can take a lot of work to maintain and cost more eg. mosaic tiles. Ceramic tile can be more difficult to install than other materials.. If the installation is not done properly, the tiles can look bad and take away from the look of your kitchen.
GROUT LINES & CAULK: Ceramic tile splashbacks have grout lines, paired with the potential need for caulk, both of which can be difficult to clean and often discolour over time. This is particularly a concern if the splashback is behind a cooktop or certain appliances that produce heat and steam.
STAINLESS STEEL
Key Benefits
DURABILITY: Stainless steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand the common messes of any kitchen. Plus, it’s resistant to corrosion and staining!
MODERN LOOK: If your kitchen has an industrial or contemporary aesthetic, a stainless steel splashback will give your space a modern and sleek finish.
Drawbacks
UPKEEP: Be warned that stainless steel is prone to making fingerprints and scratches more apparent than other materials. Regular cleaning is required to keep it looking brand new. Scratches are normal after use and will continue for the life of the benchtop.
STONE
Key Benefits
DURABILITY: Most stone splashbacks these days are man made eg. like Ceasarstone etc and they are robust, non-porous and easy to look after. Stone is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand common kitchen messes.
DESIGN: Stone splashbacks come in a variety of natural colours and patterns, making it a unique addition that adds a sense of warmth to any kitchen. It can look amazing if the splashback is cut out of the same piece of stone as the benchtop, so the grain runs up the splashback.
Drawbacks:
COST: Natural stone materials such as granite, marble, and slate (non man made stone) tend to be way more expensive options due to their durability, natural beauty, and rarity. Natural stone materials require sealing and must be resealed every 10 years as they are extremely porous.
MAINTENANCE: Natural stone splashbacks require regular sealing to protect them from staining.
How to choose your backsplash based on your kitchen wall colour
When choosing the perfect backsplash for your home, it’s important to carefully consider your kitchen’s aesthetic and the colour of your walls.
FOR WHITE KITCHENS
GLASS: Glass splashbacks can compliment any kitchen including a white kitchen nicely by complimenting the overall space. Glass will reflect light and make your kitchen feel more open, while frosted glass provides a subtle texture to your space.
STAINLESS STEEL: Stainless steel splashbacks give white kitchens a modern and industrial look, adding a shiny finishing touch to rival even the most polished of your pots and pans.
MIRROR: A mirrored splashback can reflect the white walls and cabinets, making your kitchen feel larger, more elegant, and timeless.
FOR GRAY KITCHENS
STONE: Man made stones & natural stone, such as granite, can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your kitchen by adding depth and character.
TEXTURE: Using a textured material, such as a subway tile splashback, can add a unique and tactile element to your environment. They work well with contemporary, rustic, and traditional styles alike!
BRIGHT COLOURS: A bright-coloured splashback can add a pop of colour and a bold statement to your kitchen
Find the right splashback for your kitchen size
When choosing the right splashback for your kitchen, it’s important to carefully consider the size of your space and how your splashback may alter the aesthetic or perceived size. Here are a few tips:
THINK ABOUT THE VISUAL EFFECT
If you have a small kitchen, you may want to choose a splashback that reflects light and makes the space feel larger; glass, mirrors, and stainless steel are great options. For larger kitchens, we recommend bold colours or textured splashbacks to give your space variety and depth.
FUNCTIONALITY
If you have a busy kitchen, choose a splashback that is easy to clean and maintain. Glass, stainless steel, or ceramic tile are perfect options.
A kitchen splashback is a functional and aesthetic addition to any home, protecting your walls from common cooking-related messes and adding a unique design element to your space. With many materials, colours, and designs to choose from, a splashback can complement existing decor or add a pop of colour and character to your kitchen.
Have a specific design in mind? If you’re in the Brisbane area, explore Easy Living Kitchens for your next renovation.