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Six creative ways to add style to your kitchen splashback

Harriet Goodacre

August 04, 2020

The kitchen is probably one of the biggest investments you can make for your home that will add value to your property, whether you’ve inherited a very old kitchen that needs a dramatic overhaul or creating a brand-new space via an extension, it’s important to get the layout and finish right so that it both lasts and works for you on an everyday basis.

Getting inspiration for your space can be challenging as it’s not often that you have a clear vision for the space from the outset. However, there are two easy ways to get started. If you’re after a particular style kitchen then it would be best to start with the units themselves, this will give you an idea of texture, finishes and of course colour. If you don’t know what style of kitchen you want, then start with your tiles, they can help form a colour palette, help you decide what finish you want and even dictate the size of the space required.

What is the best splashback for a kitchen? Well it’s completely up to you. Personal taste should be at the forefront of your decision as it’s going to be a regular space used every day and throughout the day and into the evening. With this in mind, both natural and artificial lighting should be considered at an early stage as this can help transform a kitchen. In terms of material, it doesn’t matter whether you choose glass mosaics, porcelain or ceramic tiles as long as the substrate is sound and can take the weight of the tiles and you use the correct adhesive and grout for the area you’re tiling, you can pretty much choose any design!

With such a wide variety of options available we’ve narrowed down six creative looks that you can create for your kitchen backsplash. These looks consider the latest trends for kitchen backsplashes but also have longevity when paired with the right type of kitchen.

Country Pattern

A country inspired kitchen, whether modern country or classic, is often quite a neutral space with plain wooden units. This gives you plenty of scope to do something a bit more eclectic with your splashbacks.

If you’ve opted to have a range style cooker then you’re most likely to have an alcove that it fits into, a smaller more detailed pattern is a great way to make a feature of the space. You can also take inspiration for the various colours within the pattern to help create an overall scheme for the room.Archivo Bakula for example plays with tones of blues and creams, perfect for a typical country kitchen. With this look, a classic flagstone floor tile would work really well.

If you’re looking for something a little bolder, or have chosen a two-toned kitchen then a bigger pattern will help bring the two elements together, particularly if they’re of different finishes. Here with our Amberley Orchid tile you have the mixture of a wood grain on the bottom units and a laminated white on the wall cabinets. The soft, muted tones of the pattern help merge the two together to avoid a harsh contrast between top and bottom.

Crackle Glaze

A crackle glazed tile is associated with a typical country look but actually, if you choose the right colour palette then it can feel very modern.

The deep green tones of the Astrea Fern tile create a stunning feature in this pared-back kitchen. The industrial style units and the deep-toned wood effect floor really make the on-trend green pop. The mix of both raw and painted wood, although in lighter colours, help the room feel more natural and homelier.

If you want to opt for a bold kitchen colour, then balance out the units with a more neutral coloured tile. We love the mix of modern cupboards with our traditional Victorian Minton Hollins crackle tile. It contrasts nicely with the sleek matt finish of the blue units and helps bounce the natural light around the room creating a clean and bright finish.

Colour Accent

Using colour can be a little scary however, when used as an accent colour it can inject a little fun into an otherwise neutral space. Our bold yellow tile from the Attingham Earth range is perfectly on trend but also adds a warming touch to an all grey scheme. The micro pattern on the surface of this wall tile helps to break up the colour and stops it looking flat against the matt painted walls.

If you’re looking for something a little more tonal, then choose a tile from the same colour spectrum but either at the lighter or darker side of your kitchen units. Here we show pink being used as a neutral base and the Catania Violet tile creates a statement whilst also harmoniously blending in with it’s deeper red infused base.

Bold Marble

Marble is an ongoing trend and is fast becoming a classic option for both kitchen and bathrooms. It can be quite a showy material so if you want to pare it down then opt for a single tile splashback like the Arabescato tile that comes in a larger 61x61cm size. The deep blue units contrast nicely with the white base of the tile whilst the gold accents bring a touch of warmth and modernity. For something a little more playful and modern, the Bistro range is a marble effect hexagon in a neutral colour palette. We’ve paired it with a contrasting blue unit to continue that playful feel. If you really want to experiment, try adding a coloured grout that can match to your units to help create a more seamless finish.

Geometric Shapes

When looking to create a bold statement, a pattern is a quick way to achieve it however, getting a bit creative, our Rhomba range is a rhombus shaped tile that works in various different laying patterns and has 12 finishes so you can create whatever you want! In this kitchen we’ve create a cube effect with depth by mixing a gloss back against a satin blush pink. We’ve then tied in the marble laminate worktop with the Rhoma Torrano tile. Adding a deep grey unit and touches of wood help ground the look.

Similarly, a mosaic tile can have the same effect and is often quicker to lay. The Templo mosaic again plays with those geometric shapes but is far more intricate and muted. With its Aztec inspiration, the tones work well with bold but earthy colours.

Mirror Tiles

Seemingly quite an opulent choice, a mirrored tile is actually very versatile and the antiqued finish of Busca helps hide splashes and grease marks compared to a plain mirror that can look dirty quickly.

Depending on the tone of the mirror, either opt for a bright white or a darker grey to help contrast to the mirror, keeping the rest of the space neutral is key.

What Else Should Be Considered For A Kitchen Splashback?

When choosing your tiles, it’s really important to consider the laying pattern you’re going to use and the colour of the grout. If you’re opting for a bold tile then often a white grout line can make it look too blocky and clinical so try working in a coloured grout to contrast with your tile colour.

Laying patterns can really transform not only your tile but your kitchen, they can help draw the eye to a certain point, change the perspective or a room and help a classic tile choice feel more modern. We've put together a handy guide on the various different laying patterns available.

Want more kitchen splashback inspiration? Take a look at our Pinterest Kitchen board and once you’ve narrowed down those tile choices, have a play with them in various kitchen settings in our online visualiser tool.

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