How Do I... Choose a Splashback for a White Kitchen?
A design expert shares some stunning splashback ideas to make your all-white kitchen pop
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Michael Simpson, director and senior designer at The Kitchen Design Centre, shares some eye-catching splashback suggestions for a white kitchen.
What are some of the latest trends in splashbacks?
Patterned tiles and penny-round tiles are trending for splashbacks right now. However, if you find this look too bold for your taste, there are plenty of alternatives that will look great in a white kitchen.
Find a specialised kitchen designer and renovator on Houzz for expert advice on choosing a splashback and materials
Patterned tiles and penny-round tiles are trending for splashbacks right now. However, if you find this look too bold for your taste, there are plenty of alternatives that will look great in a white kitchen.
Find a specialised kitchen designer and renovator on Houzz for expert advice on choosing a splashback and materials
Oversize tiles
Large tiles (such as 600 x 600 millimetres or 300 x 1,200 millimetres) have become increasingly popular for splashbacks, and we’re often seeing floor tiles used in this application too. Contrasting grout lines (such as white tiles with black grout) can add interest to a plain white or neutral kitchen.
Other popular splashback looks for white kitchens include textured bluestone or glossy brown granite tiles.
Tip: Choose epoxy grout for tiles behind a stovetop – it’s stain-resistant, which means less cleaning.
Large tiles (such as 600 x 600 millimetres or 300 x 1,200 millimetres) have become increasingly popular for splashbacks, and we’re often seeing floor tiles used in this application too. Contrasting grout lines (such as white tiles with black grout) can add interest to a plain white or neutral kitchen.
Other popular splashback looks for white kitchens include textured bluestone or glossy brown granite tiles.
Tip: Choose epoxy grout for tiles behind a stovetop – it’s stain-resistant, which means less cleaning.
Patterned tiles
Patterned tiles allow you to make a real statement in a white kitchen, and you’ll find a vast range of styles on offer.
Make a statement with bold patterned tiles, or lay a basic white tile in an unusual pattern, such as a herringbone layout, for subtle interest.
Patterned tiles allow you to make a real statement in a white kitchen, and you’ll find a vast range of styles on offer.
Make a statement with bold patterned tiles, or lay a basic white tile in an unusual pattern, such as a herringbone layout, for subtle interest.
Glass
A glass splashback is a great option for a white kitchen, as you can choose just about any colour you like and add in texture for interest – all while having a splashback that is hardwearing and easy to clean.
Add drama with bold coloured glass, or go for a subtle look with a neutral tone. Slump glass (where the texture is on the back of the glass) is another option, and there are many styles to choose from.
A glass splashback is a great option for a white kitchen, as you can choose just about any colour you like and add in texture for interest – all while having a splashback that is hardwearing and easy to clean.
Add drama with bold coloured glass, or go for a subtle look with a neutral tone. Slump glass (where the texture is on the back of the glass) is another option, and there are many styles to choose from.
Stone
One of my favourite looks for contemporary kitchens is to use the same stone on both splashback and benchtop. It’s a simple and sophisticated look, and creates a sense of cohesion in the space.
Reconstituted stone is a smart alternative to natural stone – it’s durable and easier to maintain than its natural equivalent. Just be careful not to install some types of reconstituted stone too close to a gas stovetop – not all can handle high heat. We recommend a minimum distance of 250 millimetres from a heat source.
One of my favourite looks for contemporary kitchens is to use the same stone on both splashback and benchtop. It’s a simple and sophisticated look, and creates a sense of cohesion in the space.
Reconstituted stone is a smart alternative to natural stone – it’s durable and easier to maintain than its natural equivalent. Just be careful not to install some types of reconstituted stone too close to a gas stovetop – not all can handle high heat. We recommend a minimum distance of 250 millimetres from a heat source.
Metallics
Metallic or pressed-metal tiles are another look to consider for a white kitchen, and will make a great feature of your splashback. Pressed-metal tiles are emerging as a trend in kitchens, and come in subtle shades of white, grey, charcoal and blue that look great in white, provincial-style kitchens
Metallic or pressed-metal tiles are another look to consider for a white kitchen, and will make a great feature of your splashback. Pressed-metal tiles are emerging as a trend in kitchens, and come in subtle shades of white, grey, charcoal and blue that look great in white, provincial-style kitchens
Your turn
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or save this story. Join the conversation.
More
Need more practical advice? Don’t miss How Do I… Choose a Coffee Machine?
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or save this story. Join the conversation.
More
Need more practical advice? Don’t miss How Do I… Choose a Coffee Machine?
Sponsored
Adding a statement splashback to a white kitchen is a great way to add personality and interest to the space. When making your selection, bear in mind that a splashback can take up a large amount of space in your kitchen, and is often the first thing you see when you walk into the room, so it’s important to get it right.
When selecting a splashback colour and material, consider not just the various elements in your kitchen (cabinetry, appliance materials, tapware and handles, for example), but the colours and finishes in adjoining rooms too. Aim for a balanced, cohesive look.