So what are your options? Whatever you choose it has to endure the heat from the cooktop.
1.Smooth surfaces are still very popular as they are easiest to clean. Until fairly recently this meant only glass or mirror but running the same stone that has been used on the benchtops up the walls also creates a smooth surface that looks fab with classic, modern classic and modern design styles.
In contemporary kitchens the window splashback, another smooth surface is much loved!
While glass is not as common as it once was, it is still a fabulous way to add some personalised or creative artwork, particularly in modern kitchens.
Until recently acrylic panels were totally unsuitable. However recent advances by certain suppliers mean that acrylic panels may be suitable for use with most electric cooktops (not gas). This is great news as they are substantially cheaper than glass, while coming in a good range of colours and decorative patterns! Always check with the supplier first before specifying an acrylic panel.
Mirrored splashbacks don’t just come in silver mirror. Look for grey, black, bronze and antiqued.
2. Still love a tiled splashback? Patterned ceramic tiles are definitely on trend, often with a vintage or Moroccan pattern. Use them with modern classic, modern country, industrial and modern styles.
Also natural stone mosaics and ceramic tiles in a herringbone pattern, a hexagonal shape or curvy Moroccan motif are stunning in classic and modern classic kitchens. These shapes in ceramic tiles can also be used in a contemporary kitchen.
Subway tiles, frequently with contrasting grout, still work well with modern country, industrial, classic and modern classic design styles. In a contemporary kitchen, try laying them vertically in an offset pattern.
With the advent of tiles that look like floorboards, these too can be used as a splashback. They look cool in a contemporary, modern country or industrial design scheme.
3. Metal is another common material used as a splashback. The pressed metal splashback looks gorgeous in a modern country kitchen while stainless steel is still the preferred splashback of chefs or those who love industrial style kitchens.
4.Before you install the cool looking textured tile or pressed metal splashback, it helps to realise that textured surfaces seem to attract dirt and dust, being more difficult and time consuming to clean.
5. Because of the variety of materials a splashback can be made from, if a particular colour is the most important element you should be able to find something to suit, even if it’s glass or the ubiquitous subway tile.
6. If you have top cabinets your splashback should run from the top of the benchtop (counter top) to the underside of the top cabinets.
TIP: There is an increasing trend to run the splashback material right to the ceiling if it is behind as well as to the sides of a canopy rangehood.
If you’d like some professional help choosing the ideal splashback, give Design My Home a call on 0416 190 792 or email jenny@designmyhome.com.au to book an appointment.