The surfaces you choose in your kitchen need to not only look good but also be suitable for daily use, so we’ve rounded up some pretty and practical splashback ideas to help inspire your choice…

If you are planning a kitchen refresh and can’t decide which material you should pick for your new splashbacks, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has rounded up some beautiful examples that are hardwearing and will also win your design bonus style points. Get your screenshot button ready, read on…

Hardwearing splashbacks

For that stone-drenching effect without the need for regular sealing, Cosentino’s Silestone surfaces can be a great option. Unlike natural stone, they have near-zero porosity, making them highly resistant to stains and water, as well as knocks and scratches.

Silestone is also low maintenance and incredibly easy to clean – perfect for splashbacks. Cosentino designs such as this one can be used for all surfaces within the kitchen, including flooring, walls and worktops, making them ideal for creating a contemporary and uniform look; for example, when including a waterfall island and matching splashback.

Opting for an engineered stone in a light colourway with a polished finish can also enhance the feeling of space, with its reflective surface helping to bounce light around the kitchen.

Faux real

“A sintered stone splashback can be installed as a continuous material with minimal joins, which ensures a seamless, high-end look, perfect for kitchens with high ceilings like this one,” says Ross Stewart, UK senior sales manager for Neolith UK. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but sintered stone is a highly sustainable choice, too, as it mimics the process of natural stone formation in a much shorter timeframe.

Neolith’s sintered stone is made almost entirely of recycled raw materials and is carbon neutral, making it a more eco-friendly choice than natural stone, as well. Durable and easy to clean, it looks great for years to come. “Stone motifs that reflect natural landscapes and textures are also increasing in popularity – from deserts and quarries to volcanic settings,” adds Ross.

Statement porcelain

Home renovator Sharon Hornsby (@hornsby_style) was drawn to marble for her kitchen project, but cost and maintenance were concerns. So, she opted for Mirabel, part of Caesarstone’s porcelain range, for its resemblance to the marble she had originally envisioned, without the maintenance hassles.

“The trend for using porcelain in our kitchens is, without a doubt, continuing to grow,” says Jonathan Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone. “Beautifully combining aesthetic appeal with durability, porcelain ticks all the boxes for quality and versatility.”

Jonathan adds that porcelain’s manufacturing process allows for the creation of bold veining and dramatic colours that are more challenging to achieve with other materials. For a seamless, wow-factor look, why not match your porcelain splashback with your work surfaces, too.

Head turner

“Properly installed, tiles like these can provide a robust and practical splashback surface while also offering visual interest,” says Fiona Ginnett, co-founder of Hølte. “You’ll see the splashback more than the work surface, particularly when sitting in a dining or living area in the same room, so it is worth investing in something beautiful that will catch the eye on a daily basis.”

If you opt for cement tiles like these ones, you’ll need to ensure they’re properly installed and sealed. If you’re running the tiles up to wall cabinets or a shelf, Fiona advises planning the layout in advance to make sure the tiles fit as neatly as possible. “It is very likely some will need to be cut but you don’t want to end up with funny slithers of tile or cutting into a large-scale pattern,” she adds.

Mirrored splashbacks

“The most obvious benefit to a mirrored splashback is the reflection of light, increasing the brightness in a kitchen, which can be fantastic, especially if you have a north-facing room,” says Pluck co-founder George Glasier. George also points out that it can create the illusion of a much larger kitchen, as the reflection will result in a deception of space beyond the wall, so it’s a clever technique for more bijou rooms.

“The playful reflections will introduce layers, too, while the foxing of the antique finish has a charming, softening effect; meaning the reflection is more ethereal than standard-looking glass,” adds George.

In terms of installation, Pluck recommends working with a specialist company such as Rough Old Glass, which also provided this splashback, as the experts will be able to toughen the glass for splashback use.

Perfect match

One of the best ways to create visual impact in a large, open-plan kitchen is to make the splashback the focal point. “Marble slab sizes tend to be 3m in length, however, to fully convey the sumptuous flowing patterns within the stone, two or more slabs can be cut to size and then be bookmatched for use across larger surface areas,” says Tim Higham, founder of Higham Furniture.

In this project, Tim opted for Italian Arabescato Orobico Rosso marble, which combines rich russets and burgundy reds with black, white and grey veins. A polished finish accentuates the veining. Marble needs to be treated with a sealant because, while durable, it is porous.

The fabrication, sealing and installation of a large marble splashback like this one must be performed by professional stonemasons.

Wonder wall

Wallpaper in a kitchen may seem impractical, but there is a solution. “Fully waterproof wallpaper isn’t a new concept but it isn’t as well known in the UK; which is a shame, as our love affair with colour, texture and pattern continues to grow,” says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

If you’ve got plug sockets that disrupt the pattern, or a cupboard that cuts off the flow, the company can also alter the design to suit your space. “This wallpaper is simple to install and reduces application time, plus it’s super-durable, offering excellent crack resistance, watertightness and impressive washability performance – it can even be used over existing tiles, as long as a layer of fine mortar is layered on top.”

Hidden gem

This kitchen designed by Steven Christopher Design showcases the creative possibilities of using a surface that mimics natural stone – here, the extractor has been cleverly clad in Königstone’s quartz-based Icarus engineered stone to conceal the appliance.

“It transforms the extractor completely, creating the impression of a sculpted, monolithic structure, turning it into a feature rather than something purely functional,” says Joanne Bull, marketing manager at Königstone. Manmade, quartz surfaces are incredibly durable, boasting high scratch and stain resistance, while they make cleaning up a breeze.

What is a single slab splashback and how can I have one? Click here to find out

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