A cheaper alternative to glass is the metaline range from Laminex, and maybe something to consider Laminex launched this product to compete with glass splash-backs. Your cabinetmaker can install it, and it can be cut on site as required to fit around power points etc. The range of colours are obviously limited compared to a paint finish but there are some lovely metallic's in the range - I'e added a photo of our sample folder to give you some ideas. In regards to the colour itself, you could stay with a neutral, but I would go for a splash of colour! as the rest of the kitchen is neutral, choose something that you just love, and will work with your planned decor, and go for it! I would think about putting something on the back of the island bench as well, timber is being used beautifully these days, so depending on your floor tiles it could add a lovely warm touch to your area.

I am making very similar decisions and am thinking of going for a monochrome graphic pattern like the examples you have. No doubt it will date, like everything does, but at least I will be able to change the look of the kichen by changing the colour of less permanent accessories. Gallifrey, I am looking at doing my kitchen in a very similar style and colour palette as yours, could you tell me what the finishes on your cupboards and benchtop are?

Hi Sofia, the latest trend is that all white kitchens are on the out, so breaking up the colour scheme is and introducing natural elements, which is now the trend, is bang on. Well done. A natural style includes natural materials and colours. The thing is what sort of natural. This comes back to your style. What is it? Natural rainforest feel, desert, beach? If you think of your home in this light, it helps you to choose the right direction through textures that you can then take throughout your home to streamline it and increase it's appeal. In decorating we also look for opportunities to add contrast, so I see nothing wrong with a dark bench but here's the other lesson! Uniting your colours is vital. You have a timber look floor and a grey splashback - they are different. They need to be merged. Merge them in your benchtop with a Ceasarstone (which is worth every penny you put into it for the resale of your home). Something like this one: http://www.caesarstone.com.au/colour/6270-atlantic-salt ...Which isn't too dark, has a gorgeous contrasting texture and yet the timber and spalshback hues. Wallpapers are in big time and have been for a while and are not going out. Try picking out a major wall here and there and hanging a textured or a natural themed wallpaper ie leaves pattern, depending on the style, in a natural colour palette to match your floor. The whites, greys, blacks are neutrals - which go with anything. Compliment the colour scheme with Green which is a receding colour and will create the illusion of more space in a small space, and you'll have a natural style and theme. Lastly, again, depending on your style and theme, you'll need art to confirm exactly what these are. I am a customised artwork specialist. Your artwork again, will unite all your colours and create a focal point for the space... and so very much more. Have fun!

Hi Again. I hope I am placing this in the right place. We have finally finished the laundry splashback so I am wanting to show photos particularly to those that offered advice before. I can't believe 4 months have passed since then. Between personal issues and the Covid we had to put on hold for a while. Anyway, we settled on Pressed Tine in a simple pattern which we painted gloss black. My only regret is the white switches and power points (as we never thought would go black), but hope to change that soon. Hope you all love it as much as we do.