I believe it is each to his/her own. I doubt I will go back to tiles and grout. Glass splashback so much easier to clean.

Does the backsplash need to be interesting? To me it is made to be functional.

Everything dates - subway tiles are in at the moment; a border of decorative tiles was in 10-15 years ago; tiles with a picture was in 20-25 years ago; laminate matching benchtop and stainless steel (flat and embossed) splashbacks have their day.

I love my glass splashback. It is contemporary, easy to clean, adds colour to my open living area. If you want to make it look more interesting, it is possible to use wallpaper behind clear glass, the possibilities are endless!

I was an interior designer and everyone used to ask that question! As Karen says it all dates and I for one will be glad when white goes outa fashion!

Classic colours and styles never date. At worse they just aren't as popular. A white glass splash back will look great for years. A patterned glass splash back will look good for about 12 months.....Stainless is still very popular but glass and tile splashback's are still giving it a run for it's money.

I do hope feature (themed) tiles never come back. You know the one's with a fish pattern for the bathroom or the kitchen one's having a vegetable tile. Maybe that was so you remembered what room you're in........

I've asked our builder to use caesarstone on the benchtops and splash backs - no grout and it flows really nicely! Only a fraction more than glass

I have been thinking of pressed tin, any thoughts, anyone have one now?

The only time I've liked the pressed tin as a splash back was in an old miners cottage that was recently renovated. It also had pressed metal ceilings so it looked great. Long term in a more modern house I'd say it would date.

Any "latest" trend will pass - have what makes you happy - if you need to move and everyone hates it - change it then.

To jbantick - PINK don't do PINK - accents with accessories if you must but don't do permanent surfaces PINK!!!

Pressed tin on an everyday kitchen's splashback is going to get grimy and be a pain to clean. It also is very no your face and you could get sick of it quickly. Glass splashbacks offer the chance for other features in the kitchen to shine, like lighting, beautiful benchtops or cabinetry. keep it neutral and will never date :)

Pink is on trend again, but who can say for how long.

Thanks everyone for your comments, they are great! Of course everyone will have different tastes and function that appeal to them, otherwise a designer would have a very boring job!! Its always been on my mind though. I made acrylic also as they were much cheaper than glass, but come with their own issues as they warp, scratch and deteriorate, especially if you use cleaning materials. As for prints, I did this and it is a very fine line. I have seen the most hideous designs, patterns and prints it breaks my heart. Prints can lift off the glass with the glue so be very careful with this process and get a 10 year warranty!! A waterfall image in the shower for example, looks great for the first day and to create impact, but after a month ? Selling a house with one of these gets very interesting as many try to calculate the cost to replace. Again, some will love it and go for it! Just think hard about the impact it has on the house. Also glass splashbacks have some issues with shattering, especially with companies offering inferior glass based on price. So check how your glass is made!! Thanks again and enjoy.

As always you get what you pay for. If a digital print on the back of a glass splash comes off there is a serious manufacturing flaw. The glass company would be responsible for fixing it. Good quality glass panels are toughened glass and will not shatter with normal wear. The media stories about glass panels cracking were not relevant to AUSTRALIAN produced products. However if the product is manufactured o'seas then it is a case of 'buyer beware', safety standards are not international.

Addit: Using a simple glass cleaner or vinegar & water is all that's needed to obtain a streak free surface. There is no occasion that abrasives should be used on glass as scratching will result.

Our last kitchen had a glass splashback. We were not happy with the colour so we have move to tiles for this one.

Lots of great suggestions. Yes, I think it is only the colour that will date, rather than the glass splash back. Avoid patterns, pictures etc, as you mentioned, not everyone has the same taste.

I agree, the glass itself is very practical as is stone splashbacks. Only the colours will date & really they are a personal thing. A lot of people love the various shades of blue, personally I don't like anything blue. We are all different thank heavens. Keep it neutral, if you plan on selling. Now days you can create any design behind your glass from rainforest, beachy & city scene's choices are endless. Put some thought into it check out some websites and choose what makes you happy from a reputable maker/installer

I have a classic carrara style ceasarstone benches and splashbacks, still looks as good today as it did 10 years ago, so easy to keep clean, very classic