Congratulations. It's a very stylish kitchen, you have. You could stick with the black and white look and use white tiles, such as small white round mosaics, for a clean look. Search for penny round tiles for ideas. Or if you'd like to add colour, reddish tones would work well. Blue-greens and teals are very popular at the moment but I think they will date. Red is a more classic choice with black and white. We used a dark purple-red glass splashback for this kitchen with Caesarstone Calacatta benches and dark brown and off white laminate. Good luck, and post pictures when you've completed the splashback. Regards Jane McDougall alsoCAN architects 1/52 Burnley Street Richmond V3121 Ph: 9421 3433 Fx: 9421 3433 Mb: 0413 332 874 www.alsocan.com.au

I agree that it's hard to choose the style without seeing the rest of the house but that a charcoal colour (same as the island cupboards) would tie in best with the colour scheme you have. Depending on the look of the house you have a lot of options to choose from and a lot depends on personal taste or budget. Glass is easy to keep clean and is a modern look if you are not wanting to draw attention to the splashback. Mirror (plain - modern or distressed - character) is lovely if you have something nice reflected in it. If the kitchen is messy though, it doubles the mess. Subway tiles (regular or irregular, tiled in brick format or herringbone) are always a lovely classic choice - but be mindful of grout issues. Arabesque or patterned tiles add more character if you're after tiles with a wow factor. I personally love stone, marble or quartz for an elegant, timeless look and in a charcoal or grey with veins I think would look stunning with the lamps as well as tying in the white and grey cabinetry. You can also do marble tiles that are a little less exxy than a slab although in the end I was surprised that the marble didn't cost much more than the caesarstone. Choices, choices!! Good luck. Your kitchen looks lovely!

Ali your kitchen looks amazing. The colours are wonderful. I have a question for you about the Rugged Concrete. I’m thinking of using it on our island bench but I’m a little worried about finger marks and cleaning. I’ve read lots of bad reports about the other Caesarstone concretes like Fresh,Raw and Sleek. And I’m hoping Rugged Concrete is easy to clean. How is yours now that you’ve had it for a little while?

The benchtop in the kitchen is the hero piece. Go neutral so you don't draw attention away from the benchtop into the butlers pantry. The splashback is usually well hidden in a butlers pantry by things on the benchtop. You have enough happening already without adding yet another feature. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls