Kitchen Inspiration: 10 Stunning Splashback Ideas
From zigzag tiles to handmade stained glass, these splashbacks will inspire you to try something a little different in your kitchen
Vanessa Brunner
5 May 2014
Houzz Contributor
It’s hard not to love the look of classic subway tile, but sometimes you’ve just seen enough. And as the options for kitchen splashbacks are nearly endless, it’s worth considering other design possibilities for that strip of wall above your sink and stove.
These 10 splashbacks use simple or unusual materials in eye-catching applications, from tiny chevron tiles to painted glass, pivoting windows, mirror and more.
These 10 splashbacks use simple or unusual materials in eye-catching applications, from tiny chevron tiles to painted glass, pivoting windows, mirror and more.
1. Bold chevrons
Tiny pieces of tile in four shades of blue make up this detailed custom chevron splashback. The family wanted something fun in their kitchen. Surrounded by brilliant white cabinetry, the splashback becomes even more of a focal point.
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Tiny pieces of tile in four shades of blue make up this detailed custom chevron splashback. The family wanted something fun in their kitchen. Surrounded by brilliant white cabinetry, the splashback becomes even more of a focal point.
See more of this kitchen
2. Turquoise tile
Small but subtle details make this kitchen stand out from the rest, and its bold, turquoise splashback makes a statement. Clay arabesco tile lines the back of the stove and pet food area, creating flow in this stunning space.
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Small but subtle details make this kitchen stand out from the rest, and its bold, turquoise splashback makes a statement. Clay arabesco tile lines the back of the stove and pet food area, creating flow in this stunning space.
See more of this kitchen
3. Painted glass
Back-painted glass splashbacks have been popping up all over Houzz, and readers fell in love with this kitchen’s bright emerald-green installation. Relatively affordable and infinitely customisable, this splashback material is sure to stick around.
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Back-painted glass splashbacks have been popping up all over Houzz, and readers fell in love with this kitchen’s bright emerald-green installation. Relatively affordable and infinitely customisable, this splashback material is sure to stick around.
See more of this kitchen
4. Translucent windows
In lieu of a traditional splashback, architect Steve Schappacher installed translucent pivoting windows in this loft. Each window opens up into a narrow pantry set right behind the kitchen.
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In lieu of a traditional splashback, architect Steve Schappacher installed translucent pivoting windows in this loft. Each window opens up into a narrow pantry set right behind the kitchen.
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5. Mirror wall
Although the side of this home didn’t offer much of a view, designers Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri still wanted to let in more light. Punching a window into part of the splashback and installing an adjacent mirror helped reflect light into the rest of the space.
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Although the side of this home didn’t offer much of a view, designers Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri still wanted to let in more light. Punching a window into part of the splashback and installing an adjacent mirror helped reflect light into the rest of the space.
See more of this kitchen
6. Stained glass
The architects at McKinney York worked with a local Texan artisan who installed the entire stained-glass splashback by hand. The soothing water-like pattern stands out amid the neutral and simple materials in the rest of the kitchen.
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The architects at McKinney York worked with a local Texan artisan who installed the entire stained-glass splashback by hand. The soothing water-like pattern stands out amid the neutral and simple materials in the rest of the kitchen.
See more of this kitchen
7. Mixture of tiles
Sticking to a Spanish style, this 1920s kitchen has two different types of tile for its splashback. The designer used a simple and more affordable white tile, set on a diagonal, for the majority of the splashback. But a border of more expensive, Spanish-inspired tiles lines each wall.
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Sticking to a Spanish style, this 1920s kitchen has two different types of tile for its splashback. The designer used a simple and more affordable white tile, set on a diagonal, for the majority of the splashback. But a border of more expensive, Spanish-inspired tiles lines each wall.
See more of this kitchen
8. 18th-century brick
This brick surround was part of this 18th-century home’s original kitchen. Intent on saving it, the design team fit a 122cm-wide Wolf range inside and custom designed a hood to fit into the still-functional chimney.
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This brick surround was part of this 18th-century home’s original kitchen. Intent on saving it, the design team fit a 122cm-wide Wolf range inside and custom designed a hood to fit into the still-functional chimney.
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9. Raw stone
Stone helps set off this cooking nook from the rest of the clean, white kitchen in this cottage. Tucked under a curved enclosure – part of the home’s original front door – it looks almost like a cosy cave to cook in.
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Stone helps set off this cooking nook from the rest of the clean, white kitchen in this cottage. Tucked under a curved enclosure – part of the home’s original front door – it looks almost like a cosy cave to cook in.
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10. Textured glass
Handmade glass gives this kitchen’s splashback colour and a textural look, but the unique material is actually smooth to the touch, making it relatively easy to clean. The silver hue offsets the rich wood cabinetry.
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MORE IDEABOOKS
How to match kitchen benchtops and splashbacks
How much does a kitchen reno cost?
Handmade glass gives this kitchen’s splashback colour and a textural look, but the unique material is actually smooth to the touch, making it relatively easy to clean. The silver hue offsets the rich wood cabinetry.
See more of this kitchen
MORE IDEABOOKS
How to match kitchen benchtops and splashbacks
How much does a kitchen reno cost?
What are you working on?
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do you think you can have 2 different types of splash back? I am wanting glass behind my sink but subway tiles behind my cooker, thoughts?
Fantastic article with a varied range of different types of splashback ideas, we love it! However, we would like to remind home owners that are building or renovating their home to make sure to get your grout sealed as the grout can discolour or even become stained from high traffic areas such as the kitchen, and especially the splashback that lives behind the stove-top!
All tiled surfaces such as splashbacks, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms etc. should be sealed. We recommend a grout sealant called colourseal as there are over 80 different colours to make a selection from to match your tiles, definitely get a professional (like GroutPro) to apply this for you. If you've already had your house built or renovated, it is never too late to get your grout thoroughly cleaned, brought back to life and sealed for protection against wear and stains.
Epoxy grout is our recommendation for those who want to replace their grout with a durable, stain proof substance especially with the large variety of colours to choose from. We hope this helps some home owners make the most of their time, money and experience less frustration and stress. Thanks! GroutPro HO :D https://www.groutpro.com.au/
Not crazy about any of these!!!