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How to: Choose a kitchen splash back

By Lauren Ellis โ€ข 1 Comment

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There was a time when there were very few options when it came to kitchen splash backs. Thankfully weโ€™re no longer living in that era and if anything, weโ€™re absolutely spoilt with fabulous choice. From mirror, to stone, tiles, glass or even window, there are so many great splash back options that have the power to propel your kitchen from drab to fab.

Image courtesy of Victoria Colour Glass
Image courtesy of Victoria Colour Glass

Mirror

A mirrored splash back can look fabulous and it doesnโ€™t have to be super shiny like bathroom mirrors. In fact, there are some lovely smoky grey ones that have a subtler, mirrored finish. But given that mirror doesnโ€™t add texture, colour of movement to a space you have to have a good reason to use it.

One excellent justification is if you want to highlight a beautiful view. Your kitchen splash back may be opposite a beautiful garden or amazing ocean view, or something else that you want to reflect. Another reason to use a mirror is to maximise a feeling of space. If your kitchen is on the diminutive side, a mirrored splash back can really open it up.

Just remember to be mindful of checking Australian standards with respect to the type of mirror you need to install as not all mirror works behind a hot plate โ€“ some will crack and shatter when they get hot.

Window

Using a window as a splash back is such a beautiful idea as itโ€™s such an amazing way of connecting the inside of our homes with nature. Obviously this only works if you have the back side of your kitchen running along an external wall of your home and you must make sure thereโ€™s something to look at. If, for instance, the view is simply that of a Colorbond fence, you might want to reconsider installing a window If you are set on it though you could mount external art or an artificial or real green wall onto the fence โ€“ both options will make it much more attractive to look at.

But, like mirror, itโ€™s really important that you check the Australian standards when it comes to glass โ€“ it can also shatter when it overheats.

Image courtesy of Impala Kitchens
Image courtesy of Impala Kitchens

Stone

People often discount stone as a splash back option because they think it will be too expensive. But not only are there some very affordable stone varieties on the market, the installation cost is less than tiles as there is no grouting required and the process doesnโ€™t take as long.

Furthermore, if youโ€™ve selected a stone bench top you will have to purchase an entire slab meaning may have a leftover piece. Slab dimensions vary, but generally they are 2400mm x 1200mm which means you might be able to get your splash back out of just one slab, making it a really affordable option.

Aside from being super easy to clean and heat-proof, stone splash backs have no grout lines and thus provide a beautiful, seamless look.

Coloured glass

My least favourite splash back option, while there are some great colour choices I think it is a rather clinical look. But there are a couple of exceptions in my mind โ€“ a glass splash back can look fabulous inside an uber modern home and I donโ€™t mind black glass in the right spot.

Image courtesy of Ikea
Image courtesy of Ikea

Tiles

My favourite splash back option, tiles can bring so much texture and life into a kitchen. From the lovely movement and texture of a little mosaic tile to a timber-look variant, large format tiles or an on-trend patterned option, tiles can be amazing in a kitchen.

There are some things to consider though. If you want a really clean-edged finish you need to select a rectified tile for a nice, square edge and talk to your tiler about having really thin, almost imperceptible, grout lines. Some tiles are so well made and straight that you can forget the traditional grout joint entirely and simply have the tiles butt up against one another with a very thin line of sealant between then. This is a more specialised option though and will depend on your tiles and tilerโ€™s experience.

And if youโ€™re concerned about grout and the absorption of food stains from cooking, there are some amazing grouts around that are minimally porous too.

Laminate

If you have a really tight budget and you donโ€™t have a cooktop in front of your splash back (and thus no heat issues) you could consider an amazing laminate or board product โ€“ from timber-look to metallics, there are some ultra-cool finishes out there.

โ€“Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal ofย Silk Homeย and founder of theย International Institute of Home Staging.ย 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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November 9, 2016

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SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: whatโ€™s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป This is just one room fr Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that๐Ÿ˜

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜ Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ› Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ›

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing ๐Ÿ˜‚ 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too ๐Ÿฟ because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Sloan from her UK base about colour and Aussies' relationship with it. (And how's this for a before & after kitchen?! ๐Ÿ˜)

Annieโ€™s latest green hue, Coolabah Green, is inspired by the Eucalyptus trees of her childhood (did you know she was born in Sydney?). โ€œI made it in tribute to Australia and Iโ€™m thrilled to say thatโ€™s been really popular both here in the UK and in Australia. Itโ€™s a kind of smoky, silvery sage green thatโ€™s very easy to work with and would complement accents of Amsterdam Green deliciously.โ€

Sales stats show Aussies are all about greens while elsewhere in the world greys and blues are more popular from her range. So tell me, are you a green lover?

Head to the blog to read Annie's thoughts on upcycling furniture and more. Via link in bio.

#chalkpaint #chalkpainted #chalkpainting #chalkpaintfurniture #chalkpaintlove #chalkpaintmakeover #anniesloanchalkpaint #anniesloanhome #anniesloanpaint #paintedkitchencabinets #paintedkitchen #paintedkitchens #upcycler #upcyclers #upcyclersofinstagram #upcycledfurniture #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #anniesloan #greenkitchencabinets #greenkitchens #greenpaint #coolabahgreen #coolabah
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Comments

  1. AvatarRICHARD MURPHY says

    November 9, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Hi I thought about getting a mirrored splash back but after friends having it done while it looks great. There are a number of issues, it will show every mark, and to place it in front of a cooker like the one in the pic the mess from your pan will go all over it( oil, fat etc) and if the mirror is not sealed at the base it will get water etc under it and the mirror will stain.

    As for tiles to prevent stains etc go for a darker grout if you are using white( or any colour) it looks great and you can make the joins very thin, and you can get the whole lot sealed at very cheap cost this will stop any stains etc getting into the grout and it keep its colour as well for years to come

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