Kitchen splashbacks are no longer quiet and recessive functional areas but instead are often eye-catching and central features of a kitchen's overall character and vibe. With such a vast array of incredible tile designs available these days there is no fixed “trend” that people are following. Instead, tiled kitchen splashbacks are an opportunity to express personal style amidst often neutral benchtops and cabinetry. From small geometric mosaics that add a funkiness and texture, to super large format tiles that create a more seamless effect. Every size, colour and pattern of tile is now being used and the humble kitchen splashback is fast becoming the hero of many kitchen space.
The following is a brief summary of the predominant approaches to tiling kitchen splashbacks that we have been observing recently at The Tile Depot.
Ceiling Height Tiling.
Traditionally tiled splashbacks have gone up to the splash zone often ending at the cabinetry height or to just below the rangehood. Increasingly we are seeing tiles being taken all the way to the ceiling for a classic and fresh look that really unites all aspects of a kitchen and actually adds a real sense of space.
Kitchen splashback featuring large format Ferrocemento Bianco 600x1200mm. New home build by Pure Homes.
Limited Use of Square Tiles
Despite the popularity of small square tiles in bathrooms and laundries at present, square tiles no matter their size, seem to be in less demand for kitchen splashbacks. Generally we are finding that rectangular or interesting geometric shaped tiles are consistently favoured over square tiles in the kitchen, unless the client is opting for patterned encaustic-style tiles - which are always square. That said, if you love square tiles you go for it!
Artisan Sage Sette 200x200mm. Encaustic style patternered tiles come in a range of designs from classical to contemporary.
They are a fanastic way to really add some character and flair to your wall.
Large Format Tiles
We are increasingly seeing the use of large format tiles to create almost seamless splashbacks. Tiles as large as 600x1200mm can be cut down so that the splashback area is only one tile high under cupboards, or form part of a more seamless bench to ceiling tiled wall. The larger tiles result in fewer grout lines and a more streamlined finish. The splashback becomes more about the simplistic beauty of the tile itself rather than the texture created by grout lines.
Large format carrara style tiles have been used to create this modern sleek splashback in a new home built by Stroud Homes, East Tamaki.
Whilst this exact tile has now been discontinued from the Tile Depot range, we have many large format tiles to replicate this look.
3D Effect
Splashbacks that feature 3D effect tiles demand attention with their elevated designs. Their sculptural surface certainly becomes a centre piece, almost works of art in their own right. Changing light conditions create a constant movement of shadows and texture. 3D effect splashbacks have loads of wow factor and a real contemporary feel.
4D Diamond Deep Blue has both a rich deep colour and 3D effect. A truly stunning kitchen splashback in this Tauranga home that looks fabulous day and night.
Hexagonal Mosaics
The humble hexagonal tile is here to stay. It first really gained popularity as a fashionable and sophisticated form for interiors in the 17th and 18th centuries, with a big revival in the 1920s. Hexagonal tiles have kept reappearing in our interiors ever since, and have been hugely popular over the last decade or so. A strong geometric form in simple classic colours, the hexagonal tile is a timeless design with an inherent contemporary edge. They can be applied to any interior design style with ease. Versatile and eye catching, they make for very stylish splashbacks.
A simple black hexagonal splashback really pops and complements the warm wooden tones of this scullery bench. Mosaix Hexagonal Black Matt (50mm)
Carrara Effect
Like the hexagonal tile form, carrara marble effect tiles have been hugely popular in interior design for many years. Replicating natural stone, it draws upon nature for its inspiration with all the magnificence and elegance derived from marble. For over 25 years we have been selling tiles and throughout that time we have always sold carrrara marble effect tiles. Modern porcelain versions are incredibly realistic and come in a huge range of finishes and shapes, all of which have been used in kitchen splashbacks. From herringbone to hexagonal and fishscale mosaics, to subway tiles and large format slabs - carrara effect splashbacks in all their chromatic variations, continue to be much sought after.
Herringbone Carrara Satin porcelain mosaic splashback by Dijon Tiling Ltd. The herringbone format gives it a real contemporary edge.
Finger Mosaics
Finger mosaics also known as Kit-Kat or sticks mosaics are really gaining momentum in our interiors and look stunning as kitchen splashbacks. Japanese inspired finger mosaics have a long thin appearance, and striking architectural form that adds visual interest without being overpowering. Available in natural stone or glazed porcelain in a variety of colours, they add a thoroughly eye catching and modern texture due to their simplicity and ease on the eye. The ultimate in modern statement kitchen feature walls.
Mosaix Travertine Mix Fingers add the perfect textural element to this stunning kitchen designed by Annika Rowson of Rowson Kitchens.
Photography by Studio Weir.
Geometric
Geometric shaped tiles encompass the many and varied architectural style tiles that abound. Many of the most commonly used ones are often in mosaic form and include penny rounds, mini bricks, fishscale, herringbone and hexagonals, but there are many other styles available. They are usually of uniform colour or natural stone and add a strong sense of design and edginess. The use of grout colour is particularly important as it can take these geometrical forms from a soft gentle effect where the grout lines are matched and quite subtle, to a bold striking design where the grout lines contrast and stand out.
A simple white splashback is given an ultramodern vibe through this hexagonal cube format. Superwhite Cube Mosaic 302x262mm.
Metallic Tiles
Nothing says "high-end" quite like a bit of bling and there sure are some amazing spaces being created with the metallic tiles on offer. The warmer brass and coppery tones are most popular, particularly in fine mosaic forms. They are often combined with matt cabinetry and smooth neutral benchtops. They add texture, movement, life and a total sense of luxury and drama. Definitely a splashback option for the more daring amongst us!
This award winning kitchen & scullery by Cube Dentro for David Reid Homes features Hex Oro 40 Aluminium mosaic. Look at that amazing light reflection! (Only available in-store)
Textured Tiles
Adding depth and dimension through texture, whilst sticking to a neutral colour, is a great way to add some visual interest and a more contemporary feel for the more conservative amongst us. Using softer, more textile inspired finishes will add a subtle fabric effect to your wall without the dramatic impact of the 3D-effect tiles. Many textured wall tiles have a gently embossed surface and are still easily wiped clean. Your guests will not be able to resist reaching out and touching your wall.
The mixed fabric effect of the Brick Text Black 90x300mm makes a subtle statement in this new kitchen and home by The Good Builder.
Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are still by far the most popular format for kitchen splashbacks. Affordable and so versatile, a space can be made truly bespoke through some creative installation patterns. By purely altering the layout of the subway tiles, the character of a space can go from traditional to modern. Whilst herringbone has been supremely popular in recent years, the move towards vertically stacked subways in bathrooms is now making itself seen in kitchen splashbacks. Any colour, any finish, you cannot go wrong with subway tiles.
Vertically stacked white subway in a kitchen design by Nicole Elizabeth Interiors. Featuring Victoria White Satin Ripple 65x265mm.
Colour
Individual expression with colour is being seen more than ever with some rather gorgeous splashbacks being created. Although pretty much anything goes these days, we are seeing blues and greens as the most sought after colours. From grey based tones right through to very deep blues and emeralds, people are loving these cooler more calming colours. They are often most sought after in subway and geometric forms like hexagonal tiles. These are predominantly in a glossy finish to achieve both depth and lightness, and an easy clean modern finish. New collections of large format and very colourful matt floor tiles have started to arrive from Europe so we anticipate seeing some bolder and larger sizes making their splashback appearance soon.
Touch St Clair Gloss 75x300mm
Kitchen splashback designs are increasingly becoming one of the most deliberated design decisions in a home. Many NZ homes are open plan with the main area of congregation around the kitchen, therefore although the kitchen splashback may seem like a small area in the scheme of things, choosing the right tile can be a major decision. With so many options available today there is literally something to suit every design style, personality and budget. And remember that all interior trends are cyclic so don't let what's hot now be the main driver in your decision, instead choose a tile that speaks to your own aesthetic and character and you will love it forever.