E39 – Splashbacks - Kitchen Design Essentials

Splashbacks can be a key feature of your kitchen and create a real point of difference. In this episode Frances outlines several splashback materials including glass, stone, windows, mirror and porcelain, that can be used, including her favourite – tiles. Further, she discusses how a splashback is a wonderful opportunity to inject colour, texture or shape into your kitchen. She is a real advocate in the splashback being a chance to reflect your personality and create a point a difference. SHOWNOTES: Adding a splashback is a great way to make a statement and inject some of what you love into your kitchen. A splashback is a great opportunity to inject, colour, shape or texture to differentiate your kitchen and make it a reflection of what you love. Different types of Splashback options; Stone Seamless between benchtop and splashback. Unified and seamless look Easy to clean Types of Stones Reconstituted Stone (e.g Caesarstone, Silestone, Smart stone)- It's not something that can be used as a Splashback with a stovetop that has a naked flame due to the resin used in its production. Natural stone is not bound by resin or polymer so it can be used close to a naked flame. Porcelain/Dekton  Same aesthetic as stone for a seamless finish. Fire-resistant, so able to be used with a gas cooktop Glass Maintenance: Needs to be cleaned regularly – may look streaky Can be a bland aesthetic Not as cost-effective as other options Colour changes behind the glass due to the green tint in the glass Mirror Sophisticated Creates an illusion of space, so great for small kitchens. Bronzed or tinted mirror add an additional level of sophistication Maintenance of regular  cleaning Cleaning can also make it look streaky Quite expensive Window Ensure there is a view out from the window (greenery, landscaping), so there is something to look out to. Great for bringing the outside in Maintenance- needs daily cleaning Tiles Adds personality, colour, shape and texture to your kitchen. A lot of variety to choose from at varying price points. Amazing choice and variety to choose from Creates a beautiful point of difference Can be more -effective Grout – can be spray sealed or use epoxy grout that is nonporous and won't discolour. Metaline Great for makeovers when you don't want to strip out your current splashback or want simple cost effective option. Slight reflective metallic finish 3mm applied directly over current splashback. Can be easily cut and installed by a cabinet maker Limited colours Has a similar effect to glass type look Things to consider; Think about GPOs in splashback and how they impact the aesthetic.          Are there any other options available? Do you want to use             Pop up GPOs? Budget, your style, colours, maintenance have it as a feature or not.   Available Services; Overwhelmed by the amount of decisions that need to be made when creating stylish, functional and durable Kitchen? What materials to select, what colours will co-ordinate together, what design is going to best suit space, and your requirements. We offer several kitchen design packages to assist with your kitchen design – be it a makeover, renovation or new kitchen. Click the link here to find more. Get the help of an expert and save yourself from making costly mistakes with a free Forever Home chat. White Pebble Interiors provides the vision and direction you need, offering innovative solutions that will maximise the floor plan, space available and colour scheme. Book a chat here; Related Resources: Episode 38: Kitchen Design Essentials-Benchtop Criteria and Materials – Part 2 Episode 36: Kitchen Design Essentials – Benchtops part 1 Episode 14: Forever Home LIVE- Joinery Drawings and Why Do Them Early On Episode 30: Kitchen Design Essentials -Kitchen Design Layouts and Location Episode 32: Kitchen Design Essentials – The Builder's Insight How to Choose the Right Bench Top Top 5 tips for selecting benchtops