There are many elements in the kitchen that add value to the space, major contributing design factors to the room’s practicality and aesthetics, however a surprisingly useful element is the splashback. A splashback, refers to the area of wall at the back of the worktop – or rather the material used to protect it. Splashbacks play an important role in modern luxury kitchen design, especially behind sinks and hobs, as these are the splash-zones for soap suds and general kitchen usage.
However, today’s kitchen splashbacks are far more than just a practical way to protect walls – they are also an excellent design tool to elevate your luxury kitchen to the next level. So, time to bid farewell to plain white tiles and embrace luxury, premium materials for a bespoke kitchen splashback that makes a statement.
Make It Marble
Is there anything more luxe than a marble splashback? We think not. Whether you prefer whispery gold and green streaks or a book matched black and white stone, a bespoke marble splashback is chic yet utterly timeless. This sophisticated stone will take a plain kitchen from bland to beautiful in an instant. Its luxury associations and cool good looks will instantly elevate any kitchen units – and provide a further layer of sophistication. In our Berkeley Kitchen, the modern design gets a serious upgrade thanks to the striking statement marble. The richly veined stone stretches to the ceiling and wraps around the monolithic kitchen island for maximum marble drenching. If you can overlook the potential imperfections that marble may acquire, it will imbue your kitchen with character that manufactured materials just don’t have. For a kitchen that’s truly on-point style-wise, you can’t go far wrong with marble.
Mirror, Mirror
There is something incredibly atmospheric about an antiqued mirror splashback. Perhaps it is the elegant mood that a gently worn mirrored panels bring to a bespoke kitchen. Or perhaps it’s because mirrored surfaces are more widely used in other rooms in the house, the more relaxed, non-functional spaces in our home. Mirrored glass is also excellent for reflecting light into the heart of your kitchen space. This can prove especially beneficial in a rear extension like our Hoxton Project where the bespoke kitchen is set at the middle of the space, away from windows. Mirrored glass splashbacks can also be cut to any size, and they’re scratch resistant and, being toughened, safe for use in a busy kitchen. ‘Antiqued or foxed mirrored glass splashbacks are more decorative than plain mirror, and the ever changing patina helps conceal marks on the glass so they’re lower maintenance, too,’ adds Senior Project Coordinator, Nikita Malhotra.
Stainless Steel
We’ve noticed a real upward spike in stainless steel kitchens since we first reported on the trend; it seems that it’s here to stay and with good reason. With the look and feel of a professional chef’s kitchen, it feels luxe and high-end and can help a kitchen feel both modern and classic. Practically, stainless steel is durable and hygienic both fantastic qualities for a lasting kitchen both aesthetically but also to stand the test of time. It’s hard-wearing and durable, withstanding the rigors of daily use. It can also withstand high temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about a hot pan damaging or marking your backsplash. Seen here in our Manhattan Kitchen it perfects the edgy, urban feel, that this kitchen design offers, the industrial vibe is enhanced by the gleaming stainless steel splashback complementing perfectly the hi-tech cooking equipment.
Timeless Tiles
Tiles are typically used to be functional, confined to modern kitchen backsplash ideas. But this is by no means the extent of their potential. Consider this kitchen backsplash if you want to personalise your home especially with more distinctive designs, if chosen well this can tell a lovely story. If you’re looking to elevate your kitchen, consider adding dainty patterns on tiles that can soften the inevitable hard corners of the countertop and kitchen storage. The natural variation in colour and the organic surface will bring a warm, charming energy into the space. The shapes and colours you choose can make all the difference in turning a room into a place of rest and respite. For the Liberty Kitchen, tiling was used to accentuate the kitchen’s focal point. ‘Our client was passionate about the character of this space,’ explains Senior Designer Lois Riley. ‘They wanted to incorporate a beautiful AGA, and we really wanted to make a feature of it’
Consider Quartz
We’ve never loved quartz more. While shiny tiles and antique glass can be a tad busy for some, a splashback clad in quartz is luxe, understated and wonderfully organic. In our bespoke Soho Kitchen, the Caesarstone quartz splashback offers a striking contrast to the clean lines of our hand-crafted cupboards. It’s the perfect partner for the hand-crafted oak cabinets and beautiful rich tile finishes, the total epitome of low key luxe. As always when you’re planning a kitchen update, it’s important to think about the room’s longevity. A modern kitchen backsplash lasts a long time, therefore it’s key to make it as versatile as possible so you can update it as your tastes evolve.
Go Glass
Are white tiles the only option for a kitchen splashback in a minimalist kitchen? It’s a question we’re asked quite frequently, and the answer is certainly not. Although glass is perhaps not the first material you think of for your splashback, this unapologetically industrial texture can spark a refined joy into every kitchen design. Glass splashbacks are a great option, as featured in our Elgin Project. Sleek panels of glass enhance the slick, clutter-free silhouette and create a tough, easy clean surface. This neat and modern urban kitchen has been designed not to dominate the open living space or conflict with the beauty of the period architecture. That’s why glass splashbacks are ideal for a space that shouldn’t be dominated by texture and we adore the slick white-on-white look, for a beautiful bespoke kitchen that will never date.
Take a tour of all our Kitchen Collections and discover the formidable design cohesion and expert attention to detail that you can expect from Mowlem and Co.
We have showrooms in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne and on the Kings Road in London, and we welcome you in to discuss any of your design ideas in the kitchen and beyond.