2nd Jun 2023
8 Of The Best Kitchen Splashback Ideas For NZ Homes
Feel like your kitchen could do with a lift? Updating your splashback can be a quick fix that isn't too costly but adds a big impact to your kitchen. With such a wide range of colours and designs being available,kitchen splashback tiles are becoming a popular choice, as stainless steel and glass splashbacks are slowly falling out of fashion, and it’s easy to see why. A tiled splashback is low maintenance, easy to clean, and cost-effective. Plus, there are so many options to choose from; decorative and geometric patterns, marble and concrete look slabs, and much, much more.
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At Tile Space, we are all about beautiful, contemporary kitchen design. Our interior designers and tile experts have worked together to curate eight of the most popular, stylish and practical kitchen splashback ideas in NZ at the moment to inspire you in your renovation or new build project.
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But that’s not all; we’ve taken the time to answer some of the biggest questions you’ll come across when it comes to styling or selecting splashback tiles. So, let’s get started!
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The 8 Splashback Tile Ideas We Absolutely Love
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1. Finger Tiles/Kit Kat Tiles For Splashbacks
Yubi Blossom Gloss Finger Mosaic
Get ready to fall in love with finger mosaic tiles! Sleek and slim, these tiny tiles are taking the design world by storm. You can call them finger tiles, mosaics or kit kat tiles, but one thing's for sure - they're absolutely stunning.
Perfect for kitchen splashbacks, these tiles are roughly the size of a kit-kat- how cute is that? Don't be fooled by their small size, though - they pack a serious design punch.
With a huge range of colours and tones to choose from, you can easily incorporate them into any interior style, from modern minimalism to heavenly heritage homes or dramatic new builds.
Here are a few more of our favourite finger tiles for splashbacks.
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Want to know more about mosaic tiles? Take a look at this comprehensive beginner’s guide, or check out our 2023 mosaic trend predictions.
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2. Vertically-Stacked Splashback Tiles
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Vertically stacked tiles like our Artisan White Gloss 6.5x20 are a great choice for kitchen splashbacks as they create an illusion of space.
The sleek lines of the vertical stack can elongate the kitchen, making it look taller and more spacious. This is perfect for those who want to make their kitchen splashback stand out without compromising on the size of their kitchen spaces.
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3. Textured Effect/ 3D Splashback Tiles
Costa Onda Tansy Green Matt 5x20
Splashbacks featuring 3D effect tiles, like our Costa Onda Tansy Green Matt, are sure to draw attention with their elevated designs.
Their sculptural surface is a true work of art. With the ability to bounce light off their surface, 3D tiles can create a mesmerizing play of shadows and texture.
Explore our textured/ 3D tile collection here.
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4. Rustic, Stone-Look And Handmade Splashback Tiles
Stone-look and handmade-look tiles are perfect for rustic-style kitchens with their combination of earthy colours and textures.
Above pattern, colour and, shape, texture reigns supreme with rustic tiles like our Village Mushroom Gloss and Rewind Polvere.
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5. Slab Tile Splashback For A Matte Black Kitchen Design
Metaline Iron Matt 120x260 6mm
For a modern kitchen that’s sophisticated and sleek, go for dramatic slab tile splashback in matte black using our Metaline Iron Matt 120x260 6mm.
If you want a bit of variation, swap the Metaline Iron Matt with our Marvel Noir Polish 75x150 - an impressive black marble-look tile in XL Format.
Featured Guide: How to Create Stunning Looks with Large Tiles in Your Home
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6. Unique Backsplash Tile Looks
Add some drama to your backsplash by incorporating unique tiles ranging from trendy terrazzo to charming handmade-look tiles.
Terrazzo tiles like our Medley Green Classic 60 are trending right now, as they add a contemporary edge to any kitchen. Meanwhile, handmade-look tiles like theFika Bianco Matt strike a balance between classic and contemporary.
Featured: Top 7 Kitchen Tile Trends In New Zealand for 2023
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7. Bold-Coloured Splashback Tiles
Vibe In Newport Green Matt 6.5x20
Not a fan of a classic white kitchen? Then it’s good news for you because colourful kitchens are in! This Newport Green Matt tile is a great example of how you can use tile to bring a pop of colour into the kitchen. The variation and texture work to make the colour blocking feel organic without losing any of its punch.
Here are three favourites from our range of colourful kitchen tiles.
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8. Art Deco and Geometric Splashback Tiles
Get creative with your backsplash and add a unique statement to your kitchen by choosing from our art deco range which includes geometric patterns like this gorgeous Mat & More Deco White tile.
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Styling Kitchen Splashback Tiles: Quick Facts Answered By Interior Designer
Our interior designer, Moet Walker, answers some of the biggest questions related to styling splashbacks with tile.
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What is the cheapest splashback option?
Ceramic subway tile is the most affordable splashback option for both purchase and installation. Check out this guide on how to freshen up your backsplash with subway tiles.
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What are the best kitchen splashbacks?
There is no right or wrong, you can have fun with kitchen splashbacks or play it safe and do something timeless. Generally, your best option is a porcelain or ceramic tile for splashbacks and avoid natural stone as they are harder to maintain.
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What is the easiest backsplash to install?
Probably a bigger tile such as 300x600 or 600x600 although it is rare to see these used as splashbacks, but this will depend on your tiler as to what they find ‘easiest’.
Most tilers in New Zealand are so used to installing subway tiles that this is easy for them. If you want easiest being a bigger tile but still want to have the look of a smaller tile here are some options.
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What is on trend for splashbacks?
Finger tiles / kit kat tiles are a great, on-trend splashback option. These have been hugely on trend in New Zealand along with anything with vertical lines. Handmade-look tiles are also a popular option for all homes.
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Should Splashback match the benchtop?
Not necessarily, it’s actually quite hard to ‘match’ a tile to the benchtop the best thing to do is,
#1 Decide what look you want whether that is complimentary (works with the benchtop tones), or
#2 If you want it to contrast (be bold in colour or complete opposite ie black vs white)
Check out: The Beginner’s Guide to Kitchen Tiles
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Should the backsplash be lighter or darker than the walls?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, some people like to keep it all cohesive while some like to create a feature wall for the splashback.
If you want to create a cohesive look you could use tiles in all similar tones, whether they are light or dark. If you want to create a feature wall, for the splashback, you would do the opposite (i.e. white walls with green tiles as shown here)
Artisan Moss Green Gloss 6.5x20
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Should the backsplash go around the entire kitchen?
This is a personal preference, most commonly yes we see people doing the whole splashback around the bench and right up to the cabinetry or ceiling. If you are wanting to cut costs you can do smaller areas, discuss what will look best in your space with a tile space design consultant. Book a complimentary consultation right here.
Liked these kitchen splashback ideas? Head over to our tile collection to start shopping! You can also get in touch with our team of tile experts for more ideas and advice.
Visit our kitchen tile inspiration page for more beautiful tile ideas.
