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A beautifully designed splashback can bring the perfect pairing of presentation and practicality into the kitchen. But when it comes to the dozens of different splashback styles available, which is right for you?

Truth is, it is practically impossible to go wrong with a high-end, toughened glass splashback of impeccable quality. Just as long as it does not clash painfully with its surroundings, it’s guaranteed to look the part – and serve an important practical purpose.

With quality splashbacks, it really is the case of all choice, no compromise. But when it comes to the more timeless splashback designs, some really are universally compatible with all types of kitchen décor.

From the classical to the quintessentially contemporary, you cannot and will not go wrong with any of the following splashback designs:

TILES

An attractive configuration of tiles has been a decorative staple in the kitchens worldwide for centuries. You can go about the painstaking process of tiling a surface manually, or you can replicate the effect much more quickly and easily with a tile splashback.

Best of all, a tile-effect splash-backs will always be exponentially more durable and robust than traditional tiles. Not to mention, simpler to install with pinpoint precision, cheaper to add to your kitchen and with a much longer lifespan to boot.

With limitless colours, designs and configurations available, splashbacks tower over tiles in terms of pure practicality.

CLEAR GLASS

If you’re already more than satisfied with the appearance of your surfaces, why cover them with an opaque splashback? Why not fit a clear glass splashback that adds shine and sophistication to your kitchen, without covering the pattern, colour or texture of the surface beneath?

A plain glass splashback can be a surprisingly effective visual feature for absolutely any kind of kitchen. The fact that it is so understated and elegant makes it compatible with all types of existing décor.

Plain glass splashbacks can be mounted over any surface, and serve as the ‘frame’ for the work of art below; great for preserving the look of your kitchen, while providing robust protection for the surface beneath.

STONE

As with tiles, there is something uniquely timeless and sophisticated about a stone-effect splashback. From granite to marble to slate to stone, there is no shortage of inspiring options to explore.

Again, a stone-effect splashback has the kind of understated elegance that makes it just the thing for any type of kitchen – classical or contemporary.

Natural stone is easy to bring into almost any type of theme or colour scheme, which in the form of a splashback comes at a fraction of the price of the real thing.

MIRROR

The popularity of mirror splashbacks is easy to understand – once you see them in action. A mirrored surface can be just the thing for maximising the brightness and airiness of a kitchen, making smaller spaces feel much bigger than they are.

Glossy mirrored surfaces create a point of focus for the whole space, while perfectly complementing their surroundings with something surprisingly social.

Mirrored splashbacks can be made with a classic ‘silver’ mirror finish, or tinted with a variety of colours for something a little more eye-catching.

A kitchen splashback can be as subtle or imposing as you want it to be. Even so, there’s no denying the appeal of a beautifully designed, boldly presented and exquisitely eye-catching kitchen splashback.

Quick and easy to install, a creative kitchen splashback can be surprisingly transformative. It can alter the look and feel of the entire space, while providing robust protection for the surface beneath.

The beauty of bespoke splashbacks lies in the limitless range of options available. If anything, knowing where to start can be the biggest challenge of all.

With this in mind, here are just a few ideas for bringing an eye-catching splashback into your kitchen in 2022:

1. A Bright and Bold Burst of Colour

A splashback can be just the thing to bring a welcome burst of colour into your kitchen. Where a kitchen is presented in predominantly neutral tones, adding a splashback in a contrasting colour could be just the thing. A colourful splashback in a strategic location creates a focal point for the entire space, beautifully complementing the surrounding colours and décor. A custom splashback can be finished in almost any colour imaginable, so there’s no shortage of options to explore.

2. Try Marble for Subtle Elegance

Marble-effect splashbacks combine the subtle elegance of natural stone with the robust durability and affordability of toughened glass. Stone-effect splashbacks in general can be beautiful and brought into most types of classical and contemporary kitchen.

3. Go Industrial with a Metallic Splashback

Likewise, toughened-glass splashbacks can be engineered to effectively replicate the look of various types of metals. From steel to aluminium to copper and many more besides, it is an easy and effective way to embrace the industrial design theme in your kitchen. A toughened-glass splashback can withstand temperatures as high as 300° C, so there is no compromise on quality when opting for a metallic-effect splashback.

4. Retro and Vintage Designs

For homes and kitchens with a retro vibe, the incorporation of a retro splashback could be just the thing. Retro and vintage splashbacks can be engineered to feature a limitless range of colours, patterns and designs, ranging from the elegantly understated to the outright imposing. It is entirely up to you which way you go, but a retro splashback really is the perfect backdrop to a kitchen populated by retro appliances and a throwback theme in general.

5. Opt for Geometric Patterns

A splashback featuring a geometric pattern can be a uniquely eye-catching feature for almost any type of kitchen. The sky’s the limit when it comes to patterns and designs, so you are guaranteed to find something to suit your home. Geometric patterns can be particularly impactful in the kitchen, which tends to be a space dominated by horizontal and vertical lines.

Mention toughened glass splashbacks to most and they will instinctively picture their kitchen walls. Combining robust protection for exposed surfaces with undeniable visual appeal, a glass splashback can be great for any classical or contemporary kitchen.

Even so, the practical and visual benefits of glass splashbacks are by no means confined to the kitchen. Impervious to moisture and easy to clean, a glass splashback can be just the thing for breathing life into your bathroom.

Why Choose Glass for Your Bathroom Splashback?

A glass splashback is essentially a large glass tile, which can be manufactured in any shape, size and configuration required. It can be mounted over almost any existing surface as a clear splashback, or finished in any colour or design to complement its surroundings.

Toughened glass is around five times stronger than regular glass, making it perfect for high traffic areas of the home like the bathroom. Not only is it naturally water-resistant, but it is also 100% non-porous. This makes the surface of a glass splashback flawlessly hygienic, preventing the accumulation of germs, bacteria, mould, mildew and viruses.

Keeping a toughened glass splashback clean and hygienic is as easy as cleaning any other glass surface around the home. You simply spray it with your preferred antibacterial cleaner, give it a quick wipe and you are done.

This can be particularly beneficial in bathrooms, where maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is a full-time job. By protecting your bathroom walls with a large glass splashback (or a combination of several splashbacks), you lighten the load for yourself and your family.

All courtesy of elegant and sophisticated installation, which is easy to fit and can have an indefinite lifespan.

What Makes Glass a Better Choice Than a Plastic Splashback?

Plastic (acrylic) splashbacks can be visually attractive, while providing welcome protection for the surface beneath. But when compared like-for-like with glass splashbacks, there is a reason the latter is considered the gold standard.

Or more specifically, five reasons toughened glass splashbacks are the better choice for bathrooms:

• Toughened glass is an infinitely more robust and durable material, making it ideal for high-traffic (and potentially high-impact) areas of the home.
• The naturally non-porous properties of toughened glass make it a superior choice where health and hygiene may otherwise be a concern.
• A toughened glass splashback has a beautifully shiny and reflective surface, which is not only easy to clean but also makes a fantastic aesthetic addition to a bathroom.
• With minimal maintenance, a glass bathroom splashback can have an indefinite lifespan - unbeatable long-term value for money.
  The surface of a glass splashback is far less likely to succumb to scuffs, scratches and damage, which may otherwise dull the surface of an acrylic splashback.

Five of the many reasons why toughened glass is considered the gold standard for splashbacks - both in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at DIY Splashbacks today.

Shopping for a kitchen splashback means first making sense of the different materials available, among which you will come across two primary materials used in the manufacture of kitchen splashbacks:

• Toughened glass splashbacks
• Acrylic (or plastic) splashbacks

To a degree, choosing between the two is as much about personal preference as anything else. They can both look fantastic, they both provide robust protection for the surface beneath and they can both be customised in a variety of ways.

But when it comes to the gold standard of kitchen splashbacks, one of the two is considered superior to the other. While a toughened glass splashback may cost more, it is a small price to pay for what you get in return.
With this in mind, here are the four biggest advantages of toughened glass splashbacks, over comparable acrylic and plastic installations:

Clean and Hygienic

The surface of a glass splashback is completely impervious to grease, grime, bacteria and water. It is a non-porous surface that cannot be penetrated by anything that comes into contact with. This means that not only does a glass splashback repel everything from germs to bacteria to viruses, but that it can also be cleaned hygienically using almost any household cleaning product. A quick wipe on occasion is all it takes to keep a glass splashback sanitary, while at the same time keeping visible dirt and stains at bay.

Heat and Impact Resistant

By its nature, a splashback is designed to withstand fairly heavy treatment. This is particularly true for splashbacks positioned behind cookers or worktops, where high temperatures and frequent knocks are the norm. While an acrylic splashback can offer a good deal of protection, the protective properties of a glass splashback are far superior. Toughened glass can withstand temperatures of up to 400° C, while withstanding surprisingly heavy hits from both blunt and sharp objects.

Cost-Effectiveness

Thanks to its durability, a toughened glass splashback can have an indefinite lifespan. With just the bare minimum care and attention, it is perfectly possible for a glass splashback to last the lifetime of the kitchen. There is little to nothing that can compromise the integrity or performance of a glass splashback, which could provide decades of protection for your walls and surfaces. All of which adds up to unbeatable value for money, as a quality glass splashback is the kind of thing you only have to buy once.

Unbeatable Aesthetic Appeal

The visual appeal of a quality glass splashback is second to none. The beauty of a bespoke splashback lies in the limitless scope of customisation and personalisation. A toughened glass surface is naturally beautiful, reflecting light back into the kitchen to create a more spacious and airy feel. Splashbacks can be crafted in any shape and size acquired, and finished in almost any colour, design or pattern imaginable; a great way to bring life and light into any kitchen without resorting to major renovations.

A kitchen that does not bathe in a huge amount of natural light can be problematic at most times of year. When the dark days and long nights of winter begin to draw in, the whole kitchen can quickly become a dull and drab space to spend time.

Luckily, there are numerous options available for bringing light and life into a kitchen, during even the darkest days and nights of the year; all without the need to resort to major alterations, or break the bank with costly renovations.

Here are five simple yet effective ways to brighten up your kitchen this winter:

1. Install a Glass Splashback
Anything you bring into your kitchen with a glossy or reflective surface will help you achieve the desired effect. One example of which is a glass splashback, which can be great for bouncing light around your kitchen for enhanced brightness. A mirrored splashback is also an option, as is bringing decorative touches into the kitchen with the same effect in mind.

2. Add Rugs and Throws in Bright Colours
One of the easiest ways of bringing a burst of colour into the kitchen is to introduce rugs, throws and fabrics. This could include tablecloths, chair covers, throw rugs and even scatter cushions. Swapping out the curtains for a brighter alternative could also complement the effects, as could vibrant place settings and even more colourful crockery for your dining table.

3. Consider Installing an Additional Layer of Lighting
Anything that casts shadows on the walls, ceilings or surfaces in your kitchen will make the space feel smaller and darker. Eliminating problematic shadows can be as simple as installing an additional layer of lighting, such as battery powered LED strip lights. Simply stepping up to better quality bulbs that replicate the natural light of the daytime can also make a big difference.

4. Bring a Touch of the Outdoors Indoors
Throughout all four seasons, nothing brings a kitchen to life quite like the liberal distribution of plants and flowers. Greenery in particular can create an enjoyable ambience during the winter, interspersed with the occasional fresh flower arrangement. A windowsill herb garden can also be just the thing for boosting both the visual appeal of your kitchen and filling the air with a fresh fragrance.

5. Declutter Your Kitchen
Conducting a comprehensive declutter can also be highly transformative. A cluttered kitchen always looks and feels cramped, chaotic and confined. Not to mention, makes the cleaning process so much harder than it needs to be. The most spacious and airy feeling kitchens are always those with a minimalist look. The less you have crowding your surfaces and taking up space, the more spacious your kitchen will feel as a result.

For more information on the benefits of glass splashbacks or to discuss any of our products in more detail, contact a member of the team at DIY Splashbacks today.

How to Achieve a High End Look on a Budget in Your Kitchen

Transforming the aesthetic of a classical or contemporary kitchen for a more sophisticated look can be achieved in a variety of ways. However, the vast majority of approaches attach a heavy price tag.

For example, you could switch out the flooring for something more elegant, replace your kitchen cabinets or take things to extremes with a full refit; all fantastic for breathing new life into your kitchen, though with the potential to be highly disruptive and extremely expensive.

This does not mean that achieving a high-end look in the kitchen on a budget is impossible. Instead, it simply means you have to be more strategic with your approach.

The Beauty of Bespoke Splashbacks

This is where a bespoke splashback can make all the difference. By opting for a custom splashback, you have the option of choosing from a limitless range of shapes, sizes, specifications and designs.

Irrespective of your kitchen’s current décor, you can have your own perfect splashback designed to perfectly complement its surroundings. Or perhaps, stand out and create a bold statement piece in its own right.

If struggling for inspiration, here are just a few ideas for sophisticated splashback designs that can really look the part in almost any kitchen:

A Blue Acrylic Splashback

A beautiful burst of pastel blue can bring a striking yet soft addition of colour to almost any kitchen. Along with having an exquisite high-end look; it is also near-universally compatible with most types of neutral kitchen colour schemes. Of course, the shade and tone of the blue colour can be adjusted in any way you like, if looking for something bolder to create an eye-catching feature.

A Copper Aluminium Composite Splashback

This is a hugely popular choice for classical and contemporary kitchens alike, which again can complement almost any type of décor. Copper is very much on-trend right now, which can be brought into the kitchen as an array of decorative features and adornments, though there is nothing quite like a beautifully positioned copper aluminium composite splashback to really bring a space to life.

A Rose Gold Aluminium Composite Splashback

Particularly suitable for kitchens with a darker colour scheme, a rose gold splashback could be the ultimate show of style and sophistication. It is a slightly more limited choice by way of compatibility with existing décor, but nonetheless looks exquisite when paired with darker kitchen cabinets, flooring and countertops.

A Black Acrylic Splashback

Perhaps the ultimate in practicality and versatility, there is no kitchen in which a black splashback does not look the part. Understated, elegant and sophisticated in equal measures, a black splashback brings refinement and class to the kitchen, irrespective of its existing décor and theme.

A Grey Acrylic Splashback

The same can also be said for grey, another simple go-to for splashbacks of all shapes and sizes. The beauty of a grey splashback is the way in which the hue and intensity of the colour can be adjusted to achieve almost any effect. Whether you are looking to create a standout feature or incorporate something that blends seamlessly into the background, you cannot go wrong with a great splashback.

How to Choose a Picture for Your Custom Kitchen Splashback

Opting for a custom kitchen splashback emblazoned with a high-resolution image can really bring a kitchen to life. It can also be just be thing to get those creative juices flowing and bring something unique into your kitchen.

Narrowing down the options with an infinite range of images to choose from can be tricky. You can go for something complex or abstract, something completely minimalist or something eye-catchingly artistic. The options are endless; you could choose something timeless and instantly recognisable, or something personal that means something special to you and your family.

Just as long as you are happy with the result, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of choosing a picture for your splashback. But before you commit to a specific splashback picture or design, there are a few important points to keep in mind.

1. Make Sure You Know the Source of the Image

You are unlikely to find yourself hauled into court for using a picture on a kitchen splashback that does not belong to you. But if you do not own the rights to the image in question, you are still technically stealing someone else’s work. It is therefore advisable to stick to the free images you can pick up on sites like Unsplash, Envato Elements and Pexels. This is where you will find millions of premium-quality images covering everything you can imagine, all 100% free of charge and readily available to use.

2. Check the Quality of the Picture

Whichever picture or design you go for, it is essential to ensure the picture is of sufficient quality. Low-resolution images guarantee disappointing results, with pixelated and unattractive image reproduction.

As a general rule of thumb, you should be looking at an image that has a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. This will ensure beautiful clarity and excellent reproduction of every detail when the splashback is printed. Do not rely exclusively on the size of the file, as this is not always indicative of the quality of the image.

If in doubt, ask before submitting your chosen picture for printing.

3. Orientation and Size

You will also need to consider exactly where the picture will be displayed and in what kind of configuration. Most kitchen splashbacks are significantly wider than they are tall. In which case, your favourite picture taken in portrait is probably not going to be suitable. That is, unless you want the same image repeated horizontally across the splashback, which is always an option. The larger the splashback, the greater the importance of choosing an image with the appropriate orientation and size; always remember that the more editing is required to achieve the desired shape, the higher the likelihood the quality of the image will be compromised.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss any aspect of personalised glass splashbacks in more detail, contact a member of the team at DIY splashbacks today.

Installing a splashback can be a great way of minimising mess in the kitchen. As the name suggests, decorative splashbacks are designed primarily with a practical purpose in mind.

They pick up the kinds of spills, splatters and splashes you would prefer not to set into your walls as permanent stains.

Quality splashbacks are also designed to be as easy as possible to clean and maintain. But just as is the case with the rest of the kitchen, some approaches to cleaning are more efficient than others.

With this in mind, here is a brief rundown of five simple yet effective guidelines for keeping your splashback and kitchen clean and serene:

1. Clean as You Go

It is far easier to give your splashback a regular wipe than to clean it intensively on occasion. What is great about kitchen splashbacks is how most everyday mess can be wiped away with nothing more than a damp cloth. Or perhaps, a quick squirt of an approved kitchen cleaner. The same also applies to all worktops and services around the kitchen. The longer you allow grease and grime to accumulate, the more difficult it becomes to remove. You will save time, effort and money by getting in the habit of cleaning as you go.

2. Go for a Minimalist Look

The sleek and sophisticated appearance of a kitchen splashback can be perfect for a minimalist kitchen. Minimalism is a desirable contemporary design trend which basically involves removing anything that does not need to be out in the open. De-cluttering and keeping things simple holds the key to a kitchen that is easy to clean. The less bits and pieces there are taking up space, the less there is to accumulate grease and grime.

3. Keep Your Tools Close to Hand

Instilling good habits where kitchen cleanliness is concerned is all about convenience. This is where it can be helpful to ensure your cleaning equipment is close to hand at all times. For a kitchen splashback, this could be anything from a pack of glass cleaning wipes to a bottle of kitchen cleaner to paper towels and so on.

4. Share the Workload

It is often said that a problem shared is a problem halved. In which case, why not share the workload with the other occupants of your household? You could perhaps delegate the duty of cleaning your kitchen splashback to your child or spouse; all members of the household benefit in some way from the kitchen, so everyone should contribute. Assigning responsibilities so everybody knows what is expected of them can be far better than handing out tasks.

Homeowners often assume that a kitchen can either be contemporary or cosy. The appeal of a minimalist modern kitchen is huge, but so too is the allure of something more classical.

In which case, is there a way of combining the two? Despite the fact that they may sit at opposite ends of the interior design spectrum, is it possible to create a modern kitchen that also feels cosy?

The short answer is yes, and it can also be surprisingly simple.

Choosing the Right Colours

Colour choice has perhaps the biggest impact of all on the look and feel of a kitchen. Even in a kitchen with predominantly contemporary design traits, colours like grey, blue and black can create a cosy and comfortable feel. The same can also be said for the installation of an elegant glass splashback presented in a colour that complements its surroundings. Particularly where a kitchen is predominantly white or painted in brighter colours, the introduction of something darker can completely transform the mood.

Layout Adjustments

It can be tricky to make a kitchen feel cosy when it has an open-plan layout. Open-plan kitchens are fantastically practical, but can sometimes feel sterile and devoid of character. This is where making adjustments to the layout of the kitchen can make a big difference, perhaps positioning furniture and fixtures in such a way as to create zones. Simple touches like bringing in large floor rugs and freestanding furniture can make a real difference, transforming an open plan kitchen into something much more cosy and classical in appearance. It is basically a case of taking a step away from the clinical and minimalist to focus on comfort and atmosphere.

Add Some Traditional Ornaments

The same effect can be created by bringing a selection of carefully-chosen ornaments and accessories into the space. Pottery and glassware in particular can be great for bringing personality into a kitchen, as can vintage canisters and a near-endless range of retro adornments. Swapping out contemporary cookware for more traditional equipment can also make a difference, as can retro-looking appliances and electronics added to your countertops.

Try Adding Texture

The kitchen is not normally the first place you think of where soft furnishings and fabrics are concerned. Nevertheless, these are exactly the kinds of things that can make all the difference in the world, if looking to boost the comfort and cosiness of your kitchen. Plump cushions, thick curtains and floor rugs all have the power to completely transform the look and feel of the space.

Open Display Cabinets

Switching out your cabinet doors for glass panels, or even removing them entirely will instantly bring character and personality to your kitchen. One of the most quintessential kitchen designs of years gone by is open cabinets and shelves, proudly displaying the crockery, tableware and glassware within. The modern minimalist kitchen is all about keeping things hidden classical and cosy.

Splashbacks in general have the potential to be hugely advantageous. They look great, they provide a robust layer of protection for your surfaces and they’re surprisingly easy to install. But when it comes to the various material choices available, toughened glass splashbacks take some beating. Considered by many to be the gold standard, toughened glass splashbacks can make the perfect addition to any classical and contemporary kitchen.
As for what makes this particular material the choice for the discerninghouseholds, key features and advantages to consider include the following:

Unbeatable Hygiene
First up, it’s the importance of good hygiene standards in the kitchen. One of the biggest benefits of toughened glass is the way in which it is 100% non- porous, making it completely impervious to grease, bacteria and general grime. Nothing is able to make its way beneath the surface, making it easy to keep things clean with a quick wipe. In addition, you’re able to use a wide variety of cleaning products with toughened glass, without risking damaging the material. It is therefore one of the most hygienic choices for the kitchen, where bacteria and germs could build quickly on other materials.

Heat and Impact Resistant
The average kitchen is a pretty heavy-duty place, where surfaces and wall coverings are put through their paces. High temperatures, sharp objects, rapid temperature changes - all things that have the potential to take a toll on most surface materials.
With toughened glass, you are looking at a protective coating with the resistance of up to 400° C. It is also an extremely durable material, which won’t crack or chip when occasionally bashed with a pot or pan. In fact, the likelihood of damaging a toughened kitchen splashback while going about your daily business is practically zero.

Long-Term Value for Money
With little to no maintenance required, a good glass splashback has the potential to last a lifetime. This makes it one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can perform in your kitchen, in terms of long-term value for money.
Toughened glass splashbacks are easy to fit, with no specialist tools or equipment required, after which, it takes little more than an occasional wipe to
keep your splashback in pristine condition. Choose the highest-quality splashback for your kitchen and it could still be doing its job and looking great
decades from now.

Aesthetic Appeal
Last up, the aesthetic appeal of a quality kitchen splashback is undeniable. This counts double where custom splashbacks are concerned, which can be personalised in a variety of ways to suit your home. Elegant, sophisticated and timeless, glass splashbacks can bring a touch of luxury into any kitchen. All coupled with the kind of practicality that can make all the difference, in what tends to be the highest-traffic room of the entire home.