Blog

Splashbacks have graced homes and businesses for generations, playing an important role in protecting surfaces from stains, splatters and damage. Today, the market for kitchen splashbacks is larger and more diverse than it has ever been.

In terms of material choices, colours, designs and configurations, your splashback can be anything you want it to be.

Even so, there are two materials used in the manufacture of splashbacks that remain more popular than most others. One of which is toughened glass, while the other is classic quartz.

Take a look at either of these splashback types and there’s no denying their instant visual appeal. But assuming you only plan on bringing one of the two into your home, which is best?

Is there a clear winner between glass and quartz splashbacks, or is it purely a judgment call?

Let’s take a look at the benefits and features of both in a little more detail:

Classic Quartz Splashbacks

Natural quartz is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. It is an extremely tough and hard-wearing stone that can stand up to even the toughest punishment and still look completely flawless.

Quartz is naturally heat-resistant, making it great for use in kitchens and more challenging environments. It also has a non-porous surface that is stain-resistant and will not allow germs and bacteria to accumulate. The potential lifespan of quartz is indefinite and no ongoing maintenance is required after a stone splashback has been installed.

Another huge point of appeal with quartz is its fantastic appearance – most natural stone finishes are timeless in their elegance and sophistication. In addition, each and every piece of quartz is unique in its appearance, so you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind addition to your home.

On the downside, a quartz splashback will naturally be somewhat on the heavy side and could therefore be a little more difficult than a comparable splashback to install. Also, Quartz splashbacks can be comparatively expensive, given how the material itself carries a much higher price than most similar splashback materials.

Glass Splashbacks

Meanwhile, toughened-glass splashbacks bring many of the same benefits to the table. Toughened glass is put through a manufacturing and finishing process that results in an exceptionally durable and robust material. It can stand up to all types of everyday knocks and abrasions in the kitchen and can also withstand temperatures as high as 300° C.

This basically means that anywhere you would be thinking about installing a quartz splashback, you could also fit a toughened-glass panel.

Like quartz, toughened glass has a non-porous surface that is easy to clean and prevents the accumulation of germs and bacteria. Absolutely no ongoing maintenance is required, other than the occasional wipe to keep it clean. Glass splashbacks also have the potential to offer an indefinite lifespan and can be easier to install than quartz panels as they are not as heavy.

Unsurprisingly, a glass splashback will also cost you significantly less than a comparable quartz splashback.

...and the Winner is?

Choosing between the two is largely a judgment call.

With a toughened-glass splashback, you can choose a panel with a finish that looks 100% identical to natural quartz, complete with a much lower price tag and a panel that is easy to install. Not to mention, much greater flexibility in terms of the shape, size, and finish of the splashback you choose.

Elsewhere, some would argue that the sophistication and prestige of a real quartz splashback make it a better choice.

Hence, it is a case of whether you prioritise practicality and value for money over prestige. A glass splashback can bring your kitchen the same benefits as a quartz splashback at a significantly lower price, and is therefore the more cost-effective of the two options by far.

A kitchen splashback is designed primarily to protect the surface beneath from dirt, grime, and moisture. But along with making it much easier to keep a kitchen clean and hygienic, a splashback can create a beautiful point of focus in its own right.

This is where the beauty of bespoke splashback design lies – the limitless scope of options available. Your custom splashback can be anything you want it to be, finished in any colour and design imaginable. You can be as creative and daring as you like, with the option of submitting your own custom graphics or photographs if preferred.

Even so, taking things back to basics with a fairly simple splashback is often the way to go. A splashback can be a statement piece for the entire space, or it can blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. For those erring towards the subtle side of splashback design, nothing gets the job done better than a classic white splashback.

Why Install a Classic White Splashback?

With such a broad range of creative and innovative options to choose from, what makes the classic white splashback so desirable?

Simple and understated it may be, but a beautiful white splashback brings a long list of benefits into play. Just a few examples of which include the following:

• Any large white feature you bring into your kitchen will add a sense of spaciousness and airiness to the room. This can be particularly effective in smaller kitchens, where white glass can play a major role in opening up the space.
• A glossy white splashback can also be fantastic for maximising available light, helping keep the space illuminated by bouncing light away from its reflective surface. This is true of all glossy splashbacks but is particularly effective with bright white panels.
• Universally compatible with all types of kitchens, a white splashback will always beautifully complement its surroundings. This can also make it easier to choose a future colour scheme for your kitchen, confident that your white splashback will continue to look the part.
• The timeless sophistication and appeal of a white glass splashback are also universal, which could help you sell your home for the best possible price in future.
• White is a colour that is typically associated with cleanliness and hygiene, making it perfectly suited to the kitchen. The inclusion of white in a kitchen adds to its visual appeal, without crossing the line into sterility.
• Any kitchen hardware or accessories you position in close proximity to your splashback will be perfectly framed by its pristine white glass. Again, a white splashback is universally compatible with anything and everything you bring into your kitchen.
• Paired with precision-mounted LEDs, an illuminated white glass splashback can serve an additional purpose as a feature light for your kitchen. If this is something you are interested in, be sure to discuss it with your preferred supplier during your initial consultation.

Just a few of the many benefits of white splashbacks, proving you don’t have to get too clever or creative to bring light, life and energy into your kitchen.

Ask the Experts at DIY Splashbacks

At DIY Splashbacks, we know how difficult it can be to narrow things down to the perfect splashback for your kitchen. That’s why we would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free design consultation at your convenience, during which we will guide you through the options available.

From classic white splashbacks to the most eye-catching splashbacks featuring your own original designs, we’ll help you transform the appeal of your kitchen at a price you can afford. Place your order online for prompt delivery, or contact a member of the team at DIY Splashbacks anytime for more information.

A well-designed splashback can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen or bathroom. Bespoke splashbacks can be particularly inspiring, with a limitless range of designs and finishes to choose from. You can even upload your own personal images and photographs to be printed on your splashback if you are looking to improve your home with something truly unique.

But aside from the visual prowess of a toughened-glass splashback, these cost-effective home improvements serve a second invaluable purpose. Protecting the surface beneath from potential damage, a glass splashback benefits the kitchen or bathroom with a supremely hygienic surface.

Truth is, most walls around the home are susceptible to the accumulation of dirt, grime, germs and bacteria. The porous nature of the materials most household surfaces are made of can make them easy to keep clean and hygienic, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Any surface that is even slightly porous can quickly become a breeding ground for the kinds of things you would prefer to keep out of your home entirely.

Splashes and splatters in the kitchen, exposure to humidity in the bathroom – all the kinds of things that can compromise hygiene. The longer issues like these are left to their own devices, the greater the risk they pose to household health and safety.

A Simple Yet Effective Solution

The installation of one or more glass splashbacks can be the perfect way to protect your surfaces from the accumulation of germs, bacteria, mould and mildew.  Toughened glass is a 100% non-porous material, which gives everyday household nasties nowhere to hide. The surface of a glass splashback can be cleaned with a quick wipe and kept perfectly hygienic with any standard antibacterial spray.

Best of all, installing a glass splashback is one of the simplest DIY home improvement projects you can tackle yourself. Made to measure, glass splashbacks are precision-cut to order, and ready to install the moment they arrive. They are no more difficult to fit than any standard tile, using the same kinds of adhesives and sealants as with conventional tiles. There is also the option of screwing glass splashbacks into place in the normal way, if preferred. When the panel has been securely fastened to the wall and sealed around the edges, little to no further maintenance is required to ensure its indefinite lifespan.

Toughened Glass vs Acrylic Splashbacks

A highly attractive and cost-effective option, acrylic splashbacks can likewise provide robust protection for high-traffic surfaces around the home. Even so, toughened glass continues to be regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for kitchen and bathroom splashbacks for a number of reasons.

Firstly, toughened glass is an extremely strong and durable material, which is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 300° C. This makes it particularly suitable for challenging environments like the kitchen or bathroom, where other materials may be damaged by exposure to heat and humidity.

Secondly, the hygienic properties of toughened glass are unbeatable, as the surface of the material is 100% non-porous. Even when compared to the highest-quality acrylic, toughened glass will always be the easier of the materials to keep clean and sanitary.

Lastly, the elegance and sophistication of a bespoke glass splashback are beyond compare. The glossy surface of the material reflects light around the space, naturally creating a feeling of spaciousness and airiness. This can be particularly useful in smaller kitchens and bathrooms, where making the best possible use of all available light is essential.

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

A tile-effect kitchen splashback combines the best of all worlds. The elegance and sophistication of exquisite wall tiles, coupled with the durability and affordability of a classic kitchen splashback.

Today’s tile-effect splashbacks can recreate the look of almost any type of tiled surface with near-flawless accuracy. You have to look close to realise you are not actually looking at a tiled wall, but a toughened glass splashback of the highest quality.

If you are looking to bring the best of both worlds into your kitchen, here are just a few trending tile-effect splashback designs to consider in 2022:

1. Circle Patterns

Geometric patterns remain a popular choice in many households, but creative circle patterns can be even more eye-catching. This is a classic design that originates from Mediterranean regions, combining elegance and sophistication with a touch of innovation. Choose a combination of colours that blends in with its surroundings, or something that stands out as a bold point of focus in its own right.

2. Faux Brickwork

There never has been and there never will be a time when exposed brickwork does not look fantastic. Exposed bricks can be particularly attractive in the kitchen, but have never been particularly practical due to their porous nature. A brick-effect splashback could therefore be just the thing, combining the rustic and timeless appeal of exposed brick with a flawlessly hygienic and maintenance-free surface.

3. Warm Metallics

Metallic tile with a fairly dull (rather than reflective) surface can radically transform the look and feel of any interior space. They bring a sense of warmth and luxury into the home, while at the same time bursting with practicality. This can be particularly true with a metallic-effect splashback, which can be installed at a fraction of the cost of a genuine metallic panel. Dull metallic surfaces are compatible with almost all kitchen colour schemes and designs, making them easy to integrate.

4. Earthy Stones

As with exposed brickwork, natural stone-effect tiles can look fantastic in almost any type of kitchen. They represent the ultimate in timeless sophistication, and can be paired with almost any existing theme and décor.  Increasingly, stonework with a rustic and ‘earthy’ vibe is being embraced by interior designers. All in the name of bringing a touch of the outdoors indoors, which has become the interior design trend of the moment for the modern household.

5. Sparkles and Shine

Alternatively, you could go for something quite the opposite of understated. Kitchen tiles can be crafted to provide just the right amount of sparkle and shine. From the sophistication of granite right through to an eye-catching glitter effect, there are literally no limitations to what is on offer. The same can also be said for a tile-effect splashback, which can be every bit as sparkly and shiny as you want it to be.

6. Two-Tone Tiles

Simple yet effective, this is where tiles of contrasting colours are used to create something of a 50/50 split. How you go about the split is up to you – horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or in a completely random pattern, if preferred. Just as long as the colours you choose complement the rest of your kitchen, the resulting effect can be quite sublime.

7. Magnificent Marble

Last up, a marble-effect splashback can be just the thing for bringing the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity into your kitchen, without the prohibitive price tag. Polished marble has graced residences of distinction for centuries, and continues to be a prized commodity today. Every colour, shade and design you can think of is available, without the heavyweight properties or high costs of traditional marble.

When shopping for a kitchen splashback, the first thing that hits home is just how many options there are. Freedom of choice is never a bad thing, but the sheer scope of what is on offer can be overwhelming.

To help keep things simple, here are seven essential tips and considerations for anyone looking to pick up the perfect kitchen splashback for their home:

1. Budget

First up, setting a budget is a good place to start. Custom splashbacks are available in literally every shape, size and configuration imaginable. You can spend as much or as little as you like, so it is worth considering how much you would like to pay. The good news is that even the most sophisticated glass splashbacks can be surprisingly affordable, so you will not need to break the bank.

2. Acrylic or Glass Splashbacks

Acrylic Splashbacks are cost-effective, attractive and easy to install. With a toughened glass splashback, the same benefits are accompanied by relentless durability, and the capacity to withstand temperatures as high as 300° C. Which of the two is better for your kitchen depends on where you plan to install your splashback, and how much you would like to spend. Toughened glass splashbacks are, in most instances, slightly more expensive than their acrylic counterparts.

3. Design

Your splashback can either be a standout point of focus for your entire kitchen, or an understated feature that fades silently into the background. Popular designs and finish options include geometric patterns, colourful flowers, reflective mirrors, metallic finishes, stone-effect splashbacks and even glitter-sparkle effects. All of which can look equally fantastic, depending on the type of look you are going for.

4. Lifespan

Technically speaking, both acrylic and glass splashbacks can have an indefinite lifespan. With minimal maintenance, any high-end splashback can complement your kitchen with long-term protection and pristine presentation. But as toughened glass is a naturally more resilient material, a glass splashback will usually have the longer lifespan of the two. Over time, this could make toughened glass the more cost-effective option.

5. Cleanliness and Maintenance

For a splashback to do its job properly, it must have a non-porous surface. Glass splashbacks in particular are fantastically hygienic, and can be kept sanitary with no more than a quick occasional wipe. Toughened glass makes it impossible for grease, grime, dirt, germs and bacteria to penetrate beneath the surface, making it just the thing for food preparation environments.

6. Installation

Kitchen splashbacks can be installed in one of two ways. With an opaque splashback, the panel can be attached to almost any surface with a coating of adhesive. If you plan to install a clear or transparent splashback, you may need to fit it to the wall with screws. You therefore need to think carefully about where you intend to install your splashback, and the supplies you will need to get the job done.

7. Future Planning

Last up, it is a good idea to think about your kitchen’s long-term décor, when installing a splashback. Given how a splashback can have an indefinite lifespan, it will become a near-permanent feature in your kitchen. Hence, if you plan to decorate or remodel your kitchen at some point in the future, you will want your splashback to continue looking as good as it does today. Think about how your splashback will look in the future, and choose something you will be proud of for years to come.

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

A bespoke splashback can be just the thing for transforming the visual appeal and practicality of your kitchen, without breaking the bank. Even the most elaborate and comprehensively customised splashback will typically set you back less than £100 – delivery included.

But when it comes to splashback installation, it depends entirely on your preferred approach. You can hire a contractor to fit your splashback on your behalf, or you can go with the DIY option.

How Much Does Professional Splashback Installation Cost?

It is impossible to pin down splashback installation costs to an exact figure.  Countless factors will influence how much you can expect to pay – your location, the size and configuration of the splashback, the extent to which the surface beneath needs to be prepared and so on.

As a very basic indication, you can expect to pay anything from £30 to £100 to have your splashback installed professionally. Compare quotes from several contractors before deciding whom to go with, and check reviews from past customers before hiring any contractor.

How Difficult is DIY Splashback Installation?

In most instances, DIY splashback installation can be surprisingly simple. It is essentially like installing a single large tile, and can be handled by anyone who knows their way around a toolbox.

Of course, larger splashbacks (and those with unusual shapes/configurations) can be more challenging to install than their smaller counterparts. But by knowing what to expect in advance, you can ensure you have both the equipment and confidence needed to get the job done right.

The Basics of Kitchen Splashback Installation

To install your kitchen splashback without outside help, you will need the following basic provisions:

1. Your custom kitchen splashback cut to size
2. High-quality mounting adhesive
3. Silicone sealant
4. A spirit level

If you plan on attaching your splashback to your wall with screws, you will need to ensure the holes have been predrilled in the panel in the right location. It is generally inadvisable to attempt to drill these holes yourself, as to do so could risk the entire panel shattering.

With your tools and equipment in place, the basics of installing a custom kitchen splashback are as follows:

Step 1: Ensure the surface is clean and in a good state of repair

First up, it is essential to ensure that the surface you intend to fix the splashback to is in good condition. Of course, this counts double if you are installing a transparent splashback, through which you will be able to see the surface beneath.

But even if the splashback you are fitting is opaque, a clean and even surface in good condition is essential to ensure strong and long-lasting adhesion. Give the surface a good clean, make sure all residual grease is removed, and tend to any minor repairs that need to be performed.

Step 2: Apply the sealant to the surface

When the surface is fully clean and dry, you can begin the process of adding the adhesive – in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This may involve adding sealant to the splashback itself or the wall, or both. If some or all of the splashback you are installing is transparent, you will need to be extra careful regarding where you apply the adhesive.

Note – some types of splashbacks need to be installed without the use of adhesives (i.e. with screws) to preserve their appearance.

With the adhesive in place, you will then be able to press your splashback firmly into position. Use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly level, and hold it in place for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure you are perfectly happy with its placement, before letting go and leaving it to dry.

Step 3: Seal around the edges

After giving the sealant the appropriate amount of time to cure, you can then set about sealing around the edges. Care and attention are needed at this stage, as your goal is to create a flawless watertight seal to protect the surface beneath.

Depending on your kitchen’s décor and style, it may be better to go with a tinted sealant than standard white. Take your time, applying no more sealant than is needed to plug the gaps between the surface and the splashback. Wipe away as much residual sealant as possible while it is still wet, as it can be much more difficult to remove after it dries.

Step 4: Polish your splashback

Last up, you simply need to give the sealant ample time to dry, before giving the whole panel a good polish.

24 hours or so is usually the recommended curing time, during which it is advisable not to expose your splashback to any particularly high temperatures, or excess humidity.

A Note on Screw Fixings

Attaching a splashback to a wall with screws and plugs can be just as straightforward. However, there are a few things you will need to bear in mind, if opting for this approach:

1. As mentioned, you will need to request that the screw holes needed are pre-drilled into the panel on your behalf in the required locations.
2. When considering the location for your splashback, be mindful of any pipes or cables beneath the surface of the wall.
3. Under no circumstances should excessive force be used when attaching a splashback to a wall with screws. Doing so could result in the panel cracking or shattering.
4. A large glass splashback can be fairly heavy, so you need to ensure that the screws you use have a sufficient size to accommodate its weight.

The same basic rules also apply with acrylic splashbacks, though it may be possible to drill your own holes safely in an acrylic panel.

Ask the Experts...

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the splashback installation process, we would be delighted to hear from you anytime. Call the team at DIY Splashbacks for an obligation-free consultation, or email us with details of your requirements and we will get back to you as promptly as possible.

With the summer in full swing, households across the UK are putting their overdue home improvement plans into action. There is something about the warmer months of the year that brings out the inner DIYer in all of us.  From minor touch-ups to major interior and exterior makeovers, August tends to be prime DIY season up and down the country.

Each year brings its own popular design trends, and 2022 is no different. Once again, this year’s most prolific interior design trends are focusing on mindfulness, comfort and oneness with nature. Not to mention, the incorporation of practical yet beautifully presented features, like high-quality splashbacks.

Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms alike, bespoke splashbacks can be just the thing to bring a touch of style and personality into the home.

With this in mind, here is a brief overview of five top interior design trends for 2022:

1.      Biophilic Design

First up, biophilic design is really just a fancy name for the kind of interior design that brings the outdoors indoors. Or more accurately, connects the interior of the home with all things natural. Allowing interior spaces to bathe in natural light, incorporating as many plants as possible, decorating in nature-inspired colours and so on – all fantastic for achieving oneness with nature.

This is also where a custom splashback can be finished with almost any imaginable design. Go for a plain coloured splashback in a nature-themed hue, or a panel that features a floral print, a green leafy effect or any other nature inspired design that takes your fancy. Your splashback can be anything you want it to be, so even the sky isn’t the limit where biophilic interior design is concerned.

2.      Simplicity and Practicality

Increasingly, interior designers are finding that their clients are more concerned with simplicity and practicality than presentation. They want their interior spaces to look good, but what matters most is a tidy, orderly and completely clutter-free lifestyle. Not to mention, interiors that are as easy to keep clean and pristine as possible.

Intelligent storage solutions and those that keep clutter out of view are particularly important. As are surfaces, fixtures and features that are easy to clean, including glass splashbacks in the kitchen. Research has shown how the orderliness of the environment around us has a major impact on our psychological and physical wellbeing. The more orderly and ‘calm’ our surroundings, the better we feel when spending time indoors.

3.      Nature-Inspired Colour Schemes

Even when the full biophilic theme is not the desired effect, more homes than ever before are incorporating nature-inspired colour schemes. As the name suggests, this is where the colours of nature play the leading role in a room’s design and décor.

From pale greens to gentle yellows to browns to greys and more, nature-inspired colours can be incorporated into a room in a variety of ways. Painting a feature wall, refreshing your kitchen cabinets, painting trim for a pop of colour, or perhaps enhancing the appeal of the kitchen with a beautifully coloured splashback – all options to consider.

4.      Open Plan Design

A slightly more extensive home improvement to conduct, which may involve major structural alterations. But if there is a viable way of creating an open-plan feel, perhaps by simply removing partitioning doors, the effect can be truly transformative, particularly when a high-end splashback is used to create a stunning point of focus for the entire shared space.

Open-plan layouts are all about creating a sense of togetherness and community. With an open-plan layout, the occupants of a household naturally spend more time in one another’s company. No separation when one or more occupants are busy in the kitchen – everyone is together in a shared open space.

5.      Affordable Luxury

In today’s economy, most people simply do not have enough money to lavish themselves with the kinds of luxuries they would like. Instead, the focus for many households has become affordable luxury. What this means is the kinds of decorative and practical features that mimic their sophisticated counterparts, only at a fraction of the costs.

Examples of which include granite-effect worktops, marble-effect splashbacks, hardwood-effect flooring and so on. Practically indistinguishable from the real thing, the best of all worlds is available to those who take a more creative approach to interior design.

For more information on the benefits of high-end splashbacks or to discuss any of our product lines in more detail, contact a member of the team at DIY Splashbacks today.

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.