Kitchen splashbacks protect your walls from food spatter as well as the buildup of grease and cooking oils, as they're usually made with materials that are easier to clean than standard drywall and wall paint. You can quickly and easily wipe down a splashback so dirt and grime don't build up. A splashback can also give you kitchen an added sense of style and even open up the space, making it seem brighter and airier or more traditional and homey. When you're ready to install a new splashback, note a few important tips so you know you opt for the right material and style.

Start with the benchtops

When choosing a splashback, do you consider the cupboards, appliances, flooring, or benchtop? The truth is that you should consider all these elements of your kitchen, but start with the benchtops. This is because the splashback will be installed right next to the benchtop, and the benchtop will look as if it's leading to the splashback itself. This makes it the most important element to consider when choosing a new splashback. You want something that coordinates with the benchtops without actually blending in; if you have butcher-block tops, don't opt for a tile in the same honey color. If the benchtops are a dark laminate, you probably want a lighter splashback so that your kitchen doesn't look like a black hole.

Consider the overall color and brightness of your kitchen

If your kitchen seems a bit drab and dull or has dark and heavy colors on the floors and walls, consider how your splashback can offset this. A kitchen splashback made of glass will reflect light so the kitchen seems brighter, and won't absorb the dark colors of the walls. On the other hand, if your kitchen already has a lot of light and bright, white colors, you might opt for a darker splashback to give it a more homey and traditional look, and to keep your kitchen from looking all white and something like a hospital room.

Consider the size of a smaller kitchen

If your kitchen is small, you want to avoid small tiles and pieces for your splashback as this will usually make the space look even smaller and busier. Instead, choose subway tiles that are longer and which can add width to the kitchen, or choose a single piece of glass for the backsplash. Lighter colors are also good for smaller kitchens; if you prefer dark earth tones, at least choose lighter shades of brown, green, and the like. 

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