The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Splashback
Understanding the Importance of a Kitchen Splashback
A splashback does more than protect your walls from water and food splatters. It shapes how your kitchen feels and functions every day. The right choice makes cleaning easier, prevents long-term damage, and adds a feature that ties the whole space together. In Sydney and Perth, where bright light and open-plan living are common, the splashback is often the centrepiece. It reflects light, defines texture, and can either blend quietly into the background or become the hero of your design. Whether you are renovating or building new, this decision deserves careful thought. A well-chosen splashback also affects resale value.Once upon a time it was the island bench that was the focal point of the kitchen. These days, it's the splashback and vertical surfaces. These immediately capture you attention as you walk into the room and being at eye height, are the main focal point.
So choosing the right splashback can have a big impact on then look and feel of your space.
Types of Splashbacks: Materials and Finishes
Tiles
Tiles are the traditional choice. They are affordable and available in endless patterns and colours. Many renovators choose subway tiles or mosaics to add character. However, grout lines trap dirt and require regular cleaning. Over time, moisture can stain the grout, especially near cooktops and sinks. Tiles suit those on a budget or wanting a classic look, but they need maintenance.
Natural Stone
Natural stones like marble and granite give a rich, luxurious appearance. Each slab is unique, with natural veining and movement that synthetic materials cannot fully replicate. Yet beauty comes with cost. Stone is porous, meaning it can absorb oils or wine without proper sealing. In hot, humid kitchens or busy family homes, this means constant care. It is also heavy and expensive to install.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone once dominated modern kitchen design for its uniform finish and wide colour range. It mixes quartz and resin for a strong surface. However, recent government bans on high-silica materials have shifted the market. Newer, low-silica or alternative surfaces are replacing older engineered stones. If you are renovating, ensure the product meets Australia’s 2025 safety standards.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone known for strength and beauty. It can look similar to marble but performs better under heat and wear. Still, it remains rare and expensive. The quarrying and transport costs often push it beyond most renovation budgets. For those wanting the look without the maintenance or price tag, sintered stone offers a practical substitute.
Glass
Glass splashbacks are sleek and reflective. They create a sense of space in smaller kitchens and are easy to wipe down. Colour-backed glass became popular in the 2010s for modern builds. The downside is fragility—once cracked or chipped, replacement is costly. Fingerprints and reflections also make maintenance frequent in well-lit Sydney and Perth homes.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is a new generation surface built for both beauty and endurance. It is made from 100% natural minerals compressed under extreme heat and pressure. This process creates a dense, non-porous surface resistant to stains, heat, and scratches. Unlike marble, it does not need sealing. Unlike engineered stone, it meets all current Australian safety standards.Designers love sintered stone for its range of styles—marble-look, concrete tones, or warm neutrals like Taj Mahal or Travertino Pearl. Large-format slabs create a seamless surface with no grout lines, giving a clean, high-end finish perfect for open kitchens in both Sydney and Perth.
What is sintered stone? Read here to discover the gold standard in splashbacks
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Kitchen
Every kitchen has its own personality. The splashback should reinforce it, not compete with it. For **modern designs**, smooth and minimal surfaces work best. Large sintered stone panels or back-painted glass achieve this clean, continuous look. For **coastal or relaxed homes**, found commonly in Perth and Sydney’s beach suburbs, soft tones like warm beige or sandy white create a calm atmosphere. Textured tiles can work, but sintered stone’s matte finish mimics natural surfaces beautifully with less upkeep. For **classic or traditional kitchens**, a subtle marble-inspired pattern adds sophistication. A sintered stone style such as Taj Mahal or Calacatta Oro offers elegance without the maintenance of real marble. The key is cohesion. Match tones between your benchtop, cabinetry, and splashback so they feel intentional.Colour Schemes: Matching Your Splashback with Your Kitchen Design
Colour sets the mood of a kitchen. Light tones make small spaces feel bigger. Dark tones add depth and luxury. In Sydney, natural daylight is strong. Warm whites, soft greys, and beige splashbacks prevent glare while keeping the space open. In Perth, where sun exposure is even harsher, matte finishes reduce reflection and show fewer marks. To pair colour correctly:- Match undertones. Warm benchtops pair best with creamy or gold-veined splashbacks. Cool tones pair with greys and whites.
- Repeat textures. If your benchtop is stone-look, echo it in the splashback for flow.
- Use lighting. LED strips under cabinets can enhance stone patterns or highlight glossy finishes.
Practical Considerations: Maintenance and Durability
Beyond looks, your splashback must perform daily. Cooking, cleaning, and heat exposure test every surface.| Material | Maintenance Level | Typical Care Routine | Long-Term Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles | High | Regular grout scrubbing, resealing every 1–2 years. | Prone to grout staining and wear over time. |
| Natural Stone | High | Seal every 6–12 months, clean with pH-neutral products. | Excellent if maintained, but sensitive to acids and oils. |
| Engineered Stone | Low–Medium | Wipe with mild detergent, avoid direct heat and harsh chemicals. | Good, though not ideal for high-heat zones near cooktops. |
| Quartzite | Medium | Seal annually, clean with soft cloth and stone cleaner. | Very strong but can chip at edges if hit. |
| Glass | Low | Clean with glass spray or vinegar mix to remove fingerprints. | Durable but may crack from impact or heat stress. |
| Sintered Stone | Very Low | Wipe with damp cloth; no sealing, polish, or special cleaner needed. | Exceptional. Resistant to stains, heat, and scratches for decades. |
Trends in Kitchen Splashbacks for 2025
Design in 2025 is moving toward seamless, natural, and sustainable materials.- Large Format Slabs: Fewer joins mean a cleaner aesthetic and simpler maintenance.
- Matte Finishes: Reduce glare and fingerprints while providing a soft, tactile feel.
- Warm Neutrals: Cream, sand, and beige tones dominate Sydney and Perth renovations.
- Textural Surfaces: Stone-look patterns continue to replace glossy glass styles.
- Eco-Friendly Choices: Materials with recycled content and safe mineral composition, like sintered stone, are leading the market.
Real-Life Examples: Inspiring Kitchen Splashback Designs
Marvel Gold - Sintered Stone by Asetica (As seen on Dream Homes Revealed)
They family used our Marvel Gold to create the perfect combination of wow factor and practical application The seamless finish kept the space open and calm, perfect for their ocean views.
Pictured: Marvel Gold
Tropical Green - Sintered Stone by Asetica
For this busy mum, a care-free space was the number one request. Using our Tropical Green she got the best of both worlds. Creating a space that her children absolutely loved, but required next to no maintenance when cooking dinners and the endless supply of weekly school lunches.
Pictured: Kaledonia - Sintered Stone by Asetica
With an existing benchtop already in place, this husband and wife reno team wanted something that could be used directly behind a gas cooktop, but didn't require them to make any adjustments to their back bench wide, due to the 200mm clearance required for most materials.With our 12mm Kaledonia, they were able to seamlessly create a showstopping splashback design, with no 200mm clearance required thanks to sintered stones ultra high heat resistance.
Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Kitchen Transformation
A splashback is more than a background, it is the surface that ties your entire kitchen together. When choosing, think long-term: ease of cleaning, resistance to wear, and timeless design.Tiles and glass remain options for those seeking variety and lower cost. Natural stones and quartzite provide beauty but require care.
Sintered stone offers a modern solution that blends the best of all worlds, style, safety, and durability. For Sydney and Perth renovators wanting a kitchen that stands up to daily life while looking elegant for decades, sintered stone is the smart, sustainable choice.
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