How to Choose a Splashback Design
When choosing a splashback for your kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider not only the design and style of the space, but that it also needs to withstand everyday use, be easy to clean and comply with Australian Standards.
DECO recommends considering the below when choosing a splashback material and design.
PAIRING YOUR BENCHTOP AND CABINETRY
There are three different elements to consider when designing your kitchen or bathroom that will affect your overall design: matching, contrasting and coordinating. Before you can choose your splashback, you must decide on which one of these approaches you are going to take.
Matching
If you are hoping for a seamless interaction between splashback and benchtops, take the matching approach and choose the same material or colour for both. This will help create a continuous flow within the space and develop visual interest. This approach is often done with neutral colours and materials.
Contrasting
Contrasting is applied to create a dramatic effect, and often involves using the splashback as the statement feature. If you have a bold splashback design in mind, choose neutral benchtops and cabinetry to create a contrast.
Coordinating
If you plan on using a mix of colours, choose a similar pattern or colour (hue) for all materials. Choosing a splashback colour that matches the hue of your cabinetry is referred to as ‘coordinating’. This approach creates an appealing aesthetic in the space and is the most popular approach out of the three mentioned. An example of this is neutral cabinetry with a white benchtop and white/grey stone splashback.
MATCHING WITH THE FLOOR
If you are building a new home, you are more likely to choose your floors before you choose anything else. The type of floor you choose will either match, contrast or coordinate with your splashback as well. If you have timber floors, perhaps opt for a white or neutral splashback. Grey and charcoal splashbacks work well with polished concrete floors to create an industrial look.
CHOOSING A SUBTLE COLOUR OR GOING FOR A FEATURE STATEMENT?
Once you have determined whether you are going to match, contrast or coordinate your space, you will know if you need to choose a subtle or feature splashback.
If you already have your heart set on a splashback, you can design the rest of your kitchen around it.
HOW EASY IS IT TO CLEAN?
It is very important to factor in maintenance when choosing a splashback material. Tiles look fantastic but are painful to clean. Glass and stainless steel are easier to clean but get dirty quickly and leave streak marks. Think about how much time you want to be cleaning your splashback and you can then decide what material will suit your lifestyle.
RESTRICTIONS BEHIND A GAS COOKTOP
When gas cook tops are used, splashbacks must comply with the Australian Standard for the installation of gas appliances, which is the Gas Regulations AS5601.1. This standard sets out the requirements for Fire Resistant Materials and the requirements for the protection of combustible surfaces. Ensure you investigate this before purchasing a splashback for your home.
DECOSPLASH ALUMINIUM SPLASHBACKS
DecoSplash is a one of a kind aluminum splashback system that is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. There are over 150 designs in the range, or you can use your own image, design or high-res photo for a custom splashback unique to your home. DecoSplash is strong, light-weight and very easy to install, and can be applied with construction adhesive or silicon.
DecoSplash requires very little maintenance and is very hygienic. If your DecoSplash gets dirty, use a regular household surface spray or glass cleaner and a damp cloth to wipe over the area. This will not leave streaks like glass, and unlike tiles there are no grout lines to scrub.
DecoSplash is made of non-combustible aluminium. The powder coated finish is unaffected by the heat from a cooktop. Aluminium is a very good conductor of heat, and is safe to use behind cook tops, including gas.
For more information on DecoSplash, please click here.
