Here at our Design Studio we love anything beautiful, but it’s fair to say that we are equally obsessed with function.

Design plays just as much of a role in utility as it does in aesthetics and there’s no rule to say that you have to pick one of these features over another. This is certainly the case when it comes to splash backs.

From a purely practical perspective, a splash back is the vertical surface behind a wet zone that requires water tightness to protect the wall behind it. But, we also think that it can be one of the most exciting places to add a bit a flair!

Follow along to see some of the ways in which we’ve added a bit of excitement to this often-neglected area.

Get Creative with Tiles

In this spunky residential project we used hand-painted tiles in the kitchen to add personality to the space. Each tile is adorned with a unique motif inspired by tribal masks and, when displayed together, they have a big impact in this small kitchen.

Alternatively, plain tiles have been used to create a tranquil look in our Soholistic Spa at Ham Yard Hotel. A monochromatic high gloss zellige tile bounces light around the space helping it to feel bright and calm. Originally from Morocco and handmade by skilled craftspeople, zellige tiles have a naturally uneven surface – this tactility works really well in bathrooms.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

A trick of the trade – and one of our tried and testes favourites – is to use a mirror as the splash back. A mirror is impermeable to water and reflects the lovely colour scheme in the room.

Learn more about how we use mirrors in our blog post ‘Mirror Mirror on the Wall’.

 Marvellous Marble

For a clean and contemporary finish, we often use natural stone, such as marble on both the countertop and vertical plane. This creates a seamless high-end look that doesn’t draw too much attention to the wet zone.

When it comes to bathrooms, extending the marble past the top of the sink and the bathtub ensures that your walls stay dry.

Embrace Painted Wood

Why add another material when you can create a continuous look with wood? This type of splash back creates a strong protective layer for your wall and keeps the moisture away. Vertical wood slats offer a brilliant solution here as they follow the curve of the space. The splash back can be painted the same colour as the cabinetry for a seamless look or can be contrasted with another bright colour. We love to play with colour blocking and the great thing about paint is that it is easy to change if you want to mix it up.

So, go ahead and get creative with your splash backs! While they serve an important practical function, with a little imagination they can make a big impact on the overall design of a room.

We hope these ideas have inspired you to take a look at the space above the sink with fresh eyes. Let us know how you have made a splash with your splash backs by tagging us at @kitkempdesignthread.