I’m a big fan of using feature tiles as a kitchen splash back.

Their contrast in colour, shape or texture adds interest to a kitchen, transforming an everyday kitchen into an enviable kitchen.

Through the last 10 years there has been a big trend for glass kitchen splash backs but now tiled kitchen splash backs are having a well deserved revival lead by interior designers, architects & trend setters who understand the timelessness of tiles.

Tiles are available in an extraordinary range of shapes, sizes, colours, patterns, textures & finishes to suit all budgets & styles. The choices are seemingly limitless.

There is however an art to choosing the right tiles for your kitchen splash back. The tiles need to compliment both the cabinetry & the bench tops. When designing a kitchen I like to use the tiles as the anchor point between the other mediums or as the piece that ties all the others colours, textures & materials together.

Using Patterned Tiles

In this recently refurbished Geelong kitchen my client wanted something bold to draw the eye away from the original cabinetry & to tie in the new Caesarstone bench tops with the provincial black cabinet pulls. We settled on this range of black & white patterned tiles, randomly using all 6 designs.

Using White Tiles

Wether they are classic plain gloss white subway tiles of handmade undulating white tiles like the ones I used in this stunning Torquay kitchen you can’t go wrong with white tiles. They are ageless.

Using Black Tiles

Black is always in style, it’s sleek & easy to keep clean. Here I used a larger rectangular undulating tile in a matt finish to off set the black gloss laminate.

Using Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles, especially in a neutral tone are good choice when you want something different but not too daring. Here I used a simple white hexagon mosaic tile to give an otherwise plain kitchen a modern twist.

Using Mirrored Tiles

Mirrored tiles like patterned tiles are not for the faint hearted but if you are looking to bring light & a bit of bling to your kitchen these bevelled mirrored subway tiles that I’ve used in a couple of kitchens recently are the tile for you.

Using Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles are another show stopping option that give a kitchen a sense of style. These Carrera Marble mosaic tiles used by a client recently in Torquay are a feature in themselves.

• Interior Designer Kylie Sargent provides Interior Design & Building Consultation Services throughout the regions of Greater Geelong & the Surf Coast in Victoria along with Hobart & Surrounds in Tasmania.