The right splashback or floor tile can transform a kitchen from functional to unforgettable. Beyond their practical purpose, these elements create harmony, depth, and charm that define the heart of your home.
If you’re seeking both beauty and durability, natural stone is a wonderful choice. Favoured in kitchens for centuries, it’s naturally hardwearing, fire-safe, and resistant to moisture. The distinctive veining not only brings a unique character but also cleverly disguises splashes and steam marks.
Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or upgrading a specific section of your cooking area, this guide shares our favourite ideas for kitchen tiles and splashbacks. Read on for inspiration, FAQs and tips.
4 kitchen tile splashback ideas
Discover kitchen splashback ideas that complement any countertop. With thoughtful selection, tiles can become so much more than a backdrop — they can be a bold feature, a subtle contrast, or the perfect layer of depth that ties every element of your kitchen together.
1. Intricate mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are for those who view their kitchen as a canvas for colour and pattern. Their small scale and diverse shapes mean you can create anything from playful bursts of pigment to ornate art.
Marble veining adds instant vibrancy, while hexagonal motifs bring rich detail that becomes the room’s statement piece. For a contemporary twist, Kit Kat (finger) or square tiles add rhythm and texture.
The key with mosaics is balance — let the splashback be the star, keeping cabinetry and benchtops understated so the detail can shine.
2. Modern herringbone tiles
Herringbone splashbacks are a staple of modern kitchen design. The pattern’s staggered zig-zag has a woven effect that feels dynamic and layered.
In modern kitchens, this pattern is often executed in bold tones, such as matte black or soft pastels, or with high-contrast grout to highlight the angles.
Set vertically for a striking, unexpected twist, or diagonally for an energetic, graphic look.
3. Chic chevron tiles
Often paired with neutral tones for a timeless backdrop, honed marble chevron tiles add a touch of luxury to any cooking area.
The continuous V-shaped pattern feels crisp and tailored, offering a sleek alternative to classic subway or herringbone designs.
Moreover, these tiles naturally draw the eye upward, making them an excellent choice for kitchens where you want to emphasise height and space.
Whether laid in soft marble for subtle sophistication or bold colour for impact, chevron splashbacks create a polished design feature that feels both contemporary and refined.
4. Timeless subway tiles
Subway tiles are the ultimate chameleons — adaptable to any style, from traditional to ultra-modern.
White subway tiles with black grout remain a design staple, delivering a crisp, industrial edge, but there are countless ways to make them your own.
Lay these rectangular tiles vertically for a fresh take, try oversized tiles for a sleeker look, or embrace colour with deep navy or soft pastels. It’s this versatility that has kept subway tiles at the heart of kitchen design for generations.
4 kitchen tile ideas for flooring
A kitchen floor can ground the room with warmth, guide the eye, and add a quiet elegance that lets other features shine. They work hard too, handling spills, footsteps, and years of shared meals without losing their beauty.
Whether you dream of a sleek surface, organic texture, or a bold pattern, there’s a floor tile to suit every vision. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. French pattern limestone tiles
Smooth underfoot and softly honed, limestone floor tiles bring a refined elegance to a kitchen. From gentle greys to warm beige and deep charcoal, their naturally muted palette creates a timeless foundation that works beautifully with both modern and classic cabinetry.
As well its its beauty, limestone is very practical. It’s strong enough to handle the demands of daily cooking and family life while retaining its graceful appearance for years.
Laid in the classic French pattern — an arrangement of varying tile sizes in a repeating sequence — these textured tiles add subtle flow and visual interest without overwhelming the space, making a kitchen feel curated, calm, and enduring.
2. Sleek travertine tiles
With its organic patterns, smooth surface, and soft, earthy tones, travertine lends a natural warmth to the kitchen that feels instantly inviting.
Whether your style leans coastal, Mediterranean, or contemporary, the gentle variation in colour adds texture and depth while pairing effortlessly with timber, stone, or painted finishes.
Cool underfoot and naturally hardwearing, travertine is perfect for kitchens that see plenty of movement, from rushed breakfasts to relaxed weekend entertaining.
The surface of large-format travertine tiles feels grounded yet smooth, making them as comfortable to live on as they are beautiful to look at.
3. Patterned marble floor tiles
Marble has long been the choice for those who want their kitchen to feel luxurious, but patterned tiles take it to another level.
Think bold checkerboard layouts that feature honed azul and cream marble, or diamond and broken-hexagon arrangements for a more intricate, high-end effect.
These patterns not only anchor the room but also introduce a sense of artistry underfoot. They’re ideal for creating a focal point in an otherwise neutral kitchen or for adding drama to a space.
With marble’s natural veining, no two tiles are the same, ensuring your kitchen floor is truly unique.
4. Textured granite tiles
For kitchens that embrace a tactile, contemporary edge, granite flooring is a standout choice. Durable, stain-resistant, and effortlessly stylish, its naturally rugged surface catches the light in subtle ways to add depth and character.
Matte black granite, in particular, brings a minimalist yet luxurious feel, perfect for contrasting crisp white cabinetry, blending in with rich timber tones, or complementing brushed metal accents.
5. Large-format porcelain tiles
For a busy kitchen, porcelain tiles offer the perfect balance of beauty and endurance. Porcelain’s strength and resistance to heat and moisture mean it will look just as flawless years from now as the day it’s installed, even in high-traffic areas.
In large-format tiles, porcelain creates a seamless, uninterrupted surface that feels effortlessly elegant. Plus, its advanced finishes can capture any aesthetic from the elegance of marble to the warmth of timber, delivering high-end impact with minimal upkeep.
Advantages of using natural stone in the kitchen
Superior strength
Infinite design possibilities
A valuable addition
Low maintenance
FAQs
In most kitchens, 600mm is a suitable height for a kitchen splashback. This is high enough to guard against cooking mess while sitting in proportion with standard kitchen designs.
That said, rules can be bent for the sake of style. Some homeowners opt for 700–750mm for extra coverage, while others take their splashback to the ceiling for a dramatic, gallery-like effect.
The right height is ultimately about balancing practicality with the statement you want to make.
Yes. Natural stone has earned its place in kitchens for centuries. Granite, marble, travertine, and other stone varieties are naturally strong, heat-resistant, and able to stand up to daily life in a busy cooking space.
Moreover, part of the charm of natural stone lies in its individuality. Each piece carries unique veining and subtle colour shifts, and over time, it develops a patina that tells the story of your kitchen.
While stone does need sealing and a little extra care, it rewards you with a finish that’s both enduring and elegant.
Think of your kitchen tiles as more than just a backdrop, setting the tone for the entire space. Consider the following factors when choosing yours:
Style & colour scheme – Do you want them to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry or serve as a striking feature?
Finish – Glossy tiles bounce light around the room, while matte finishes feel softer and more contemporary.
Grout colour – A close match feels seamless, while contrast adds definition and pattern.
Durability – Choose materials that handle heat, moisture, and splashes with ease.
Balancing these elements ensures your tiles feel just as good to live with as they do to look at.
Colour plays a significant role in how your kitchen feels. Light shades like cream, sand, or soft beige can open up a smaller space and reflect natural light beautifully.
Mid-tone greys and warm neutrals are forgiving when it comes to everyday dirt, while darker tiles in charcoal or deep brown add depth and sophistication in larger kitchens.
Your choice should echo the home’s personality — calming and airy, rich and dramatic, or somewhere in between.
Keeping your splashback fresh is simple when you make it part of your routine. To maintain this feature, follow the steps below:
Wipe after cooking – A quick clean while splashes are fresh saves time later.
Gentle cleansers – Warm water and a little dishwashing liquid are usually all you need.
Rinse and dry – This prevents streaks and keeps the surface gleaming.
Seal stone surfaces – Periodic sealing keeps natural stone resistant to moisture and stains.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or acidic cleaners.
Discover your ideal kitchen tiles and splashback
Floor tiles and splashbacks are arguably the most important design features in any kitchen, adding charm, functionality and enduring value.
At Marble Plus, we provide a curated collection of natural stone in Sydney and Brisbane. From striking marble to subtle travertine, discover ideas for kitchen tiles and splashbacks to suit every aesthetic and lifestyle.
Visit your nearest showroom or explore our range online.
