Trend Alert: New-Look, Mosaic-Tiled Splashbacks

Add wow factor to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry with a show-stopping mosaic-tiled splashback – here are the latest looks.

Small in size, big on impact, mosaic tiles are perfect for impact to a kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Use them on a splashback to add colour, texture or impact to the space. Added bonus? As the surface area of a splashback is fairly small, splashing out on those gorgeous mosaic tiles you’ve had your eye on won’t break your budget. 

Read on to discover the latest looks in mosaic-tiled splashbacks, and what to consider when making your selection.

2022 Trends in mosaic tiles

Finger mosaic tiles

Finger mosaic tiles have cemented themselves as one of the top splashback trends of the year. With their long, slender shape, they bring a contemporary look and feel to a kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Select matching grout for a low-key look or showcase the shape of the tiles with a contrasting grout. 

See how our designers have used finger tiles to create maximum impact in the kitchen, ensuites, butler’s pantry and laundry of our Sanctuary Grand display home at Smiths Lane. Here, they’ve chosen the same warm, mocha tone for the tiles to create a cohesive look throughout the home, with contrasting, off-white grout to highlight the unique shape of the tiles.

Unexpected shapes

While square mosaics will never go out of style, today’s trends favour unexpected shapes, such as penny rounds, hexagonals, arches, finger mosaics (otherwise known as Kit Kats), fishscale and fan shapes, all of which allow you to create a truly standout splashback. For inspiration, check out the gorgeous arched mosaic-tiled splashback in the powder room of our Canterbury Grand Deluxe display home at Aurora Estate.

Varying tones of green

Nature is a key trend for 2022 and a mosaic-tiled splashback in varying tones of green is a great way to tap into the look, while bringing a touch of the great outdoors inside. We’ve used them to great effect in the kitchen, powder room and butler’s pantry splashbacks of our Sorrento Grand display home at Redstone Estate.

Marble mosaics

To add a luxury feel to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry, consider a splashback clad in marble mosaics. You’ll find a range of shapes on offer, including chevron, herringbone and penny rounds, in colours that include standard white/grey and more unusual ones such as soft pink and sage.

Zellige mosaic tiles

Square Zellige tiles (otherwise known as Moroccan tiles) are big news in 2022, bringing an earthy, organic feel to interiors. Available in a range of muted, nature-drawn tones such as sage and wheat, they have a glossy, uneven surface that adds a beautiful texture and dimension to a kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

Zelliges are on the pricier side, so if you’re on a tight budget seek out porcelain look-a-like versions, which are a fraction of the cost.

Where to use them

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry splashbacks are the obvious location for mosaic tiles. But they’re not your only options; use mosaics to create an eye-catching coffee or side table, or even use them to jazz up custom joinery or around a fireplace.

Other on-point splashback ideas

Love the idea of an impactful splashback, but mosaics are not your thing? There are other on-trend options to choose from. If you like a simple, minimalist look with zero grout lines, consider porcelain panels, which come in a range of colours, including ones that mimic on-trend concrete and marble.

Or create a sense of cohesion in your kitchen by specifying a Caesarstone splashback that matches your benchtops. Alternatively, specify large-format, stone-look splashback tiles to match the floor in your bathroom, as seen in the laundry of our Canterbury Grand display home at Aurora Estate.

Subway tiles are another option for splashbacks. The latest looks favour out-of-the-box layouts, such as vertical stackbond patterns, which give a space an architectural feel, or herringbone patterns, which bring a soft, timeless look to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

What’s good to know

• Smaller and more intricate mosaics will generally mean more grout, which means more cleaning – this might not be your first choice for behind a cooktop.
• For a more graphic look and to make the shape of your tiles pop, opt for a contrasting grout colour. For a seamless look, match the colour of the grout with your tiles.

A brightly  coloured splashback works best with simple, monochromatic cabinetry and hardware, creating a sense of balance.