13 Encaustic Tile Designs to Consider for Your Kitchen Splashback

Looking to elevate your kitchen’s style with a splashback that combines durability and visual impact? Encaustic tiles, renowned for their timeless appeal and striking designs, are an excellent choice to bring character and elegance to your kitchen.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a variety of encaustic tile designs tailored for kitchen splashbacks. This article provides a comprehensive guide to these tiles, exploring their historical roots and contemporary revival, as well as offering practical suggestions for integrating them into your kitchen’s design.

Discover why encaustic tiles are making a comeback and how they can add a touch of sophistication and flair to your kitchen. From intricate patterns to bold geometric shapes, learn how these tiles can transform a plain splashback into a stunning focal point. With insights into colour coordination and pairing ideas, you’ll find inspiration to create a cohesive and stylish kitchen design that reflects your unique taste.

Overview of Encaustic Tiles

Encaustic tiles have a rich history that dates back to the medieval period in Europe, particularly in 13th-century England. These tiles were widely used in churches and important buildings for their durability and intricate patterns. The term “encaustic” refers to a technique where coloured clay is inlaid into the tile’s surface, which is then fired to create long-lasting, vibrant patterns. Unlike traditional painted tiles, the colours in encaustic tiles are embedded into the tile, ensuring that the design remains even as the tile wears down.

During the 19th-century Gothic Revival, encaustic tiles experienced a resurgence, primarily due to manufacturers like Herbert Minton in Stoke-on-Trent, England, who revived the production of these tiles for use in Victorian homes, churches, and public buildings such as the Palace of Westminster. This renewed popularity in the 19th century helped cement their place in modern design

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide selection of encaustic tile designs perfect for adding a timeless charm to your kitchen splashback, which we’ll explore further in the next section.

Encaustic Tile Design Options for Your Kitchen Splashback

Heritage Aster Blue

One of our most popular encaustic designs to consider for your kitchen splashback is Heritage Aster Blue. This tile marries the artisanal charm of traditional craftsmanship with a refreshed colour palette suited for the contemporary kitchen. Each 200x200mm tile is a canvas showcasing a delicate interplay of blue and white, forming a floral and vine pattern reminiscent of a Victorian-era garden. The encaustic technique infuses the design with a depth and richness that is tactile and visual, making it an ideal statement piece for splashbacks. This tile is especially conducive to kitchens that blend classic elements with modern sensibilities, often seen in transitional and modern farmhouse design styles.

Pairing Suggestions

• Tapware: Choose classic chrome tapware for a look that’s timeless and reflective of modern-day trends, or choose aged brass to add warmth and a vintage feel to your kitchen.
• Cabinets: Midnight blue cabinets complement the depth of the tile’s pattern, or whitewashed wood creates a lighter, more airy feel.
• Benchtops: A butcher block wood benchtop adds rustic charm, whereas a jet-black granite benchtop provides a sleek and bold contrast.

By choosing Heritage Aster Blue as your splashback tile, your kitchen becomes a harmonious blend of artistry and function. This tile acts not just as a backdrop but as a centrepiece, dictating the aesthetic and transforming the kitchen into a space that celebrates heritage and innovation.

Heritage Aster Green

Moving on, the Heritage Aster Green encaustic tile features a subtle, soothing palette that combines earthy green tones with classic white, forming an elegant floral pattern that gently dances across each 200x200mm tile. The design exudes a sense of calm and natural grace, making it a perfect kitchen splashback choice for creating a serene and welcoming kitchen environment. This tile is particularly well-suited to kitchens designed in the Scandinavian or contemporary style, where clean lines and muted colours dominate the space and where the interplay of nature-inspired hues can bring a sense of the outdoors inside.

Pairing Suggestions

• Tapware: A satin gold tap can offer a splash of understated luxury against the tile’s earthy green, while oil-rubbed bronze tapware enhances the tile’s natural connection.
• Cabinets: Light wooden cabinets, such as natural oak, complement the green tiles, creating an inviting and naturalistic kitchen atmosphere. Alternatively, sage green cabinets can achieve a monochromatic, cohesive, and stylish effect.
• Benchtops: Quartz benchtops with flecks of green or sleek white composite maintain the serene vibe of the tile, making your kitchen a peaceful retreat.

Using Heritage Aster Green for your kitchen splashback will bring a breath of fresh air the space. They combine practicality with the tranquil beauty of natural inspiration. These tiles will surely be a conversation starter, imbuing the kitchen with a refined and relaxed personality.

Richmond Brighton

The Richmond Brighton encaustic tile exudes sophistication with its muted taupe and crisp white colour scheme, brought to life through a symmetrical, ornamental design. The central motif is a stylised floral emblem encircled by elegant flourishes that resonate with the structured beauty of Art Nouveau influences. This 200x200mm tile is a testament to refined taste and offers a sense of balance and composure to the kitchen space. It’s a perfect match for interior styles that appreciate the subtlety of neo-classical or the understated elegance of modern minimalism, where the design can stand as a graceful statement without overwhelming the senses.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Choose polished nickel tapware for a subtle shine that complements the sophisticated nature of the tiles, or opt for antique copper to add a nostalgic feel to your kitchen.
• Cabinets: Espresso cabinets can anchor the light hues of the tile, creating a striking contrast, while warm grey cabinets offer a softer contrast, maintaining the space’s sophistication.
• Benchtops: Soapstone benchtops introduce a tactile texture that pairs well with the tile’s design, whereas classic white quartz benchtops can brighten the kitchen area and enhance the tile’s elegant appearance.

Incorporating Richmond Brighton into your kitchen splashback design invites a blend of traditional charm and contemporary finesse. The result is a kitchen that celebrates the past through a modern lens, offering a space where every meal preparation is an experience in an artfully curated environment.

Richmond Buckingham

Another popular encaustic tile to consider for your kitchen splashback is Richmond Buckingham. This tile perfectly balances boldness and elegance with its striking contrast of black and white. The tile’s design features a quartet of fleur-de-lis motifs emanating from a central point, creating a regal and symmetrical pattern reminiscent of a chessboard with a twist of royal flair. Each 200x200mm tile is crafted to stand out, making it a fitting choice for a kitchen splashback that aims to impress and command attention. This tile is ideal for those wishing to imbue their space with a sense of grandeur and is particularly suitable for styles that range from the drama of Hollywood Regency to the stark contrasts found in modern monochrome kitchens.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Black tapware matches the tile’s boldness, creating a cohesive look, while polished chrome offers a classic contrast that highlights the tiles’ regal design.
• Cabinets: Our gloss white kitchen cabinets enhance the crispness of the tile’s design, making the space appear brighter and more open. Matte black cabinets, on the other hand, allow for seamless integration, reinforcing the dramatic aesthetic.
• Benchtops: Carrara marble benchtops add an element of elegance, complementing the regal appearance of the tiles. Black quartz with white veining introduces additional drama and texture, creating a captivating kitchen splashback.

The Richmond Buckingham tiles are a statement-making choice for any kitchen splashback. They offer a timeless look that can be tailored to match the individual style of any home, ensuring that the kitchen remains a focal point of both design and function.

Richmond Clifton

Another encaustic tile to consider for your kitchen splashback is the Richmond Clifton. This tile features an interlocking design of black diamond-shaped petals set against a pristine white background, resulting in a dynamic visual effect reminiscent of a starlit sky. Each 200x200mm tile is a work of art, offering a geometric pattern that is both precise and playful. This tile is especially fitting for a kitchen splashback in a space that celebrates classic contrasts with a modern geometric twist, suitable for interior design styles such as Art Deco, modern, or even eclectic kitchens where bold patterns are a centrepiece.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Consider matte black tapware for a contemporary look that complements the geometric design of the tiles, or opt for chrome with black accents for added sophistication.
• Cabinets: Our high-gloss white kitchen cabinets can reflect light and enhance the splashback’s modern aesthetic, while mid-tone grey cabinets offer a neutral backdrop that allows the tiles to stand out.
• Benchtops: Pure black granite benchtops complement the black details in the tiles, creating a cohesive and stylish look. Alternatively, engineered stone with subtle speckles can add texture and depth to your kitchen design.

The Richmond Clifton will transform your kitchen splashback into a stunning statement wall, infusing the room with an essence of rhythmic beauty and contemporary charm. The interplay of bold pattern and classic colour ensures that the kitchen remains not only a place for culinary creativity but also a showcase of design ingenuity.

Richmond Elizabeth

For those seeking a blend of movement and vintage charm in their kitchen splashback, the Richmond Elizabeth encaustic tile is an excellent choice. This tile captures the eye with its bold and flowing black-and-white design, reminiscent of the dynamic curvilinear shapes in Art Nouveau works. Each 200x200mm tile is a striking display of contrast and movement, featuring organic forms that seem to unfurl across the surface. This tile is adept at bridging the gap between traditional opulence and modern dynamism, making it a versatile choice for kitchens ranging from the classic to the contemporary. It is particularly suited for spaces that aim to make a statement through contrast and classic elegance.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Gleaming chrome tapware can highlight the intricate designs of the tiles, offering a classic yet polished look. Matte black tapware provides a modern twist that contrasts sharply with the tile’s vintage appeal.
• Cabinets: Satin black cabinets create a sleek and sophisticated look that pairs well with the tile’s patterns, while ivory cabinets offer a lighter contrast that softens the overall design.
• Benchtops: Honed absolute black granite offers a luxurious feel that matches the tile’s elegance, whereas white engineered stone provides a crisp finish that brightens the kitchen space.

The Richmond Elizabeth are designed to be the centrepiece of a kitchen splashback, creating an enchanting visual narrative that is both arresting and timeless. The interplay of organic shapes and stark contrast ensures that the space remains as much a testament to design as it is a functional hub of the home.

Richmond Kelso

Another encaustic tile to consider for your kitchen splashback is Richmond Kelso. This tile is a bold, dramatic statement piece with a stark black background and a striking white circular and floral design. The 200x200mm tile features a modern and evocative pattern of traditional Moorish geometry, lending itself to various design aesthetics, from the classic to the avant-garde. This tile would be particularly effective in a monochromatic kitchen or one that employs colour blocking to dramatic effect, complementing styles such as contemporary, Mediterranean, or a bold industrial look.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Choose polished chrome to brighten the space or brushed gold for a hint of luxury that complements the bold design.
• Cabinets: Opt for jet black cabinets for a monochromatic look that enhances the tile’s impact or soft matte white cabinets for a striking contrast.
• Benchtops: Black soapstone benchtops can complement the dark background of the tiles, while Calacatta marble offers a striking mix that adds to the visual drama.

Using Richmond Kelso as your kitchen splashback tile will anchor the space with a bold design element, making your kitchen a place for cooking and a dramatic backdrop for entertaining and living.

Richmond Shelly

The Richmond Shelly encaustic tile displays an elegant design, with deep navy details forming a striking floral medallion pattern on a soft white background. This 200x200mm tile is a nod to the classic beauty of Mediterranean aesthetics, offering a sense of tranquillity and decorative complexity. Its bold yet traditional pattern makes it suitable for kitchen splashbacks in homes aiming for a coastal, Hamptons, or traditional European design style.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Brushed nickel tapware introduces a subtle metallic tone that matches the sophisticated design, while classic chrome provides a sharper contrast, enhancing the tile’s visual appeal.
• Cabinets: Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s white kitchen cabinets can amplify the tile’s brightness, creating a light and airy feel, or navy blue cabinets can draw out the medallion pattern, creating depth.
• Benchtops: White quartz or marble benchtops continue the light and refined theme, offering a seamless look. Wooden butcher block benchtops introduce warmth, adding a natural element to the space.

The Richmond Shelly is ideal for those wishing to create a kitchen splashback with timeless appeal and a hint of nautical charm. Its captivating pattern and balanced colour scheme make it a central feature that enhances the entire kitchen design.

Richmond Wellington

The Richmond Wellington tile is a standout choice for a kitchen splashback that makes a modern or nautical-themed statement. This tile showcases a deep, inky navy set against a stark white, creating a bold floral pattern that is both captivating and sophisticated. The 200x200mm tile features a design reminiscent of classic heraldic emblems, offering an air of nobility and tradition to the kitchen space. This tile is perfectly suited for kitchens with a stately yet contemporary feel. It can adapt to various styles, from a regal traditional to a bold modern or even nautical theme.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Options include polished chrome for a modern touch or satin brass for a trendy look.
• Cabinets: For an airy ambience, consider Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s white cabinet; for a touch of drama, the midnight blue option is perfect.
• Benchtops: White marble with subtle veining to introduce luxury or dark granite with white flecks to add texture is recommended.

Choosing Richmond Wellington as your kitchen splashback tile will create a commanding presence, establishing a sense of drama and elegance. The contrasting colours and bold patterns are visually striking and versatile enough to blend with a range of kitchen designs, from the classic to the contemporary.

Richmond Highett

The Richmond Highett encaustic tile is another popular kitchen splashback tile. Its bold black arabesque patterns sweeping across a pure white background offer a classic flourish. The strong, fluid lines of the design give it a sense of movement and drama, which is ideal for making a statement in any kitchen. This 200x200mm tile is suited to kitchens with a penchant for classic design elements with a modern twist, aligning well with interior styles that range from Victorian elegance to contemporary chic.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Choose either matte black to uphold the tile’s elegance or polished silver for a classic touch.
• Cabinets: Charcoal grey cabinets offer a subtle yet striking look, whereas our selection of crisp white kitchen cabinets can significantly brighten the area.
• Benchtops: A polished black stone benchtop creates a seamless look, whereas solid white quartz offers a striking contrast.

The Richmond Highett tile is perfect if you’re looking to introduce an element of grandeur into your kitchen space. Its timeless pattern is a central design feature around which the rest of the kitchen’s aesthetics can gracefully revolve.

Richmond Burnley

Another encaustic tile to consider for your kitchen splashback is the Richmond Burnley. This tile exhibits a sophisticated grayscale palette, where black and soft grey shapes interlock to form a floral-inspired pattern on a white background. The design of this 200x200mm tile is a blend of ornate tradition and modern elegance, suitable for a wide array of styles, from a classic Victorian kitchen to a more contemporary or Scandinavian aesthetic that values clean lines and subtle contrasts.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Matte black for a contemporary feel or brushed nickel for a softer touch.
• Cabinets: Soft grey cabinets can complement the tile’s colours, while white cabinets offer a clean look.
• Benchtops: Consider polished concrete for an industrial vibe or white composite with grey veining for continuity.

The Richmond Burnley is an excellent kitchen splashback tile choice, balancing intricate design with a neutral, versatile palette. It promises to enhance your kitchen’s visual interest while maintaining an air of refined simplicity.

Richmond Church

The Richmond Church encaustic tile features a bold, graphic pattern where interlaced black petals contrast sharply against a crisp white background. This 200x200mm tile has a dynamic visual appeal with a modern and timeless pattern. The design lends itself to various decor styles but is particularly effective in enhancing modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens where its bold simplicity can make a dramatic statement.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Choose matte black tapware to complement the bold design or stainless steel for a modern twist.
• Cabinets: Ross’s white kitchen cabinets can highlight the tile’s design, whereas charcoal cabinets provide a muted backdrop.
• Benchtops: Solid white quartz offers a sleek finish, or opt for black granite with a polished finish to match the black details.

Choosing the Richmond Church for your kitchen splashback makes a bold design statement, ensuring your space is anchored with its striking patterns. It provides a stunning, elegant, and timeless backdrop that elevates the aesthetic appeal of the room.

Richmond Coppin

Last of all, consider the Richmond Coppin for a unique kitchen splashback. This tile offers a classic design with a modern twist, featuring navy blue fleur-de-lis motifs and delicate accents set against a contrasting white and grey geometric background. This 200x200mm tile weaves the elegance of French provincial style with the crisp lines of contemporary design, making it a versatile option for various kitchen styles, from rustic charm to modern elegance.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Tapware: Brushed nickel aligns with the grey tones, while vintage bronze adds a classic feel.
• Cabinets: Distressed blue or grey cabinets enhance the rustic look, or white cabinets offer a fresh contrast.
• Benchtops: Grey quartz provides a subtle match, and white marble with blue veining introduces an elegant contrast.

The Richmond Coppin encaustic tile is an excellent backdrop for traditional and modern kitchens, blending historical design with modern sensibilities. Its multifaceted pattern provides a stunning visual anchor that enriches the culinary space with style and elegance.

Conclusion

Encaustic tiles for kitchen splashbacks offer a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. These tiles introduce artisanal charm and revitalise the colour palette of any kitchen, serving as a distinct statement piece. With their intricate patterns and tactile depth, encaustic tiles are visually striking and versatile enough to fit various design styles, including transitional, modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, and contemporary kitchens. They provide the flexibility to mix and match with different tapware, cabinets, and benchtops, allowing for a customised and cohesive kitchen design.

Explore our extensive range of encaustic tiles in Perth and start planning your kitchen splashback transformation today!