Kitchen splashbacks serve a dual purpose: They're easier to clean and replace than a painted or papered wall, meaning that they're a great addition in an area more than usually likely to get dirty--and they also serve as an eye-catching feature, one that has become very fashionable in recent years. Sometimes they're even multi-use!

How to make your splashback a core kitchen feature

Gone are the days when you had to consider just beige or white tiles when choosing your splashback. If you're not sure what to go for, read on for some favourite solutions.

• A splashback of mosaic tiles is an eye-catching way to enhance and reinforce your kitchen's accent colours, as well as to brighten up a gloomy corner.

• Mirrored splashbacks are increasingly popular, and really do a lot to open up the space in your kitchen--particularly around counters, which can often feel cramped and cornered-in.

• For something that serves a dual purpose, a chalkboard splashback can be a great place to note down recipes, shopping lists and favourite quotes.

How to keep your splashback sparkling clean

Once you've chosen your splashback, how can you best look after it? If you're so over having to deep-clean your splashback once or twice a year and you'd much rather it was a smaller, easier job, read on: this guide will help you keep it clean and shiny all year round with very little effort.

1. If you're having a new splashback installed, ask for it to be done using grey or black grouting. White grouting never stays white, and a darker tone will look a great deal better in the long term.

2. Make sure you wipe up any spills or splashes as soon as they occur. The longer something sits on your tiles, the more likely it is to make a mark on the tile and stain the grout!

3. Get a spray bottle and fill it with two parts water to one part white vinegar. Add a drop of dish soap and give it a good shake. Keep that bottle next to a sponge or cloth on a kitchen counter, and whenever you have a spare moment give your splashbacks a super-swift cleaning up.

And that's it! Splashbacks are a great addition to any kitchen--but they do need a little planning and a little looking after. Thankfully none of what they need is difficult or onerous, and with a very little effort you'll feel the benefit to your kitchen right away.