Tiles are one way to introduce some pops of colour in your kitchen. If you are worried about the grout discolouring, use epoxy grout which is more resilient to liquid staining. Also, if you use a coloured grout, discolouration will be less noticeable. If you choose textured tiles with rectilinear edges, grout lines are almost invisible. Using tiles can look more traditional compared to glass or stainless steel. The problem with stainless steel is keeping it looking good. Drip marks and grease are instantly noticeable. Glass is less obvious when splashed. They are both more industrial and modern looking. What about using the same material that makes up your worktop as the splashback? Most manufacturers of manmade worktops also do an 11mm thick splashback and upstand.

Hi Debzip, We used flat metro tiles in three colours in our walls - green at the bottom, a black border, and then used white tiles up to the ceiling ... With white grout used throughout. We happen to think it looks great! It is a vey traditional style, but works well with all properties.

Find out the tile name and manufacturer. Firstly phone the manufacturer to see if they have stock or know who does. Next try phoning other stores for run off stock. Next try posting the size and colour and picture of the tile to see if anyone can suggest something similar.

Thanks for everyone’s help. I saw it in person tonight and while it doesn’t look like it’s fooling anyone as wood, it seems foolish to have it all ripped up (with the additional costs on an already strained budget) and done over to be more staggered. I think once furnished other things will capture the eye in the room and no one will notice it hasn’t been staggered enough. I am just a little disappointed, I know it’s not finished but I wanted it to look beautiful not just ‘okay’ or ’not too bad’. I am am glad I looked at some more grouts, hopefully I can at least get that part right! I am thinking one of these, any thoughts? It’s difficult as all the tiles are slightly lighter or darker so some will stand out no matter which grout we pick. The second one from the top maybe?