Dear Donna,

I have just had a new kitchen fitted but now have no idea what to do with the old tile splashback. It looks out of place in the new kitchen and some the tiles are broken. The splashback is only a small area, three tiles high and 45 tiles long. I would really like to get rid of the tiles completely but I'm unsure of what I could put in their place. My units are oak and I have a light-coloured laminate floor. The walls have been painted in light blue and light yellow. Please help!

Thanks,

Amy.

Our Homes And Property Expert replies:

Dear Amy,

A new trend in kitchens is to do away with tiles altogether and fit stainless steel panels or wood-finish MDF panels as a splashback between wall cupboards and worktops. Most DIY sheds stock a range from stainless steel-effect to wood effects and even marble.

Available to order from MFI is this contemporary stainless steel effect back board, which is very reasonable, starting in price from £65 for a 60cm board. The panels can be cut to fit the area with a jigsaw and will require bonding with heavy-duty adhesive to the wall and then finishing with a sealant all round the edges. If you need to fit more than one length to a long run, you will need a joining strip to cover the area where the two panels meet to neaten the finished effect. This is a job that can be tackled by a DIYer who is familiar with using a jigsaw, however you may want to find a local carpenter who will find this task quick and easy to complete in less than a day. The final result is a much more streamlined and contemporary look and depending on which effect you choose, can blend with most styles of kitchen from modern to rural homes.

Alternatively, MFI stocks stunning glass splashback panels which cost from £25 for a 60cm panel. Contact MFI on (0870) 609 5555 for details of the range and to locate your nearest store.

Hope that helps!

Donna.