In this design series, we'll take a detailed look at successful kitchen countertop and backsplash combinations and examine the reasons why they work so well together.
As an interior designer, whenever I begin a kitchen design project, my clients inevitably ask me the following questions: What countertop and backsplash go together? What colors, if any, should I incorporate? How do I combine tile patterns? Often, a client will love several materials individually but then realize that the overall look isn't so great when they're mixed together.
To help make your design planning go a little easier, I've put together a list of my top no-fail kitchen countertop and backsplash combinations with real-life design examples:
Boldly Balanced
If you want your kitchen to have a showstopping focal point like the backsplash shown here, you may want to pair it with a subtler countertop, so they don't compete with one another.
To create this look successfully, choose either the countertop or the backsplash to be the star, while the other material plays a supporting role.
In this kitchen, the attention-grabbing backsplash has a lot of movement and shouldn't have to fight with an equally ornate countertop, so it's beautifully paired with a quieter, more subtle option.
Better Together
Now, you don't necessarily have to perfectly match your countertop's color or pattern to the backsplash. Many countertop materials feature various neutral tones within the same slab, making it impossible to match precisely.
In these cases, a neutral backsplash is an excellent choice, and you can go as intricate or subtle as you like depending on if you'd like it to take the spotlight.
Neutral Nuance
Now, you don't necessarily have to perfectly match your countertop's color or pattern to the backsplash. Many countertop materials feature various neutral tones within the same slab, making it impossible to match precisely. In these cases, a neutral backsplash is an excellent choice, and you can go as intricate or subtle as you like depending on if you'd like it to take the spotlight.
Here is another example of a neutral backsplash and countertop- you can see the various neutral tones in the backsplash tiles are in sync with the overall tones found in the countertop. Neither stand out too much or demand your attention; instead, they beautifully complement one another.
White Done Right
You can't go wrong with a timeless, all-white kitchen, especially if you're after a clean, light, and airy vibe. White cabinets and countertops paired with a white backsplash guarantee that all your kitchen elements will complement one another- how easy is that?
If you're concerned that a megadose of white will look too stark, consider adding medium-toned wood floors to warm up the space and create a lovely contrast.
You can also create a striking look with a unique finish of your backsplash; for example, the all-white kitchen pictured above features a gorgeous iridescent sheen, which gives it that extra special something.
Here are a few more examples of white + white kitchens:
This incredible kitchen backsplash proves that white is anything but boring!
You can create a considerable amount of visual interest through intricate patterns- this focal point in particular really packs a punch!
You can also mix it up by incorporating various shapes and patterns into your backsplash, which will bring in a beautiful, custom look to your kitchen that makes it feel more personalized.
Pro tip: In addition to the budget, how you prefer your kitchen to function will help narrow down your countertop options. Generally speaking, there are far fewer color and pattern options for countertop materials; however, there are seemingly endless backsplash options. You will make your backsplash selection much simpler by first choosing the countertop material.
No matter the style, your kitchen material selections are really what sets the tone for the entire space and is worth giving serious thought. If the idea of making these decisions is too overwhelming or you'd like a designer eye to confirm the style direction you're headed in feel free to contact Spaces by Juliana, we'd love to help you!
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