Countertop + Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match | Katonah Real Estate
Which do you select first — kitchen counter or backsplash? How do you coordinate colors? Is it OK to mix patterns? The seemingly unlimited countertop and backsplash choices can feel overwhelming.
I've had homeowners approach me after weeks or months of looking at and collecting samples of materials that they love separately but just don't love together. Some settle on a combination that looks good together, but they don't actually like either material on its own.
Here are 10 examples of stunning and successful countertop and backsplash combinations to help you plan your own mix of kitchen finishes, along with tips to ease your selection process.
I've had homeowners approach me after weeks or months of looking at and collecting samples of materials that they love separately but just don't love together. Some settle on a combination that looks good together, but they don't actually like either material on its own.
Here are 10 examples of stunning and successful countertop and backsplash combinations to help you plan your own mix of kitchen finishes, along with tips to ease your selection process.
Approach 1: Select the Countertop First
If you feel overwhelmed by the countertop and backsplash options, try focusing on countertop selection first. Your countertop is the workhorse in your kitchen and can constitute a good chunk of your budget, so you'll want to get it right. Your budget and the way you use your kitchen will narrow things down. Plus, there are generally fewer color and pattern options for countertop materials, whereas backsplash options are practically unlimited. Countertops will also be installed before the backsplash, so you definitely need to decide on them first if construction has already begun.
Browse the Houzz photo database for countertop materials that appeal to you and the compare pros and cons in the Houzz guides to countertops. If you want to see something in person, check out what's available at your local stone yard, kitchen and bathroom design showrooms, and home improvement stores.
Shown: Soapstone and butcher block counter; linear glass tile mosaic backsplash
If you feel overwhelmed by the countertop and backsplash options, try focusing on countertop selection first. Your countertop is the workhorse in your kitchen and can constitute a good chunk of your budget, so you'll want to get it right. Your budget and the way you use your kitchen will narrow things down. Plus, there are generally fewer color and pattern options for countertop materials, whereas backsplash options are practically unlimited. Countertops will also be installed before the backsplash, so you definitely need to decide on them first if construction has already begun.
Browse the Houzz photo database for countertop materials that appeal to you and the compare pros and cons in the Houzz guides to countertops. If you want to see something in person, check out what's available at your local stone yard, kitchen and bathroom design showrooms, and home improvement stores.
Shown: Soapstone and butcher block counter; linear glass tile mosaic backsplash
Once you've homed in on your countertop of choice (congratulations!), you have immediately narrowed the field of options for the backsplash. Trust me, this makes your life easier.
Now, you don't necessarily need to exactly match the color or pattern of your countertop to that of your backsplash, especially if you go for an unusual hue or a countertop material with a lot of movement in it. In these cases a simple and neutral-hued backsplash is a good choice, so that the countertop takes center stage and does not fight with the backsplash for attention.
Shown: Orange quartz counter (get the look with One Quartz from Daltile); Oceanside Glasstile's Tessera mosaic blend in Veil backsplash
Now, you don't necessarily need to exactly match the color or pattern of your countertop to that of your backsplash, especially if you go for an unusual hue or a countertop material with a lot of movement in it. In these cases a simple and neutral-hued backsplash is a good choice, so that the countertop takes center stage and does not fight with the backsplash for attention.
Shown: Orange quartz counter (get the look with One Quartz from Daltile); Oceanside Glasstile's Tessera mosaic blend in Veil backsplash
If you want to go bold with both your countertop and backsplash, bring a sample of your chosen countertop material with you as you shop for backsplash tile. You will be able to instantly limit your backsplash options to those that work with your countertop material. If you are struggling with finding the right backsplash to work with your countertop selection, consider hiring a pro, even if it's for just a few hours, to help you nail the selections. Or enlist the help of a color- or design-savvy friend.
Shown: Green quartz counter (get the look with Silestone); mosaic glass tile backsplash
Shown: Green quartz counter (get the look with Silestone); mosaic glass tile backsplash
Approach 2: Select the Backsplash First
Of course, if you happen to find a backsplash you absolutely love before you've even looked at countertops, I say go for it. Making this selection will absolutely help you narrow down the options for the countertop. If you go for a statement-making backsplash such as the one here, find a quiet, subtler countertop material so it doesn't fight with the backsplash.
Shown: Pietra del Cardoso stone counter; Stone & Pewter Accents mosaic glass tile backsplash
Of course, if you happen to find a backsplash you absolutely love before you've even looked at countertops, I say go for it. Making this selection will absolutely help you narrow down the options for the countertop. If you go for a statement-making backsplash such as the one here, find a quiet, subtler countertop material so it doesn't fight with the backsplash.
Shown: Pietra del Cardoso stone counter; Stone & Pewter Accents mosaic glass tile backsplash
I prefer that either the countertop or the backsplash be the star of the show, with the other material playing a supporting role. This stunning backsplash has lots of color and movement and, in my opinion, should not have to compete with an equally attention-grabbing countertop.
Shown: Caesarstone counter; glass mosaic Waterworks backsplash
Shown: Caesarstone counter; glass mosaic Waterworks backsplash
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