Choosing the right backsplash and countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. With so many options for materials, colors, patterns and textures available, it’s important to consider what will pair well together while complementing your overall design aesthetic. Follow this comprehensive guide to make informed decisions when selecting backsplashes and countertops.
Determine Your Style
Before selecting any materials, decide on the overall style you want to achieve. Is your taste traditional, contemporary, transitional, farmhouse, modern or something else? Do you prefer light and airy spaces or moody and dramatic palettes? Neutrals with pops of color or vibrant hues? Your backsplash and countertop choices should enhance the look and feel you envision.
Consider the architectural details in the space. For example, traditional kitchens tend to have intricate cabinetry moulding that calls for classic backsplash tiles like subway, hexagon or ceramic. Contemporary spaces can handle bolder backsplash materials like metal or glass.
Coordinate Colors and Patterns
Once you land on a style, use it to guide your color and pattern pairings. Play it safe by matching countertop and backsplash colors. Contrast them for more drama. Tiled backsplashes introduce opportunities for stunning designs. Just be thoughtful about scales and placement.
Small mosaic tiles paired with a solid surface countertop is foolproof. Larger tiles can overwhelm if the countertop is also visually busy. Make sure patterns are complementary, not competing. An ornate backsplash tile complements a plain countertop nicely. Choose bolder backsplashes like glass or metal if countertops have faux finishes.
Factor in Functionality
No matter how beautiful, your backsplash and countertop must withstand daily use. Soft natural stones like marble scratches easily near the stove or sink, so consider more durable quartz or granite. Impervious porcelain is an excellent backsplash option for heavy-use areas.
Evaluate maintenance needs too. Glass backsplash tiles require diligent cleaning. Polished granite needs regular sealing. Tiled backsplashes have grout lines that can stain. Ease of care will vary. Select materials suited for high-traffic spaces.
Assess Natural Lighting
The amount and type of natural lighting in your kitchen or bath impacts material selections. Dark countertops and backsplashes feel heavy and dramatic in low light. Bold colored materials benefit from ample natural light. sheen and gloss factors also vary.
Matte finishes hide imperfections in dim lighting. Glossy surfaces reflect light well, but may cause glare issues. Natural light softens granite’s busyness. Marble’s cool white veining stands out in abundant sunlight. Evaluate options in your space at different times of day.
Choose Complimentary Materials
Combine materials wisely. Pairing man-made quartz with a ceramic backsplash prevents fighting natural patterns. Corian countertops with a Corian backsplash creates visual flow. Matching marble on both surfaces elegantly aligns veining.
Natural stone calls for simple backsplash designs. Complex tiles pair better with solid surfaces. Using the same material on countertops and backsplash can get pricey. Doing a tiled focal point or small glass tile accents controls costs. Get creative while keeping the scale balanced.
See Samples In Person
While online images provide ideas, nothing replaces seeing material samples in real life. Colors, patterns and textures come alive. Subtleties emerge. Photos can distort scale and fail to accurately capture sheen. Seeing large samples onsite gives the best impression and simplifies selection.
Most vendors have sample displays. Ask about taking samples to your home. Seeing pairings with cabinets and lighting onsite helps visualize the overall look. Order free samples to live with. Make final material and color choices only after seeing everything firsthand.
Hire Professional Installers
Proper installation is crucial to getting your dream backsplash and countertops. Hiring experienced contractors ensures cutting-edge techniques, precision workmanship and proper sealing. They have the specialized tools to cleanly cut materials and make tight seams invisible.
Verify licenses, training, certifications and insurance. Check reviews and references. Confirm they will pull required permits. Get a written contract covering timeline, materials, pricing and warranty. A quality installer helps avoid costly issues down the road.
With some thoughtful planning and design considerations, you can pick the perfect backsplash and countertop combination that suits your personal style, complements other kitchen or bath features beautifully, and withstands daily use. Always see samples in person and hire professional installers for flawless execution. Take your time and enjoy creating your ideal space with surfaces that will provide lasting function and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Backsplashes and Countertops
What factors should I consider when matching backsplash and countertop materials?
Consider color, pattern, texture, scale, durability, maintenance, lighting and style when selecting coordinating materials. Make sure they enhance your overall design aesthetic in terms of form and function.
What backsplash materials work best with granite countertops?
Tile, glass, stone slab and metal backsplashes pair nicely with granite’s natural pattern. Subway tiles in white or black are classic. Mosaics and stone slabs coordinate well. Avoid busy tiles.
What is the most popular backsplash to go with white quartz countertops?
White marble mosaic tiles, glass and mirror backsplashes look amazing with white quartz. Gray and navy blue subway tiles also complement white quartz beautifully. Avoid patterned porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Should you always match the countertop and backsplash material?
It’s not mandatory, but using the same material can provide a seamless look. Contrasting materials in the same color family also coordinates nicely. Mixing materials can work with proper scale and pairings.
What backsplash goes best with dark granite countertops?
White subway tile, marble mosaic and glass backsplashes pop against dark granite. Neutral-colored stone and ceramic tiles also pair well. Avoid mirror and metal backsplashes with dark granite.
Conclusion
Choosing backsplashes and countertops for your kitchen or bath provides exciting design opportunities. Determine your overall style and aesthetic goals first. Select colors, patterns, textures and materials that complement each other along with your lighting and cabinetry. Factor in functionality for high-use zones. Seeing samples in person is a must before finalizing. And skilled professional installation is crucial for creating a cohesive dream space that gracefully endures everyday living. With some thoughtful coordination and expert execution, you can enjoy a beautiful, harmonious backdrop for life’s memories.