Selecting the right backsplash to go with your countertops and floors can be a tricky design decision. While there’s no one definitive rule, some key factors to consider are color, pattern, texture, and overall style when determining if your backsplash should match your countertops, floors, or both.
The Purpose and Visual Impact of a Backsplash
Before deciding whether a backsplash should match or contrast your countertops and floors, it’s helpful to understand the design role a backsplash plays in a kitchen. A backsplash is predominantly functional – protecting the walls from moisture, stains, and splashes behind appliances and the countertop work area. But it also makes a significant visual impact and serves as an opportunity to express personal style.
With the proper design choices, a backsplash can:
- Tie together separate elements like countertops and cabinets
- Complement the colors and textures already in the kitchen
- Create a focal point and direct attention towards a particular area
- Establish a mood or style, from sleek and modern to cozy and farmhouse
Keeping these purposes in mind will help guide your decision of whether the backsplash should match or contrast the existing kitchen elements.
Factors to Consider
Color
- Matching the backsplash color to the countertop creates a streamlined, uniform look. Contrasting it can add interest and highlight different zones.
- Matching the backsplash color to the floors can make the floors appear to extend up the walls, creating an illusion of more space. Contrasting it can ground the floors and emphasize the backsplash as a distinct design feature.
- Color coordination with existing paint, cabinetry, and accent colors will also influence the decision.
Pattern
- A matching pattern on the backsplash and countertop produces a cohesive, flowing look. Different patterns can look disjointed but provide contrast.
- Smaller backsplash patterns tend to coordinate well with busier floor patterns, and vice versa.
- Be wary of overwhelming the space with competing patterns across multiple surfaces.
Texture
- Matching sleek, smooth textures creates a refined, upscale effect. Varying textures adds depth and dimension.
- Combine matte surfaces like stone floors with shiny backsplashes for contrast, or vice versa.
- Consider where you want to draw attention – toward a textured backsplash feature or uniform countertops.
Style
- Contemporary kitchens tend to seamlessly match across surfaces, while more eclectic spaces feature an intentional mix of styles.
- Rustic, farmhouse styles often have wood-look floors that pair well with subway tile or brick backsplashes.
- For a consistent look, backsplashes and floors should match the same overall style as the cabinets and countertops.
Examples and Ideas
Matching Backsplash and Countertops
Using the same material or complementary colors and patterns creates a smooth, continuous appearance:
- Marble countertop with marble subway tile backsplash
- Granite countertop with mosaic tile in similar earth tones
- White quartz countertop with white subway tile backsplash
- Butcher block countertop with red brick backsplash
Matching Backsplash and Floors
Extending flooring materials vertically or picking up accent floor colors/textures provides visual continuity:
- Wood-look porcelain plank floors matched to wood-look plank backsplash tile
- Stone floor tile echoed on stone mosaic backsplash
- Brick floor paired with a brick or brick-look backsplash
- Blue mosaic glass floor tile with blue glass subway backsplash
Contrasting Combinations
Mixing up colors, patterns, and textures creates visual interest through contrast:
- Marble countertop with blue glass tile backsplash
- Butcher block countertop with white penny tile backsplash
- Granite countertop with ceramic moroccan fish scale backsplash
- White countertops with an unexpected pop of color or geometric backsplash
Key Considerations When Deciding
- What is the existing style of the kitchen? Overall aesthetic schemes will guide coordination.
- Are there one or two clear focal points? Draw attention to those.
- Do you want to highlight the backsplash or have it seamlessly integrate?
- Is there too much going on? Streamline with coordinating surfaces.
- Does the kitchen feel flat or monochromatic? Add contrast and interest.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong choice when deciding if a backsplash should match the countertop, floors, or both. The most successful designs use color, pattern, texture, and style synergistically across surfaces. Matching can promote harmony and flow, while contrast provides interest. Consider the look you want to achieve and the elements you want to highlight or downplay when making this key kitchen design decision. With planning and forethought, your backsplash will unify and elevate your entire kitchen.