When you coordinate your design elements and architectural features, colors don't have to match, but they should coordinate. Your backsplash tile doesn't have to mirror the color of your countertops, but it should blend, harmonize and support the rest of the features in the room.
Typically, a backsplash is lighter than your countertops. Bright kitchens are vibrant and inviting, so consider white, beige, light grey, and pastel colors for the backsplash. Go with a marbled design, shaped tiles, or contrasting grout to add contrast if you prefer a bold look.
Countertop and backsplash colors should complement one another. Consider using a color wheel to help evaluate your options since it shows you what colors blend nicely together. Some homeowners will choose a backsplash tile that has a color matching the veins or spots of color in their countertop.
But is quartz good for backsplashes? The short answer is YES. Stone tiles for backsplashes are becoming outdated. Slabs and sheets are now being used because they provide a continuous surface that looks neat and modern.
On average, both quartz and marble slab backsplashes will cost an average of $90 per square foot. A granite backsplash will cost an average of $50 per square foot but can range up to $75 per square foot.
The main advantage to the 4-inch slab is that it costs a lot less than a full backsplash so it's a budget-friendly solution to protecting your kitchen. When it matches your countertop, as it should, it adds a uniform look like an extension of your countertops.
The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.
Mixing materials such as quartz paired alongside marble or glass tile is a great way to add dimension to the space. Blend natural stone – If you've opted for more of a modern-quartz look, add in a natural marble stone backsplash to create a classic sanctuary in your kitchen.
Quartz offers a number of benefits that are ideal for backsplashes. Not only does the larger piece do a better job at protecting the wall from moisture, but this man-made, non-porous material also is stain resistant, doesn't require sealing, and cleans easily.
A traditional quartz backsplash is usually milled to 3cm thickness (or 1 1/4″).
Matte Tile Vs Glossy Tile
Erika explains, “A glossy subway tile can look brighter and more polished, often lending to a more formal look. It also hides water spots and fingerprints better than its less shiny counterpart. While a matte finish can convey a softer, more casual look.
“Subway tiles are classic and timeless, yet versatile, which is why they are so great. They aren't going anywhere in 2021 or beyond,” shares Erin Davis, lead designer at Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, OR.
Choose a backsplash color that complements the countertop – it might create contrast or it might be in the same color story. The basic rule is that you shouldn't have a “busy” countertop with a “busy” backsplash. If you want one of these features to be a focal point, you should choose one or the other.
Don't be afraid to mix two different materials together to create your perfect backsplash. Tiles and natural materials combined display different patterns, and because there are so many options for size, color and texture, there's bound to be a combination that fits with your style.
It is best to match a kitchen backsplash with the countertop instead of the floor. This is because the backsplash is naturally an extension of your counters. Matching a backsplash with the floor can easily make the backsplash stick out like a sore thumb.
Do mix and match neutral colors. Don't think you have to be monochromatic in your choices. Using a variety of neutrals delivers a stunning visual, i.e., pairing black cabinets with white or grey countertops, or white cabinets with brown, black, or grey countertops.
So long as you keep it clean and as dry as possible, you can use any color quartz slab for a backsplash without issues. But if your backsplash is going behind a stove and you do a lot of cooking, granite is probably the better choice.
You may love the look of natural stone but long for the ease of maintenance and durability of quartz. There are no rules saying you can't have both! Dress up your contemporary quartz countertops with a marble tile backsplash, or add some rustic charm with stacked stone accents.
Granite backsplashes are usually cut from the same slab as granite countertops, so they match perfectly. Most of the time, a granite backsplash is 1.25 inches thick (3cm) and has a square edge at the top, even if the countertop has a curved edge.
Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.
Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and glass tile top the easy-care list because they resist staining, are naturally nonporous, and don't require any special cleansers to do the job.
One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.