When selecting the material for your new countertop and backsplash, it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. There are so many awesome options to choose from! Do I use granite or marble? Do I want a quartz instead? These are some of the obstacles that may be overwhelming to some and exhilarating to others. A couple of things to take into consideration may be the movement in the countertop material or the pattern in the backsplash tile. We hope to alleviate some of the stress that can be associated with this process by preparing you for what design choices you’ll need to consider, prior to making your selections.
If you’re using your existing countertop and are wanting to add a new, coordinating backsplash, we’ll first need to consider the colors and movement in your current countertop. When we say movement, we’re describing the pattern in the material. For example, if there is a lot of lines, colors, and flecks, we may describe that as a “busy”, high movement pattern. If you have more of a solid color countertop without much variation or lines, we would consider this a countertop with less movement.
If you have an existing countertop with a lot of movement, consider choosing a backsplash material that has clean lines with little to no pattern. An example of this would be a classic, clean subway tile backsplash. This type of backsplash selection will give your eye somewhere to land when you come into the room. Instead of having two design elements competing with one another, they will complement each other. Have you ever walked into a kitchen with a busy counter and a busy backsplash? Your eyes go where.. everywhere? It can be overwhelming. It doesn’t create that cohesive designer look we all love so much and want in our own homes.
Let’s consider the other side of this selection process. You need to select new countertops, or you have a neutral, solid color countertop you plan on keeping. You now have an opportunity to select a tile backsplash that has more pattern and color. Some of the newer design trends include waterjet marble cut mosaics, beautiful porcelain tiles that have a high-end look of natural stone, patterned tiles, or colored tile for a pop of color.
If you’re selecting a new countertop and want the backsplash to be the star of the show, you should then consider using a material that has less movement. Solid color surfaces may include concrete, or granite or quartz. A more subtle countertop would be a good choice to pair with a high color or high pattern backsplash.
We hope you find these tips useful to help simplify your selections. But remember, it’s only a great design if you love the design! Don’t let a variety of options overwhelm you. Partner with a designer to help guide you through the selection process. You will find it a lot easier to navigate through these decisions when you have the confidence to create and update to you home.
