I picked out the countertops first, then found (created) a backsplash that I loved with them.

I'd choose whatever is most important to you, then still keep things "in flex" until you are able to find everything that works together. A lot of people put their whole kitchen together, then choose a backsplash and that doesn't work for me. I like to put together the whole vision from the start. Sometimes the tile you assume is 'basic and will be easy to find' just doesn't exist.

I go with countertops first. It's a bigger visual impact (and typically a bigger expense).

But of course, do what inspires you first. If you fell in love with a backsplash, go for it!

And don't assume your counters will be granite! Maybe you'll love a quartz or a butcher block. Take your time in the planning process if you have any control over the time table - it will pay off in the end as less stress and more satisfaction.

I agree that it's best to pick out the countertop first. That's what we're doing. We were advised to have it installed and live with it awhile before deciding on the backsplash. That way, you can bring tile (or whatever material) samples home to try out and play with colors and design ideas--and there are many more tile colors available to go with your countertop than if you reversed the process.

So many people get stuck on the backsplash, because they pick a busy (although beautiful) countertop and all the backsplashes they like, on the second shopping trip, don't work with it.

I'd do what Rhome suggested and look for them at the same time. If you find a busy, glass tile backsplash that really 'speaks' to you, then you might need a calmer granite or other countertop. If you find a busy granite that you really want, then make sure you find a backsplash that will look good with it.

The biggest problem I see on the forum is when people install the countertop and then ask...what backsplash should I pick? By then, the choices are often very limited or they choose something they don't like and have to do it twice. Best of luck finding a combination you really like! :)

The most important reason to pick the countertop first is because the countertop relates to function. You may want something bullet proof in function that you can cut on and put hot things on and maybe you end up with a Stainless Steel countertop.

Or you could want something durable and easy to refinish and completely change the look if you want to like a wood counter top.

Or you might end up loving a marble that you need a separate cutting surface for and then you might end up with two countertop surfaces.

Lots of fun possibilities related to function alone, much less appearance.

Start with countertops is certainly my vote.

We knew we were using Ikea cabinets, so had three shades of brown to choose from in our chosen door style. I had samples of each of those and then started looking at backsplash and countertops at the same time. I found a backsplash that I totally fell in love with, and it worked best with a medium tone cabinet, so those choices were locked in. Countertops were LAST for us. You'd think that would simplify things, but we looked at a lot of permutations of tan/ivory/off-white quartz before we decided on Zodiaq Papyrus!

I would look at both together. You can start by setting basic parameters such as light counters/dark counters, and material preferences, but the two go hand in hand and if you are flexible enough you may be able to change the countertop or the backsplash if you don't find a combination that works for you. You will have less options for countertops than backsplash so you will probably end up with that narrowed down first, but I would not select any material in isolation.

I think it depends on what's important to you. We chose our countertops before anything else because I was looking for something that wouldn't present a problem to my very chemically sensitive husband.

So, we chose soapstone and then picked cabinets and tile after.

But, if you don't have any reason to need a certain type of counter, you could always chose a tile you love and design around that.

Good luck!

Pick out the countertop first. I find it harder than the backsplash.

I say counter first as you need that to go in before the backsplash. There is sooo much to choose from in backsplash materials and colors that you'll always be able to find something to work with your counter. We lived for about a year without any backsplash at all. I couldn't have done it in the reverse. It took me that long to get all the other decisions off my plate associated with building my new home to address the backsplash.

When I went to the tile store at the beginning of the project, I got the same advice...bring in a sample of your counter and we'll go from there.

We have the same color cabinets. Our kitchen starts on the 25th. I started looking at both but found a countertop I fell in love with so that ended up being first. We will go with the Cambria Canterbury. Since that is the focal point, the tile will be plainer. counter top first seems to be the norm but if there is tile that you love, there isn't a rule that you can't pick that out first and find a counter top after. So many beautiful options for both.

I agree with Lavendar and Pal. The backsplash is the hardest to get right.