Backsplash color

12 years ago

Is there a basiic design rule of thumb about backsplash color?

We are getting a very light quartz countertop--white with specks of tan/brown hues.

We are getting a dark tan/lightish to medium brown backsplash tile to go with it. We think it looks great together. Kitchen salesperson at big box store thought it looked great. It is a ceramic tile, but has a natural stone look.

When countertop guys came to template, they thought that backsplash should be lighter. So I went out shopping again to look, but lady at another big home design center, more expensive one, said that she liked what I had.

Now I am looking online and the backsplashes do seem to usually be lighter than the countertop.

I think that what I have is nice, but don't want to make a costly error.

I have wood floors, white cabinets.

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Comments (7)

maybeiloveyou
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hmm I think it depends on what you want your focal point to be! I think usually people go for lighter backsplashes because they want the countertops to stand out.
Mollykitchen
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you, Maybe (cute name!!).
That makes sense. I am happy with my choice, but the countertop installers see this everyday, so it made me wonder...
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boxerpups
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Stop doubting yourself.

I would bet a few hundred that you have far better taste
than your installers. Just the fact you are posting on GW
says you think about kitchens.
Your backsplash may not be the norm but I would be it
will look fantastic. Be brave. Take the plunge and
get what you find to be beautiful.

And here are a few images to ease your mind and show
your installers that a darker BS can be done nicely.
And that yours will be wonderful too.

~boxerpups

Still doubting yourself?
I hope these images are helping to ease your worries.
~bp
jlcorp
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree with preview poster that it depends on whether or not you want your counter to stand out. All of boxerpups pictures show great looking kitchens in which the backplash is the focal point. If you look quickly through them, you probably will not remember what the counter looked like. I would say if this is your goal, keep what you have already selected.

However, if you want the granite to stand out then consider going with tile that is the lightest color found in your granite. I read somewhere online that is how to make your granite stand out. I decided to do that with mine and it is turning out nicely. However, I also really love the kitchens where the backsplash is highlighted by going with a darker counter-top.
Mollykitchen
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you so much, Boxerpups! That was so nice of you to post all of those pictures. It put my mind at ease.
Thank you, too, JLGC, for responding. It helps to know some of the theory behind it and this is helpful/gives me another perspective.
Thank you both very much for responding. I feel so fortunate to have a forum available with so much info and inspiration.
Amy M
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Could you post a pic so I can see what you mean?>
boxerpups
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Aimport,
What do you want a pic of?
Is your question to me or maybe JLGC? Happy to help you
just not sure what you are needing.
Let me know and I will post soon.
: )
boxer