I think it depends on the quartz:

- if the quartz is heavily veined and dramatic then definitely not boring and potentially overwhelming (plus vein matching can be a pain point)

- if the counters are quiet then a slab backsplash can create a calm/classic look because fewer materials are being used in the space

(caveat: I prefer kitchens where the BS is not a prominent feature but more of a supporting player)

You'll get more/better advice if you provide more information - what color cabinets, floors and quartz are you considering, or have you already installed? A picture of the space even if it's still under construction helps too.

A thought from someone on houzz:
I absolutely love, if I’m choosing a marble countertop, to run that as far up the wall as possible. Because it’s a little bit unexpected, it adds an opportunity for pattern and color, but it doesn’t introduce another element like a contrasting backsplash. That can create chaos. It’s having more of a good thing.

Thank you! i really appreciate your comments i do not have a gas range, BTW

You made a good point, Shasta and Kandrewspa My cabinets will be white with gold tone handles; as for the quartz, I am leaning toward the Calacatta Classic. I don't like the quartz to be too busy. The floors will stay, ceramic tiles, in the white/beige tones . Do those details help?

I really appreciate all the answers. Thank you!!!

I love the look of these slab backsplashes

FWIW, I think this application looks best with natural stones. I like quartz as a countertop material, but once you put it on the walls, it looks too plastic for me.

Sibylle, you're going to have post pictures of your kitchen. You're asking a generic question adn the answer will always be, "it depends".

Depends on the materials used, the kitchen, the style, overall look, etc.

this is why pictures are so important. You mentioned you're keeping your white and beige ceramic tile floors? Lets see them.

are you cabs getting painted or new?

These two examples are Calacatta Laza, and Brittanica Warm

Design error ^, not material failure.

These are pictures of my kitchen as it is right now. I am going to replace all the doors of the cabinets and drawers with white shaker style doors and have gold-tone handles and knobs. For the island, I would like to cut the height and have one level countertop. I am thinking white quartz on all counter tops. I am changing all light fixtures for a more contemporary look. I am undecided on the backsplash. Same as countertop quartz or different?

I have not purchased anything yet so, I am open to any suggestion. What would you do in this kitchen to update it and make it a little more contemporary, without spending a fortune?

Color ideas? Quartz recommendations?

Thank you so much! I really could use any help you can give me.

Are you changing the floor?

Are you replacing your existing range and hood? The rest of the appliances? Floors? Cabinets? Sink? 14K of quartz will not look that at home with those details in a 25 year old kitchen. What you have now looks all of a piece, and intentionally designed. It all works, even if it looks older. Piecemeal upgrades have the unfortunate ability to make everything around them look more dated and shabby.

I am not replacing the floors The appliances have all been replaced less than a year ago I am replacing the sink and the cabinet doors I realize that my 14 years old kitchen (not 25!) was ”intentionally designed ” to all go together , but I was only looking into updating it a little

you will be painting all the yellowish/tan walls, yes? in the pic the tile looks grayish white. is it an accurate photo? very hard to tell.

does that tile go throughout the room? if not, maybe you want to update that too?

i'd look at a wood door for that pantry. Maybe you can modify the height and bring it down. an old vintage wood door would be a nice addition.

I had all mine refaced, painted, new quartz, marble tile, vent hood, appliances, and new wood floors. (there are pantry cabs you can see in the photo and a small coffee bar to the left)

I had slate floors. they were great but I chose to make everything in the room uniform. I did 800 sq feet of wood flooring

here's the before/after

(I would advise you to get the 45 degree beveled edge shaker. eaiser to clean)

have you looked at slabs yet? what about paint color? start w/one of those. since you're refacing, have the company paint sample colors on your existing doors so you can see which one you like. (always have a sample done before choosing)

take the door w/you when you go slab shopping. see what you like. do you have an extra tile?

wacky, they work well if it was 2004. she's tired of it and I don't blame her. Even the radius edge screams 20 years ago.

Sibylle, don't forget to ditch the 4" backsplash piece w/the new countertops. It's that OR the tile, not both.

Since you have a long row of cabs, what do you think about breaking it up w/some glass door fronts? I'd also lose some of the lower cab doors and modify it for drawers, especially around the stove. think about doing a vent hood and getting a new built-in microwave somewhere. If you look at mine you'll see I moved it beneath the stove. maybe you could modify that upper space next to the fridge for a new micro?

I still vote for tile. I think the pictures people posted of kitchens with the countertop as a backsplash all have a more open feeling - decorative hoods, higher backsplash area, less wall cabinets - all things to really show off that type of design.

There are so many beautiful tiles and patterns to choose from. Also, if you ever get tired of it, there is less of an expense to change it.

Good luck - I'm sure whatever you choose will be beautiful!