20 Backsplash and Countertop Pairing Ideas for a Stunning Kitchen

Focal-Point Backsplash

white kitchen with exposed wood shelves and patterned backsplash — Peter Molick

The geometric green tile on this kitchen backsplash brings bold pattern to the cooking area. Simple wood shelves and Shaker-style cabinetry echo its straight lines. Bright white cabinets and countertops reflect light from the dining room windows and keep the focus on the backsplash.

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Sparkling Countertop and Backsplash Ideas

sea tone kitchen backsplash — Laurie Black

This rich walnut base cabinetry could have been heavy and dark, but a shimmering countertop and backsplash combination keeps the look bright and colorful. Featuring an elongated diamond shape and a reflective pearl finish, turquoise tiles form an eye-catching backsplash. The countertops are made of concrete and recycled glass, which subtly sparkles in the light.

03 of 20

Updated Classic Backsplash Ideas

black white kitchen modern minimalist butcher block counter range — Edmund Barr

Apply classic materials in unique ways for a countertop and backsplash pairing that appears fresh and modern. Here, standard white subway tiles were installed in a stacked pattern for a more contemporary look. Light-colored butcher-block countertops offer a contrasting texture that stands out in the white kitchen.

04 of 20

Unexpected Countertop and Backsplash Combination

kitchen counter with tile backsplash — Annie Schlecther

Establish character with an unexpected combination of countertop and backsplash materials. Typically used on floors, penny tiles introduce vintage charm and texture to this kitchen's backsplash. Instead of replacing the dark granite countertops, the homeowner chose to balance the red-flecked surface by painting the lower cabinets seafoam green.

05 of 20

Backsplash Ideas for Marble Countertops

marble counter kitchen sink with blue cabinets and decorative bowls on wood shelves — Anthony Masterson

Marble makes a timeless, elegant choice for kitchen countertops. To make this luxurious material stand out as the key feature, choose a backsplash that fades into the background. Here, white subway tile outlined with white grout forms a subtly textured backsplash that serves as a blank canvas for stunning marble countertops and deep blue cabinetry.

06 of 20

Colorful Contemporary Kitchen Materials

dark green tiled kitchen with larch-wood cabinets with cutout handles — Kim Cornelison

Warm wood kitchen cabinetry sets a cozy, inviting mood in this kitchen, but flat-front doors and sleek cutout handles strike a contemporary note. The glazed green tile along the backsplash adds a bold dose of color while the shiny, slightly uneven surface suggests movement. Dark soapstone countertops ground the room and introduce another layer of texture.

07 of 20

Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

green painted farmhouse kitchen cabinets copper cookware — Nathan Schroder

For a farmhouse-style kitchen update, consider installing tongue-and-groove paneling on the backsplash. In this kitchen, the classic wall treatment perfectly complements the traditional painted cabinetry, open shelving, and pot rack stocked with copper cookware. Curly maple countertops inject warmth that fits the kitchen's rustic theme.

08 of 20

Matching Countertops and Backsplash

geometric modern kitchen with serving area and chairs — Edmund Barr

For a streamlined look, repeat materials across the countertop and backsplash. In this modern kitchen, white quartz with dramatic veining stretches up the backsplash and over the waterfall peninsula. Lacquered gray cabinets and brass accents add a touch of shine and glamour.

09 of 20

Dark Countertops with White Subway Tile

white kitchen with lemon-lime accents — Robert Brinson

A subway tile backsplash gives kitchens a timeless aspect. Here, dark grout makes the tile look like it has aged in place while disguising dirt or grime. But it also cleverly relates to the dark granite counters, a classic choice. For contrast, a bright lime paint color on the walls and cabinets with a modern door profile keep the look fresh and fun.

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Bold Backsplash Pairing

kitchen with white cabinets and patterned backsplash — Kim Cornelison

With so many great tile designs available today, the backsplash is an ideal spot to make a big style statement. To pull off a bold backsplash, let the graphic tile command all the visual attention and go simple for countertops and other design materials. White cabinets and countertops provide just the right neutral backdrop for this patterned tile backsplash.

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Modern Contrasting Materials

black cabinets with stainless steel appliances — Michael Partenio

Stainless steel makes a seamless and gently reflective backsplash choice—perfect for a streamlined modern kitchen. Here, thick marble-slab countertops keep the room from feeling too cold while also lending contrast to the dark cabinets. The light veining in the stone brings a natural element to the design.

12 of 20

Traditional Countertop and Backsplash Combination

Transitional style kitchen with double oven — Werner Straube

Traditional wood cabinets with oil-rubbed-bronze hardware and leaded-glass door panels give a historic look to this kitchen. But the contemporary tile backsplash, made up of super-narrow tiles in varying shades of gray, keeps the look fresh. Paired with dark and simple counters, this timeless combo will look good for years to come.

13 of 20

Tile Your Backsplash

Updating the backsplash with new tile is a simple way to transform your kitchen. With a few skills, this is a DIY project most homeowners can accomplish. Get tips from the pros and see how simple it is to tile your own backsplash.

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Clean-Lined Contemporary Materials

dark wood cabinets with marble counters — James Yochum

A mix of warm colors and natural materials gives this kitchen an inviting, contemporary look. The horizontal lines of the bamboo-look backsplash tile add an eye-catching texture. Set in a stacked design, the tile relates to the thick 2-inch granite countertops both in proportion and color.

15 of 20

Neutral Countertops and Backsplash

kitchen with white cabinets and wood hood — Emily Followill

A contemporary backsplash tile in a neutral color complements the countertops and cabinets of this kitchen. The warm, dark gray tones of the countertops keep the monochromatic scheme from feeling cold. A wood-wrapped range hood adds warmth and natural beauty to the room.

16 of 20

Clean and Classic Kitchen

white kitchen with subway tile — Beth Singer

This kitchen blends classic materials and clean lines for a seamless mix of old and new. White subway tile introduces vintage charm, and it's versatile enough to work well with the marble countertop as well as the stainless-steel sink surround and appliances. Traditional white-painted wood cabinets suit the classic tile and countertop choices, but they show off polished nickel hardware for an updated look.

17 of 20

Black and White Kitchen

farmhouse style kitchen with large sink — James Carriere

To add contrast to this white kitchen, black countertops pair with black subway tile stacked in a traditional running pattern. The dark materials also minimize spills and splatters that might show on a lighter color. Paired with charming white cabinets and wood floors, the black-on-black pairing provides a striking backdrop for kitchen accessories and small appliances.

18 of 20

Textured Backsplash Idea

kitchen with white cabinets and rug — Adam Albright

Lincrusta wallpaper, a historic material known for its raised texture, adds subtle (and washable) design detail to this kitchen backsplash. The wallpaper would look great with many types of counters, but these wood tops add to the kitchen's old-fashioned charm. The dark wood finish will disguise imperfections and wear well over time.

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Stone Backsplash Treatment

neutral tones kitchen with large window and wood floors — Michael Partenio

A rugged, counter-to-ceiling stone backsplash treatment gives this kitchen natural warmth. The stacked stone contains both brown and gray colors to unite the wood floors and gray cabinets. Stainless-steel appliances and a black countertop serve as neutrals in the design scheme.

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Cottage-Style Kitchen Materials

white kitchen with glass cabinets — Marshall Johnson

A beaded-board backsplash infuses this kitchen with cottage style. The textured wall treatment is painted to match the cabinets and trim for a cohesive look. Gray countertops provide an element of contrast that marries many different neutral finishes.

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