Like creating a great outfit, all the elements of your kitchen — colour, texture and material — have to work together to pull off the look. Here are the ideal duos that go together hand-in-hand.
By Emma Reddington
June 14, 2014
Design, Kimberley Seldon. Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Kitchen backsplash and countertop combos
Square glass tiles and natural stone countertops
Sophisticated and elegant this small condo kitchen (the closet doors actually close to tuck it out of sight completely) uses the backsplash and countertops much like you would pieces of jewellery. They add a touch of sparkle and shine and finish the kitchen off nicely. The brass hardware and blue-black cabinets complete the uptown look.
Design, Kimberley Seldon. Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Marble mosaic tile and stainless steel
In this loft-like kitchen a marble mosaic tile was taken right to the ceiling to emphasize the open shelving and lack of upper cabinets. The industrial, cook’s kitchen feel was emphasized with hard-working stainless steel counters — a favourite of restaurant chefs the world over.
Design, Wanda Ely. Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Advertisement
Marble basketweave tile and a mix of wood and white countertops
There’s no rule that says you have to have the same countertops throughout your kitchen. In fact, switching the surface for your island can have pleasing effects. In this rustic cottage kitchen, the wood-covered island plays up the roughhewn beam ceilings and really adds to the relaxed cottage feel. The marble backsplash picks up on the robin egg blue colour of the stove.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Moonstone penny tile and white solid surface
Intricately patterned penny tile in a range of soft blues and greys is the focus of this kitchen and is matched with a subtle, calming solid surface countertop in basic white. If you choose a busy tile that demands attention play down your countertops so the tile can take centre stage.
Design, Sarah Richardson Design. Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Classic white subway tile and marble countertops
A perennial favourite, this is the Little Black Dress of the kitchen world — it never goes out of style. Of course, there are ways to make the look entirely your own. Choose a subway tile with a bevel (as pictured), go for a dark charcoal grey grout or make your counters extra thick (or thin... it's a growing trend!)
Designer, Mirelle Goren. Photo, Roberto Caruso.
GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.