Avoid Cheap-Looking Kitchen Countertops With One Stylish Swap

Countertops are the cornerstone of a kitchen. They must be well-balanced against the other surfaces found in the space to make the room feel comfortable. One way to elevate the look of a kitchen is to match the countertop and the backsplash. As two of the biggest features in the kitchen, these surfaces together tell the space's complete design story.

The backsplash you select can bring the entire kitchen space together and make the room's design appear cohesive and unified. But the wrong backsplash can throw off the kitchen's whole look, and not just when it comes to the wall space. A bad backsplash and countertop pairing can make your countertop look cheap and out of place. HGTV star Christina Hall has recommended choosing a kitchen backsplash that blends into your design, including the existing motif that the countertop establishes within the kitchen space.  

Make sure your backsplash is up to date with beautiful visuals and polished grout lines. If the backsplash design feels outdated, consider updating it with a more timely tile choice. Perhaps swap out the existing backsplash for a more intricate glass mosaic design to add an artistic touch. Or opt for a geometric tile pattern for added texture and a chic visual.

Design is an important and defining factor when it comes to backsplashes and countertops. Both are available in a variety of tile and stone formats, which makes the selection process a plentiful one since these materials come in so many different styles and patterns. They can also be found in other formats like concrete, steel, and glass. Whichever material you choose, it is imperative to pick the proper color combinations. Often, certain types of backsplash are better suited for different countertop materials because of their color, texture, and composition. A classic subway tile backsplash would compliment a marble countertop or quartz countertop because it will not steer attention away from the stunning stone visual.

For an ongoing design throughout the kitchen space, consider selecting a backsplash that is the same color as your countertops or is identical to the countertop material. Continuing your countertop visual onto your backsplash is a trendy design choice that makes the aesthetic of your kitchen feel present throughout. It also looks more luxurious as more of the space is covered with the look of elegant stone. This is also a good way to make your backsplash feel more textural, a big trend for 2025.

It's amazing how a simple backsplash swap can upgrade the look of your countertop and bring new life to the kitchen. It also gives homeowners the chance to get creative with design and incorporate multiple styles into their kitchen space. If you have a white countertop that you have matched with white cabinets and want to try something unexpected, a backsplash is a great opportunity to add color to the room. This will keep your fixtures looking high-end without being too uniform (and risking looking stale). Keep in mind that the countertop can definitely help guide you to the right backsplash hue. Look at the veining for inspiration. For example, if your countertop has blue or green veining, bring that out with a backsplash that is comprised of cool colors. This is especially fitting for spaces where you want to include horticulture or shades that are reminiscent of an airy beach getaway.

You can experiment with backsplash formats, too. Perfect for DIYers, options like peel-and-stick backsplash make for a quick, hassle-free installation. Peel-and-stick backsplash is typically made of PVC but looks like real tile. The name explains it all — peel the backing off, stick the panel on your wall, apply pressure, and the adhesive will take care of the rest. It's affordable, effortless, and saves so much time while still offering a stylish visual that elevates the look of the entire kitchen.