Kitchen Re/Mix - Countertops/Backsplash

If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel (or update) than you know how overwhelming it can be to select your finishes. The options seem endless and when you’re trying to balance budget and finished look, it can be hard to know where to start.

We’re going to help to take some of the guesswork out of things and give you our notes on how to mix and match your countertops + backsplash.

Modern Subway Tile/Black Granite

This is a more contemporary take on the classic subway tile. Stack your tiles in either a vertical or horizontal orientation and watch your kitchen instantly have a modern facelift. A black granite countertop will never go out of style and is a complimentary choice for a wide variety of kitchen styles.

Pros: Requires little maintenance, is stain, heat and water resistant. Subway tiles are easy to find, come in multiple sizes and colour ways

Cons: Granite is very heavy so should be well supported. Select your slab on site to avoid any variations from smaller samples.

Cost: $45-$200 Per Sq Ft for Granite: Subway Tiles: $7-$15

Quartz Countertops/Backsplash

This is our go-to, hard-working, easy on the eyes, timeless combo. If you don’t love grout lines and lean towards a seamless look, continuing the countertop selection up the wall is the way to go!

Pros: Seamless look. No grout lines on backsplash. Low maintenance; doesn’t need to be sealed, heat + scratch proof

Cons: Can show visible seams where pieces meet. Can chip.

Butcher Block/Marble Tile

Fresh + natural, with a side of budget friendly! If you love the look of marble but are afraid of the upkeep and cost of using it on your countertops, splurging on marble tiles for your backsplash might be the solution. , a butcher block countertop, paired with white cabinets can help balance the cost and give you a timeless, crisp and clean kitchen.

Pros: Butcher block is affordable, has natural anti-bacterial properties, adds warmth.

Cons: Marks easily, requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep, not very heat or water resistant

Price: $35-$80 Per Sq Ft: Marble Tiles: $20-$35 Per Sq Ft

Concrete Counter/Tadelakt Backsplash

Our love for this earthy and rich combo goes deep. It’s not always the easiest sell to our clients but once you get past the labour intensive installation of both of these finishes, you are left with a truly unique and exceptionally durable result.

Pros: Concrete: Tough, heat and stain resistant. Tadelakt: durable, completely waterproof, non-toxic

Cons: Labour intensive installation. Tadelakt, if damaged needs to be replaced and not repaired to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing.

Price: Concrete: $80-$150 Per Sq Ft: Tadelakt: $20-$50 Per Sq Ft

Price: $40-$100 Per Sq Ft

On-Trend backsplash Ideas

Looking to update your backsplash only? These are our favourite on-trend options at the moment.

Zellige Tile: Add moodiness and depth to your kitchen with these handmade clay tiles. They are available in a wide range of colours and add instant charm to any room. Be wary of installation as they vary in size (due to their handmade nature) and have natural imperfections.

4x4 Tile/Coloured Grout: Use any classic subway or 4x4 tile and add some punch and personality with coloured grout! This is inexpensive, easy to do and is an instant pick me up for any kitchen.

Terrazzo

Want something a little out of the box? How about Terrazzo?

Terrazzo has been around for ages and is having a resurgence as of late. This durable, unique and natural stone makes a stunning addition to a home (and homeowner) that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Constructed of cement and pieces of granite, marble, glass and additional materials, the variations seem limitless and the colourways are vast.

Pull this material up the wall to showcase the pattern and colours.

Pros: Beautiful, durable, environmentally friendly, scratch resistant

Cons: Cost, maintenance, must be properly sealed

Price: $50-$100 Per Sq Ft