Top Colors and Materials for Counters, Backsplashes and Walls (2024)

Homeowners are continuing to choose neutral tones for their remodeled kitchens. In addition to white, wood or gray cabinets, they’re often selecting countertops and backsplashes in white and gray, according to the latest research out from Houzz.

The 2020 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from nearly 2,600 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition in the previous 12 months, were working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. Here are six kitchen design trends for counters, backsplashes and walls based on what homeowners are choosing now.

Bianca Ecklund Design

White is the top color choice for upgraded countertops in remodeled kitchens.

Erin Carlyle

1. White Is the Most Popular Countertop Color

White is the No. 1 choice (31%) for upgraded countertops in renovated kitchens, with multicolored the second-most popular option (25%), followed by gray (15%).

Twenty-nine percent of added or upgraded kitchen islands feature a contrasting counter color in relation to the perimeter counters, with wood tones the most popular contrasting choice. Read our story on what’s trending for kitchen islands to find out which other colors are popular when homeowners choose contrasting island countertops.

aaNovo

This Indianapolis kitchen features engineered quartz countertops, the material chosen by just over half of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their counters.

Erin Carlyle

2. Engineered Quartz Is the Top Countertop Material

More than half of upgraded countertops in renovated kitchens are engineered quartz, making it the No. 1 choice for upgraded counters. Engineered quartz was also the top material for upgraded countertops in last year’s report.

However, the growth in popularity of this material (5% year over year) was slower this year compared with the 11% clip of recent years (2016 to 2018). The slower growth is likely due to the dramatic increase in the price of engineered quartz imported from China, the report says.

“Homeowners are dealing with increasing product prices by substituting materials, as indicated by a slowed growth in engineered quartz and a decline in the popularity of engineered flooring materials, highly impacted by tariffs on imported materials from China,” says Nino Sitchinava, Houzz principal economist.

The second-most popular choice for upgraded counters in renovated kitchens is granite (29%), followed by butcher block or wood slab (11%), quartzite (7%) and laminate (6%).

Erin Carlyle

3. White Is the Most Popular Backsplash Color

For backsplashes, white is also the most popular option (35%) among renovating homeowners upgrading their kitchens, followed by multicolored (20%) and gray (15%).

Impact Interior Design

This Boston kitchen features ceramic tile for the backsplash. Porcelain and ceramic tile together are the top choice among homeowners upgrading their kitchen backsplashes as part of their remodel.

Erin Carlyle

4. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Is the Most Popular Backsplash Material

Ceramic or porcelain tile is the top material (57%) among those upgrading backsplashes as part of their kitchen remodel, followed by marble (10%), granite (6%) and engineered quartz (6%).

5. Backsplash Coverage Reaching Heights

Among homeowners who are upgrading the backsplash as part of their kitchen renovation, 63% are taking the backsplash all the way up to the cabinets or range hood, while 21% are taking it just part of the way up, ending the backsplash between the countertop and upper cabinets or range hood.

A smaller share of renovating homeowners upgrading their backsplashes are creating a full feature wall by taking the backsplash material all the way up to the ceiling (11%). Others take it part of the way to the ceiling (4%).

Where to Start and Stop Your Backsplash

Crystal Kitchen + Bath

This Minneapolis kitchen features beige walls (Alexandria Beige by Benjamin Moore), the third-most popular pick among renovating homeowners upgrading their walls as part of a kitchen renovation.

Erin Carlyle

6. Gray Is the Top Wall Color Choice

As mentioned, neutral tones have been popular for renovated kitchens in the last few years, and the most popular wall colors in this year’s study carry on that trend. Gray is the most popular color choice for walls (30%), followed by white (24%) and beige (20%). That said, some renovating homeowners are going bolder with their wall choice colors, with blue (7%) and green (5%) nabbing the next-most popular slots.

The 2020 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 2,598 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition in the previous 12 months, were working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The study was fielded between June 19 and July 2, 2019.

Download the full study

More on Houzz
The Most Popular Styles and Cabinet Choices in Kitchen RemodelsWhat’s Popular for Kitchen Islands in Remodeled Kitchens
Find a pro to help with your kitchen remodel
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Top Colors and Materials for Counters, Backsplashes and Walls (2024)

FAQs

Should countertops and backsplashes be the same color? ›

Should the Backsplash Be Lighter or Darker Than Countertops? Your overall design should offer a balance of elements. So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space.

What is the most popular color for kitchen backsplash? ›

White Backsplash

All-white kitchens are popular for their crisp and clean look. A white backsplash can act as a neutral background that allows painted cabinets to pop, like a rich blue or sage green. Play with texture and tile configurations to create depth and add visual interest.

What is the most popular color for kitchen countertops? ›

Before you decide on a new countertop, make sure you know which color options are available for each material and some creative ways to implement those hues. Homeowners install countertops with hues across the entire spectrum, but the most popular colors are off-white and dark gray.

Should a countertop be lighter or darker than cabinets? ›

Kitchen countertops should be lighter than the cabinets if you want that ideal blend of colors. However, that's not mandatory by any means. After all, it's your kitchen, so you should design it how you want it.

What is the rule of thumb for backsplash? ›

There is no right or wrong answer for how high a kitchen backsplash should be, however, the rule of thumb is to make your backsplash end at the bottom of your kitchen wall cabinets.

What are the rules for backsplash color? ›

If you want your kitchen backsplash to perfectly coordinate with your countertops, you should choose tiles that are color-matched. You can also consider using tiles with the same hue or are made from similar materials. This will help to ensure that your countertops and backsplashes harmonize, well-coordinated space.

Should countertop be lighter or darker than backsplash? ›

Traditionally, yes, backsplashes are usually lighter than countertops. They're kind of like a partial wall, and walls are more often light-colored. That said, there are no real rules. We've seen some striking kitchens with dark backsplashes and light countertops, along with many monochrome design schemes.

What is the most timeless kitchen backsplash? ›

Marble, granite, and limestone are all popular options because of their timeless, organic look. They come in a range of colors and they can be installed with minimal grouting so they offer a uniform surface with less visible seams.

What is the most popular backsplash right now? ›

Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Subway tiles are a classic choice that continues to stand the test of time as one of the most popular kitchen backsplash selections. Versatile, trendy, and classic are all perfect descriptors of subway tiles. If installed, your subway tile backsplash will give a timeless look.

What is the timeless color for countertops? ›

You can choose a light silvery gray to lighten a room or a rich pewter tone to add depth. Both options are timeless. Warm Beige and Gold Granite. Beige and gold granite countertops bring warmth and richness to a space.

What is the most timeless countertop color? ›

Classic White Quartz

White quartz countertops are durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and low maintenance. Quartz's clean, minimalist aesthetic effortlessly complements various design styles, making it a desirable choice that never truly goes out of fashion.

What color countertops are in style in 2024? ›

Popular Countertop Trends in 2024

Inspired by nature – Warm beiges and other natural or earthy color tones are a popular color palette for kitchen designs in particular. Additionally, curved countertops and more organic shapes can add a natural aesthetic to the space.

What color countertops make kitchen look bigger? ›

Use a White Color Scheme

Not only does this color reflect light well and brighten your space, but it can also make the ceiling height look taller. Whether you use it for wall cabinets, countertops, or everything, this tip alone is sure to give you the appearance of a larger kitchen.

Which countertop is easiest to maintain? ›

The Best Countertop Materials for a Low-Maintenance Kitchen
  • Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. ...
  • Quartz. ...
  • Recycled Glass. ...
  • Laminate. ...
  • Soapstone. ...
  • Corian.
Jun 9, 2021

How to pick cabinet and countertop colors? ›

It's important to know that cabinet and countertop colors should not only be complementary or contrasting with each other but they should play off of the paint colors and bigger design picture as well. As a rule of thumb, if you want a modern look, go with darker colors.

Should your backsplash match your countertop? ›

Countertop and backsplash colors should complement one another. Consider using a color wheel to help evaluate your options since it shows you what colors blend nicely together. Some homeowners will choose a backsplash tile that includes a color that matches the veins or spots of color in their countertop.

Should a backsplash be lighter than a countertop? ›

Traditionally, yes, backsplashes are usually lighter than countertops. They're kind of like a partial wall, and walls are more often light-colored. That said, there are no real rules. We've seen some striking kitchens with dark backsplashes and light countertops, along with many monochrome design schemes.

How do you combine countertop and backsplash? ›

You can easily showcase statement-making backsplash tiles when paired with countertops in plain colors as well, such as cream, grey, or even black. When you have dark solid color countertops, coordinating backsplash tiles in glass or porcelain and ceramic with a glossy finish is a great idea to brighten up the space!

Should backsplash be even with countertop? ›

General Rule No.

Typically, the counter, upper cabinets and wall all end at different places on the sides, leaving no definitive stopping point.

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