What Colors Go Well With a Terra-Cotta Tile Backsplash?

Neutrals

• If you enjoy a clean kitchen, neutrals work well for wall colors. Or you can pick light neutral countertops and cabinets if you prefer to make a bold splash with paint color and the terra-cotta backsplash. Warm sandstone or beige and milky rich white work very well with terra cotta and provide a blank canvas for other hues. Warm gray also pairs with terra cotta, and could work if you plan to introduce granite or marble countertops, sinks or other fixtures.

Light Hues

• Light hues paired with terra cotta evoke the classic Tuscan color palette. Many light colors play up terra cotta, so use them on the wall, to paint cabinets or countertops or in accents, from curtains to light fixtures. Straw, honey, apricot and warm butter tones go well with terra cotta, as do medium tawny browns.

Bold Hues

• If you want something big and bold, consider playing up the rusty oranges in the terra cotta with a palette of vivid orange. Fiery red oranges or brownish oranges work well to brighten up a room. Plenty of chocolate, sienna and umber browns match, so consider wood cabinets, wood tables or playing up a room with wood trim. If you don't want to paint with bold hues like this, work them into the light fixtures, cabinet colors or kitchen decor. Metallic brass, copper and pewter colors work well with terra cotta, so pick fixtures of these hues, not silver.

Contrasting Hues

• You don't need to play matchy-matchy when it comes to terra cotta. If you prefer cool hues but love the look of terra cotta, consider deep blues such as navy, cobalt or pigeon. Greens of any shade offer cooling contrast, so go mint, grass or sage. Vivid purples and reds also work well with the rusty terra cotta, so consider hues in the wine family.