Colors for a Backsplash

Warm

• As you consider the "tone" of your kitchen, think about how you want the colors to make people feel. Warm colors are like those you might see in a dramatic sunset: red, orange and yellow. Warm colors naturally introduce energy, vitality and excitement into a room. Bright shades of yellow are known to make babies fussy, while red is often used in restaurants due to its appetite-stimulating quality. Think about how energetic you want your kitchen to be.

Cool

• Cool colors are like those you might see on a mountain vista: blue, green and lilac. All are calming, tranquil colors, best used in rooms where you would like serenity to reign. If you're hoping for a quiet gathering space in the kitchen, a cool tone of backsplash may be right for you.

Complementary

• Take a look at your countertop. That is your decorative focal point in terms of finding the right backsplash. If you want a bold, modern kitchen, consider using a backsplash in a color complementary to your countertop. Complementary colors adhere to the adage that opposites attract and are found directly opposite one another on a color wheel. For instance, if your countertop is light blue, the complementary color of backsplash would be light orange. It is loud and bold, but somehow manages to work together.

Analogous

• A more harmonious way to go when choosing a backsplash color is to choose a shade that is analogous to your countertop. An analogous color is found directly on either side of your primary color on the color wheel. For instance, if your countertop is mint green, you could use either a lemon yellow or powder blue backsplash. The reason analogous colors work together is because they have something in common. Mint green and lemon yellow both have the color yellow at their base, and mint green and powder blue have the color blue in common.

Neutral

• A safe course when choosing a backsplash is to opt for a neutral color. Shades of brown, white and gray are all neutral and work well with almost any color they're coupled with. The advantage of using a neutral color backsplash is that you can pair it with nearly any color wall color without worrying about it clashing and you know for certain that it works well with your countertop.