How to Pair Granite Countertop Colours with Cabinets and Backsplashes
Creating a harmonious kitchen involves selecting the right combinations of granite countertop colours, cabinets, and backsplashes. The goal is to achieve a balanced aesthetic that complements your style and enhances the overall ambiance of the space. In this blog by Natural Stone City, we’ll take a look at the following topics to help guide you:
1) Color Coordination Strategies: Contrast vs. Complementary Tones
2) Recommended Combinations Based on Popular Granite Colors
3) Material Recommendations for Cabinets and Backsplashes
5) Final Tips for a Cohesive Look
Follow along by clicking on the links above or continue reading. You can also visit our showroom where you can see our selection of granite countertop colours in person or take home a sample to see how it works in your home. Contact us for a free consultation!
Natural Stone City is your guide to choosing the perfect granite countertop colours! - Image by MSI Surfaces
Finding the Perfect Granite Countertop Colours
By thoughtfully combining granite countertops with complementary cabinets and backsplashes, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Below we’ll explore how color coordination strategies, materials, and personal style help you achieve the perfect balance.
1) Color Coordination Strategies: Contrast vs. Complementary Tones
Above you can see the difference between contrasting colour combinations and complimentary colour combinations.
- Images by MSI Surfaces
When pairing granite with cabinets and backsplashes, consider the following strategies: Contrasting Colours or Complimentary Colours.
Contrasting and complementary color strategies are both effective for choosing granite countertop colors because they help you create a visually balanced and intentional kitchen design. Each strategy offers a different kind of aesthetic appeal, and choosing one depends on the mood, style, and visual flow you want in your kitchen.
Contrasting Colours
Contrast involves pairing colors that are very different — light vs. dark, warm vs. cool — to create visual drama and emphasis. The benefits of contrast include the following:
Visual Interest: Bold contrasts (e.g., black granite with white cabinets) grab attention and create a dynamic, modern feel.
Focal Point: A contrasting granite countertop can serve as a centerpiece in the kitchen.
Depth and Dimension: Contrast helps define edges and surfaces, making the space feel more layered and engaging.
Light Balancing: Dark granite with light cabinets (or vice versa) prevents a room from feeling too heavy or too stark.
Opt for bold combinations where the granite stands out against the cabinetry. For instance, pairing dark granite with light-colored cabinets creates a striking visual effect. You could pair Black Galaxy Granite with white shaker cabinets and a light gray subway tile backsplash for a sleek, elegant, and dramatic look.
Complimentary Colours
Complementary colors are those that are either directly opposite on the color wheel or share undertones (like warm with warm, cool with cool). This strategy creates a harmonious and cohesive look. You’ll achieve the following:
Cohesion: Similar hues between granite, cabinets, and backsplashes create a sense of unity.
Soothing Aesthetic: Ideal for traditional, minimalist, or transitional kitchen styles where subtlety is key.
Natural Flow: Complementary colors make the design feel effortless and timeless.
Enhanced Warmth or Coolness: Matching warm-toned granite (like Giallo Ornamental) with creamy cabinets enhances warmth and comfort.
Choose elements that share similar hues to create a seamless look. For example, warm-toned granite with matching wood cabinets and a neutral backsplash can offer a unified appearance. Or consider trying creamy beige granite with off-white cabinets and a natural stone backsplash for a soft, warm, and inviting look.
Strategy Tips
If you want to make a statement, use contrast. If your goal is to create flow and cohesion, use complementary tones. And mix both if you want a balanced and curated look. For example, choose complementary cabinets and countertops with a contrasting backsplash.
2) Recommended Combinations Based on Popular Granite Colors
In this section, we’ve listed some popular granite colours for you to consider with suggestions on how to pair them with your cabinets and/or backsplash.
White Granite Countertops
Cabinets: Pair with warm wood tones like oak or cherry for a classic look.
Backsplash: Consider white or light-colored subway tiles to maintain a clean and timeless aesthetic.
Image: Pitaya White Granite by MSI Surfaces
Black Granite Countertops
Cabinets: White or light-colored cabinets provide a sharp contrast, while dark wood cabinets offer a more traditional feel.
Backsplash: Light-colored or metallic tiles can add dimension and prevent the space from feeling too dark.
Image: Titanium granite by MSI Surfaces
Beige or Brown Granite Countertops
Cabinets: Cream or off-white cabinets enhance the warmth of the granite.
Backsplash: Neutral-toned tiles or natural stone can complement the earthy tones of the granite.
Image: Savanna Gold Granite by MSI Surfaces
Gray Granite Countertops
Cabinets: Soft pastel or neutral-colored cabinets can create a serene atmosphere.
Backsplash: Glass or marble tiles in complementary shades can add elegance and depth.
Image: Ceara White Granite by MSI Surfaces
3) Material Recommendations for Cabinets and Backsplashes
In the images above, you can see the difference between granite with cool undertones (left) and warm undertones (right).
- Images by MSI Surfaces
When choosing granite countertop colors and coordinating cabinet and backsplash materials, there are several additional factors to keep in mind beyond just color. These considerations ensure your kitchen design is not only beautiful but also functional, durable, and timeless.
Undertones Matter
Granite often contains multiple colors and undertones (warm vs. cool). Be sure your cabinet and backsplash choices align with these subtle tones. Warm granite (gold, beige, brown) pairs well with creams, warm whites, and wood tones while cool granite (gray, black, blue) works with crisp whites, grays, and cool-toned materials like stainless steel or glass. Feel free to ask for a granite sample to take home with you when choosing cabinets and backsplash tiles to see how undertones interact in real lighting.
Lighting Conditions
Lighting (both natural and artificial) dramatically affects how granite and other materials appear. Natural light brings out granite’s depth and variation. LED or warm lighting can warm up cool granite or enhance yellow/gold undertones. Remember to view samples under your kitchen’s lighting at different times of day when selecting your granite.
Finish Types
Granite is available in different finishes:
Polished: Reflective, sleek, and classic.
Honed: Matte, more modern and subtle.
Leathered: Textured, hides fingerprints and smudges well.
Just choose a finish that complements your kitchen's vibe and is practical for your lifestyle.
Backsplash Material Considerations
Your backsplash should complement the granite without overpowering it. Popular materials include:
Subway tile: Classic and versatile.
Glass tile: Reflective and modern.
Natural stone or marble: Sophisticated, but may compete with bold granite — use with care.
Metal tiles: Industrial or contemporary flair; works with cool granite tones.
If your granite is bold or busy, opt for a simple, low-contrast backsplash. If your granite is neutral, you can go bolder on the backsplash.
Curious to know more about backsplashes? Here is some helpful information.
Cabinet Material and Finish
Cabinet material and finish can shift the entire tone of the space. Here are some material options:
Solid wood: Durable and high-end. Takes stain or paint well.
MDF with veneer or laminate: Budget-friendly, smooth finish.
Painted cabinets: Versatile but may chip over time.
When considering finishes, you can choose matte or satin for a more subtle and modern look or a glossy finish which is reflective and works well in sleek or contemporary kitchens.
Long-Term Style and Resale
Granite is a long-term investment, so balance current trends with classic elements to avoid a dated look. Neutral granite (e.g., white, black, gray) tends to have greater longevity. Avoid overly trendy cabinet colors unless you're planning to stay in your home long-term or don’t mind repainting.
Final Thoughts
Solid wood cabinets offer durability and can be stained or painted to match various granite colors. For a modern touch, consider matte or glossy finishes. For backsplashes, materials like subway tiles, marble, glass, and metal can be used to create different effects. Subway tiles offer a classic look, while glass and metal tiles can introduce texture and reflect light.
4) Visual Inspiration
Here are some images showcasing different granite, cabinet, and backsplash combinations!
Whether you go for contrasting colours or complimentary colours, there is something for everyone! - Images by MSI Surfaces
5) Final Tips for a Cohesive Look
As we wrap up this guide on how to select the prefect granite countertop colours, let’s consider a few final tips.
When selecting granite countertops, aim for balance between beauty, practicality, and long-term appeal. Start by identifying the overall style you want for your kitchen — whether it’s modern, traditional, rustic, or transitional — and let that guide your color palette.
Always consider the undertones in your granite and ensure they harmonize with your cabinet and backsplash choices. Test samples together under your kitchen’s lighting to see how they interact throughout the day. If your granite has bold patterns or multiple colors, keep surrounding elements more subdued to avoid visual overload.
And above all, choose what feels right for your lifestyle and taste — granite is an investment that should reflect both your design vision and how you live in your space.
Discover Your Perfect Granite Countertop Colours at Natural Stone City
Searching for the perfect granite countertop colours is easier with the help of Natural Stone City. We have the largest selection of Granite, Marble, Porcelain, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 1,000 slabs of different colour options.
You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Installations in as little as 1 week
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today, and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Highly recommend. From the minute we entered the showroom and were greeted by Denisa to the installation, Natural Stone City has been top notch. Viewing the indoor showroom was great with samples on site to take with. Denisa provided us with an on the spot quote based on our plans. She was wonderful to work with making sure we got exactly what we wanted. The speed of templating to installation is unheard of - templating on Tuesday and installing on Friday. This significantly fast-tracked our renovation. The care of the people cutting the stone cannot be overlooked. We chose to use the countertop as backsplash and they went to the effort that the veins are continuous from the backsplash to the counter. The installation was perfection as well. Our very large island required a seam and it is virtually unnoticeable due to the care of the installers and the attention of the person laying out our stone for cutting. We are so incredibly pleased with our countertops. Great business, great people, and great product. Highly recommend.”
— Susan Cruickshank
