A successful kitchen renovation is built on thoughtful planning and a keen eye for detail. Creating an appealing and practical space starts with unifying your benchtop, cabinetry, and splashback. Every element should contribute to a sense of balance and unity, making the kitchen attractive and highly functional. This blog outlines some key considerations when selecting a benchtop that matches your cabinetry and splashback, ensuring your vision comes to life.
1. Where to Start
Deciding whether to begin with your benchtop or splashback can significantly impact the outcome. Benchtops offers a simpler array of colours and textures, which can be a reliable base for selecting complementary splashbacks. Once you settle on a benchtop that suits your taste and practical requirements, you can explore various splashback options that contrast or complement its features.
Alternatively, if a particular splashback design catches your eye, let that inspire the choice of a benchtop. The goal is maintaining a design where each element supports the other, yielding a polished, professional look.
2. Achieving Colour Coordination
A thoughtful colour can change a busy cooking area into an inviting space. Opt for complementary colours that add visual interest. For instance, pairing dark cabinetry with a light-coloured benchtop and splashback creates a striking contrast that emphasises each element.
Alternatively, a monochromatic scheme employing different shades from the same colour family can develop a calm and unified atmosphere. Tone-on-tone techniques, where similar hues are repeated across surfaces, provide a subtle elegance that seamlessly binds cabinetry, benchtop, and splashback together.

Numerous kitchen benchtop and splashback ideas exist that can inspire those exploring various design options. The key is to avoid overwhelming the senses with too many competing colours. Instead, choose a primary colour palette that is echoed throughout the space. This approach achieves visual balance and reflects your style and taste, resulting in a kitchen that stands the test of time.
3. Texture, Material, and Pattern
Beyond colour, texture and material are crucial in creating a harmonious kitchen environment. The tactile quality of each surface can significantly influence the visual appeal. A smooth benchtop paired with cabinetry featuring a soft matte finish creates a dynamic interplay between simplicity and detail. A patterned or textured splashback can add an element of intrigue and provide a focal point in the room.

Select same material for your benchtop and splashback to attain a unified look. This technique works particularly well when adopting a consistent style throughout the kitchen. In cases where you choose custom cabinetry, continuity in texture and finish is key, whether the project involves the kitchen or extends to custom laundry cabinets. Each element should unite, supporting a busy kitchen’s overall theme and functional demands.
4. Lighting and Its Influence
Adequate lighting affects how colours and textures are perceived throughout the day. Natural light can reveal your chosen materials’ true hues and subtle nuances. A well-lit kitchen feels more spacious and inviting, while darker kitchens may benefit from lighter, reflective surfaces that help distribute available light. Whether positioned to enhance natural daylight or strategically placed to provide evening illumination, lighting fixtures should complement your selections. For example, under-cabinet LEDs can subtly highlight the interaction between your benchtop and splashback, enhancing their appeal.
An effective lighting approach can uplift your kitchen atmosphere. It ensures that every carefully selected detail, whether the grain of the benchtop or the finish on the cabinetry, is highlighted. With the right balance of light, your space can appear lively and functional.
5. Balancing Functionality with Style
While achieving a harmonious aesthetic is crucial, it is equally important to prioritise practical elements within your design. A durable benchtop that resists spills, scratches, and everyday wear is essential in a busy kitchen. Cabinetry should provide ample storage and be designed to meet the unique demands of your household. Function should align with style, ensuring the design is visually pleasing and practical. Areas around the hob or sink can be designated as focal points with a bolder splashback, creating a visual centrepiece that enhances the room’s overall dynamic.
With custom cabinetry, you can have the storage solutions to suit your needs. Similarly, integrating custom laundry cabinets can extend a cohesive aesthetic beyond the kitchen. Emphasis on usability and design will ensure that your kitchen remains a cherished space for years.
6. Personalising Your Space
Centre your kitchen renovation around your personal style. Every decision, from the choice of colours and textures to the selection of materials and lighting fixtures, should reflect who you are and how you use your kitchen.
Modern trends offer inspiration, yet your design should remain true to your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a more expressive palette, make choices that allow your personality to shine through.
Focus on functionality and aesthetics for creating a cohesive kitchen design. You should create a harmonious interaction between the benchtop, cabinetry, and splashback to make the overall outcome logically structured and visually attractive.
Contact Emporium Kitchens for Expert Advice
If you’re unsure about your choices, contact Emporium Kitchens in Sydney for the assistance of an expert kitchen designer who can help you visualise your finished kitchen.