Kitchen Upgrade Contemporary Kitchen, Toronto

Solid slabs. The opposite of a tile pattern, a single slab is a popular choice for contemporary backsplashes. Although typically more of an investment than patterned tile, a slab can be an excellent choice for compact kitchens where not much material is required. It achieves a very open look and can be created with one single material piece cut to form a matching backsplash and counter.For a budget-friendlier option, you can also look for off-cut slab pieces to create a short backsplash in a luxe stone, and use a less expensive material for the counter that picks up on the veining tones to coordinate beautifully.More: Houzz guides to working with tile

In a kitchen renovation project of my own, I needed only one slab of material to dress this galley kitchen, making the compact size an advantage in creating a big look. Because the backsplash reaches the upper cabinets, it feels like a full-impact effect, even though the actual material square footage is low. I then backed the stove and fridge niche in a subdued material (sheets of smoky gray mirror) to let the stone speak for itself.

Kitchen will lean modern with Flat panel cabinets

Slab backsplash. More impact than on a countertop. Can be small or vast.

continuous slab for counter and backsplash