A Simple Guide for Designing a Beautiful, Balanced Kitchen
When homeowners think about remodeling their kitchen, they often jump straight to materials, tile patterns, or paint colors — but without a plan for how those colors work together, even the nicest upgrades can feel disconnected.
That’s where the 60-30-10 rule comes in.
Why the 60-30-10 Rule Works So Well in Kitchens
Kitchens have a lot of visual elements — cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting, wall space, tile, décor, and more. Without balance, things get busy fast.
The 60-30-10 rule:
Keeps your color palette consistent Prevents the kitchen from feeling cluttered or chaotic Helps you confidently choose backsplash colors Allows bold accents without overwhelming the space Works for any design style — modern, farmhouse, traditional, transitional, etc.
It’s one of the easiest design principles for homeowners to use, and it always creates a polished, intentional look.
This classic design principle helps you create a kitchen that feels cohesive, intentional, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or simply updating features like your backsplash, understanding this rule can completely transform your results.
At Legacy Home Pros in McKinney, Texas, we use this guideline often when helping homeowners select backsplash materials, cabinet finishes, and accent colors. Here’s how it works — and how to use it to design a kitchen you’ll love for years.
How to Apply the 60-30-10 Rule to Your Kitchen Backsplash
Your backsplash plays a major role in kitchen design because:
- It sits at eye level
- It connects cabinets and countertops
- It can be subtle or bold
- It’s one of the easiest places to add personality
Here’s how it fits into the rule:
1. Your Backsplash as the 10% Accent
Most commonly, the backsplash becomes the accent color — the “10%” that adds visual interest.
Examples:
- White cabinets (60%) + gray countertops (30%) + blue patterned tile (10%)
- Warm wood cabinets (60%) + cream countertops (30%) + sage herringbone tile (10%)
2. Your Backsplash as the 30% Secondary Color
In a minimalist kitchen, the backsplash may actually act as the secondary color.
Examples:
- White cabinets (60%) + full-height marble slab backsplash (30%) + black hardware (10%)
3. Your Backsplash as Part of the 60%
This applies when:
- You use the same slab material for both the backsplash and countertop
- You choose a neutral tile that visually blends into the cabinetry/walls
This creates a monochromatic, sleek aesthetic.
Legacy Home Pros helps homeowners determine which role the backsplash should play depending on your kitchen layout, natural light, and chosen materials.
Examples of Color Palettes Using the 60-30-10 Rule
Neutral & Timeless
- 60% white cabinets
- 30% light gray countertops
- 10% brushed gold hardware + soft beige backsplash
Bold & Modern
- 60% charcoal cabinets
- 30% light oak flooring
- 10% emerald green or navy backsplash
Warm & Welcoming
- 60% warm beige or cream cabinets
- 30% butcher block countertops
- 10% terracotta or patterned tile
Bright & Airy
- 60% soft gray cabinets
- 30% white quartz counters
- 10% sky-blue backsplash
The combinations are endless — the rule just helps create direction.
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