Like holligator, I think that two "busy" surfaces tend to compete with each other for your attention, and they tend to cancel each other out. I always thought of the backsplash as a "bridge" between the upper cabinets and the counter top and lower cabinets. My backsplash is similar to sue b's. I used a row of 4 x 4 inch field tiles, with three rows of 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch mosaic, then 3 x 6 inch subway tiles the rest of the way. I wanted something different above the range, and that led me to the final design, which incorporates the mosaic tile. I was initially not happy with the grout lines I ended up with, but I think it makes the kitchen look more "old fashioned", which was the look I was going for. While my backsplash seems to work in my kitchen, I don't think it would look good in a more modern kitchen. I really like your granite, and if you want it to be the focal point of your kitchen, a more neutral backsplash will certainly bring it to the forefront. You're certainly not alone in changing your mind about your vision for your kitchen. I can't tell you how many times I changed my mind about nearly every element of my kitchen. The way my kitchen turned out looks nothing like my original vision. I found the backsplash to absolutely be the most agonizing decision of all! Rich Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen pics

I'm back again! I think I am close to finally picking out a tile. I should have a asked this in the very beginning - About "Side Splashes" ...when I had the old laminate countertops, there was a 4" laminate strip of "backsplash" running behind the countertop and it extended all the way to the side walls. Now there is an ugly mess on the wall where I removed the strip, and am wondering if the new tile backsplash should extend to the side walls again. I have read a lot that the "side splashes" are not always necessary and sometimes not appealing to the eye. Should I do a "side splash", meaning should I extend the tile where the wall changes direction and make it the same height as the rest of it? Or should I sand and paint those areas? This post was edited by dms11 on Sat, Mar 8, 14 at 9:30

I just went for a tile consult today and am in a daze from sticker shock. My initial choice of tile was almost $30 a sq foot. Now that may not be bad, but I was doing a full wall of tile on my sink wall (6 feet x 6 feet) and 2 - 17" x 36" backsplashes on my island, 1 on each side of the stove (am appreciating its high back with no backsplash needed now, lol). I am starting to think I may shorten my sink wall and have the tile stop below the open shelves instead of going almost to the ceiling. It sure would save a hunk of change! Of course, I would not dream of going with the almost $30 tile anyway as I am also tiling the kitchen floor, den floor and master bath floor. Doing approx 280 sq feet of floor tile is going to kill the bank acct before even worrying about the backsplash ticket. I had found bathroom tile for $12 a sq foot (marble basketweave) and I thought that was pricey. The tile person today says her store pays more than that for the same tile, so I guess that is a good price after all. So glad our master bath is modestly sized now, lol. BTW - shelayne, that tile is simply inspired! You make a very good case for a shorter backsplash, even if you don't need the savings ;) (which, of course, we certainly do!)

didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )