Wow, thank you tanders and kitchenredo08 for being interested in how it turned out. I PROMISE to put up some pictures within a week. This project has had a lot of ups and downs. First, it took about three weeks for the material to arrive. When it came, I was thrilled; it was exactly what I hoped for. Then came the really fun part: installation. I was talked into the idea that we could do this ourselves. Hmmmm, not sure how to characterize that decision since this post could potentially be read by the other party to the decision ;-). Anyway, let's suffice it to say that stone tile, especially a split face is not for the novice installer. But we got it installed with just a few snafus. Then it was time for grout. We started using the pastry bag method, but abandoned it when my hand began to cramp. Switched to a float. BIG mistake. Grout EVERYWHERE in ALL of the nooks and crannies. Three weeks later and we're still chipping out grout. But we're getting close. Close enough where I'm loving it again. So anyway, it's been an adventure. My advice to anyone who wants to do stone; hire a professional. Again, I PROMISE some pictures very soon. I'm too embarassed to post my kitchen right now with chisels and nano scrub and sponges everywhere. Karen

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 )

Posted by budgeteer_s (My Page) on Wed, Dec 31, 08 at 18:18 Thanks for all your suggestions. I wanted so much to follow with ci_lantro's suggestion because then I'm done. I'll gladly let you snatch that paint brush out of my hand. ha ha. But at the same time if a little tiling will tie up the project, then I'm game. jodi_socal: I'm a little disappointed when you said fire and ice won't work. I just LOVE that F&I BS. But then agin, I think I know all along it's a little too much for my kitchen. Caryscott & petra: Thanks for the picture petra, it says a thousand words. Is spectralight glass tiles? Prices are pretty reasonable. What about that milk green color? will it work? maybe with some garnet pieces sparingly mixed in. I will take some pictures and post two HD Behr's paint card to aid in the discussion of color. Thanks again ALL! Correction: My tiles were Alfagres: Gema4x4: different from what caryscott posted: I loved what caryscott linked:

Looking back at your options, the most pleasing looking to me is the painted wood. Something about a different backsplash only behind the stove, and actually only visible just above the stove back, seems like an abrupt pattern change. I think the simplicity of the wood all around is very pleasant especially with your wood hood. I think the different backsplash interrupts the eye. Since I mentioned about the back of the peninsula, can you share a little about that feature, like the material and design. Is that a definite feature in your plan? If so, it would be nice to bring that in somewhere else - not sure I'm liking the option I posted above, it was just to spur an idea. If anything make it smaller and more like a frame for something, like that pretty green tile you posted. I like the way the SS panel looks in the renderings in that it coordinates well with the refrigerator and DW but those are new appliances. I imagine your vintage range has shiny chrome? Are there colored knobs? If anything I would tie those in to backsplash. A couple ideas in pics below - the painted wood all around with some copper pots (or could be utensils) hanging above your stove. Or a tile/art piece - it's difficult to tell in my pic but the green in there is actually your tiles . Again with the wood, I just think that really goes with the vintage feel in your kitchen. Paint it with durable washable paint, always a good idea in a kitchen anyway. And if wood is too scary for the cleaning aspect, what about those composite-type products, something that looks like wood - I don't have suggestions but think there are options. Looking forward to more of your plans. I am contemplating what to do behind my stove too - am thinking either all tile and I also considered shiplap wood too.