i'm not a fan of squares, visual interest-wise, but one thing you could do is run it one way on the backsplash, and then frame out a small area over your cooktop and run it the other way inside of that framed area, just to break things up and get a bit of a focal point.

Thanks, that's a good idea. Someone else suggested to me about "framing" the free end of the backsplash with the listello strip, but I'm not too sure about that.

We are doing a diagonal lay and accent pieces on the square-my interior designer said it definitely shows as a more expensive tile doing it this way? I also prefer the look-my GC said it obviously costs more to do b/c of the extra cuts. We also are using a pencil trim on the end and top to "finish" it off. I saw this look in a display and loved the way it completed the backsplash to me. Our GC said only about 15% of people do this-which I also like b/c I want it to be a little bit different from others. Behind our range we also have a boxed out place and there we have the main tile on the square with larger accent pieces on the diamond.

Maybe this'll help. Both are the same tile:

I do like the diagonal pattern better....doesn't even look like the same tile. Thanks, Bill. Cpang...thanks for the idea of using a pencil trim to edge the end. It definitely is a better idea than using the same listello piece I choose.

Neither pattern's especially associated with this era, so you can choose whichever you want. Taken on their own without the influence of trim pices, a diagonal set is more dynamic, and squares set horizontally right above each other are a more static look--often used for a contemporary look, but can be traditional too depending on materials, et cetera. Squares set horizontally but offset like a subway pattern typically give a more relaxed feel than set right above each other.