I think the full thickness of soapstone would look nice- kinda traditional. I have the 4" backsplash of 3cm granite for backsplash and its attached with silicone. Since they are different minerals this may not help much. We will do beadboard and it will just run to the backsplash with a molding to finish off the cut end of the beadboard. No bevel, just an eased edge. I think the "step back" is no problem. BTW I love your kitchen. You inspired us to do a DIY soapstone top for a hutch - still not done Sue

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:

I can't figure out to edit my post but we put these granite countertops in and when we took the old ones out, there was a lot of drywall missing behind the old 4" Formica backsplash

You have a wee little alcove vanity. I would use the 3" backsplash out of the counter material & not worry about it not having 'movement'. Remember that after the faucet is installed and you have stuff on the counter (like a hand soap dispenser & probably hand lotion), you will see very little of the backsplash anyway. Caulk & paint the sides since there is not enough material. If not that, then good caulk/ sealant and paint as Spiritflower suggests. I would NOT add tile. In that tiny space with a very interesting counter surface, you don't need more texture, pattern, interest. Adding another element will distract and end up being too busy.