1) I recall the brass trim is a couple hundred more per range. 1a) The 24" RNB is a new version of the RPB . That's cool and they'll match front plates now. 2,) Hard to tell. I think the island trim looks better and will allow a larger splayed (windsor) pot on the back burner. It must have granite,tile or stainless behind it, so you're O.K. there. I suppose the 8" keeps boil-overs and splatters from dripping down the wall as much (or into where the island trim vents would be).

Thanks for posting and those pictures are gorgeous. I was thinking of putting it on the hood because I want to have a pot filler in the middle above my stove and the stove buttons and such are on the back and it comes up kind of high so I did not want things to look too squished. remodelfla is now my inspiration since before it was just an idea now it looks possible.

I'm the party pooper, I guess. I suggest you do not pick the tile for the back splash until the cabinets and counters are in. You will not believe the difference it makes. When the counter is horizontal and bigger, it will look much more different than that little sample. The lighting in your space is different than out in the tile shops. Also the cabinets when installed will give your space a different look. There is nothing lost by waiting. There have been several GW members who made their decision based on a door and granite sample only to be disappointed later. In our future house, I plan on just painting that drywall area and then deciding. I know I probably will want to go with the arabesques again, but I really want to see it before making that decision. But, while you are out there looking, check out the Mandala Tiles, especially their Sinu collection. The tile is subtle but really does have some depth to it without stealing the show. I know srg215 used it in her kitchen in the color: Stingray. Gorgeous. Good Luck!

for what it's worth, my current kitchen (which I am ripping out shortly) has the counter/backsplash material running up the wall on the end like you are thinking. Mine doesn't run down to the floor because the cabinets are right up to the edge of the door, but I hate it. It could be because I hate the counter/backsplash, but something about the fact that it continues onto that side wall really bothers me. I love the look of the backsplash continuing up above cabinets or range hoods, but only if it's on the same wall.