My remodel is planned for mid April and I chose my granite first since that is something mother nature creates and we can't put our color order in with her. I have also chosen Typhoon Bordeaux but I haven't found my lot yet. Every slab I have liked has been sold and the ones available have been with the large rusty streak through it. I have someone looking for me now. Choosing cabinets is where I am at now and the color choices are limitless. My backsplash will be something we do after cabinets and granite are installed as I agree with previous poster that now you can bring home samples and see it in your own kitchen lighting throughout the day. Yes, it will take a little more time to finish the project, but it's a large detail that will impacts us daily and a little time now vs. regret later is well worth it. My two cents worth. Good luck in your project and keep us posted. I love these boards!!

The tiled backsplash usually sits just off the countertop by an 1/8th inch or so and the gap is caulked. The caulk can be cut away and the countertop should be able to be removed without damaging the backsplash. That's in a perfect world. Some installers set the bottom course of tile right on the countertop. Less clearance. Depending on how the countertop is attached to the cabinets below, that can affect things. The shape of the counter. A straight run or and "L" shaped? Are the ends open or captured? How the countertop is constructed? A slab of stone? Or a tiled-in mud bed? Sometimes the countertop needs to be sectioned out in pieces. In general, the backsplash can usually be preserved, but getting the countertop out might be ugly, especially if it's piece by piece. So..."it depends".

Expected to see something dreadful. Happily surprised. It's lovely! Congratulations :) Would be pleased to know specifically what tile you selected if you have that info.

As others have said, I wouldn't do a thing. Painting even by a professional would be a downgrade in terms of quality as the wood stain looks great. You don't do a backsplash when you already have the splash guard that matches the counter. You have one or the other. The purpose of a having tile or other waterproof surface where the counter meets a wall is to protect the wall from damage from inevitable wet. When you sell the new owner can make aesthetic decisions which might include replacing the counter and having a backsplash because the new counter doesn't have the six inch splash guard. Or they might decide to completely gut the kitchen and install new cabinets - it looks like all of the lower cabinets are doors instead of drawers which isn't very functional. However your kitchen in its present kitchen is quite lovely and would NOT be a detriment to any normal buyer.