Picture of sink area:

I do agree that it would look nice line wise if you could hang that hood so it's bottom is even with the cabinet. Once you did that I think stopping it right at that height would be fine.

I find myself wanting some shelving to the left of your range to even out what you have going on on the right. Could you put some small floating shelves that will match the one you have planned under your cabinet?

Maybe (if possible) move that light switch/outlet down closer to the counter and then putting up 2-3 floating shelves. One at the height of the planned shelf on right, one at the height of the bottom of the hood, and possibly one in between them.

On the sink side you could just match the height you end up with on the range side but I don't think it's necessary. I think a good stopping spot there is under the window but again I would move the outlet down closer to the counter so that the tile doesn't get cut off by it.

I think your kitchen is going to be super cute by the way.

Hi Beanpiele!

Thanks for your feedback! I can't remember why we ended up hanging the hood like that but I'm definitely going to see if we can move it down a little bit.

I completely agree with you about the shelves on the left side, it does feel very unbalanced but I wasn't sure how many to do. I've been debating between white shelves to blend in with the tiles and highlight whatever I decide to display or a reclaimed wood shelf to add a warmer element- any thoughts?

I also agree that it would be awesome to stop the backsplash below the window if we can move the outlet down. If we are able to move it I would also like to make it horizontal so that it blends in with the tiles. My dad is very handy and is kindly doing the majority of the work in the house, so it kind of depends on what he's willing to do. The house was built in 1931 and the electrical work is very old, so hopefully he's up for the job!

I really appreciate that you think the kitchen looks nice- I've spent a lot of time agonizing over the design decisions and so far I'm very happy with how it has turned out!

I'd take it counter to ceiling and around the doorway. Like this:

Here are more pictures of that kitchen: http://theinspiredroom.net/my-current-house-tour/

I love your cabinet and countertop choices, I think your kitchen is smashing.
In my ktichen I faced the same open space on one side of the range. For a long time I thought/talked about what should go there. I ended up with a piece of artwork and it finished the kitchen perfectly. So I would do the tile and then see what 'feels' right.

I'm personally really liking your reclaimed wood idea for shelves. It will warm up the tile and add to the other rich element you have with your brass hardware. I think you'd find them handy.

As far as the number, definitely do the tile first and then just play with some blue painters tape to get the spacing right but I'd want one even with the hood and one even with the shelf on the other side. Is there space to squeeze another shelf in between them?

I think that high shelf would be a good place for some nice decorative elements or something you obviously don't need to reach to often.

Or maybe just one low shelf and then some art as localeater suggested.

Your floor is adorable.

I really like all of the suggestions, thanks for the advice!

I'll check out the option of tiling the entire wall- the refrigerator is in that corner (sorry I didn't upload a pic of that side) so it would be a lot of tile that you wouldn't really end up seeing. I do like the idea though!

beanpiele- I think I could only get two shelves up there unless I took one higher than the hood. The plan for the shelves is to hang the one on the right about 18" above the countertop which would leave 10-12" (can't remember exactly) between the shelf and the bottom of the cabinet. I think to squeeze in another one would be cutting that space up too much.

I remember seeing a couple of kitchens with artwork when I was looking for designs and I really liked the idea. It might take a while since I would need something pretty tall and skinny but I'll start looking around.

I've been very happy with how the floor turned out- it's marmoleum click and so far it has been great. I was worried about the stripes but now that the floor is down it helps the tiny kitchen feel a lot bigger and I love it. My only complaint would be that the lighter color shows dirt easily and with the door to the basement right there we have to clean it constantly.

Thanks again everyone!