I would backsplash the BACKS all all cabinets and NONE of the SIDES.

Edited to add: on photo #3, I'd just end it at the cabinets, and have a strip of wall color connecting the floor to the ceiling. Edited again to add: with #3, it doesn't really matter, I don't think. Maybe end at the countertop. But if ending it at the upper cabinets will result in it ending with a full tile, or without a sliver of tile, then I'd do it there.

Agree with Carrie. Just use a good paint on the side wall near the stove. I haven't installed a bs yet and have no problem wiping off splatters behind the stove.

I agree too!

Agree as well

Ceiling:

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your feedback, especially on a long stat weekend. I'm still undecided ... but leaning towards no backsplash on side walls

just for reference, here are pics of our kitchen w/no backsplash on the sides and the backsplash coming just out to same point of cabinets.

In old kitchen photos you'll see the side walls tiled, but you really don't see it much anymore. If you don't need it for heat or water protection, I can't think of a good reason to tile there.

Suzy, what tiles did you use for your backsplash?

I generally don't like side splashes, but I will say that, lavender, yours looks nice. I think the trim at the top of tile makes it look really nice. Oh, maybe that isn't your kitchen. Either way, that kitchen looks pretty.

ellendi6161, i had to look back on my post from 2010 where i posted my finished kitchen w/the details. the backsplash was Mandala Sinu Stingray

Thanks!

Here is what I did ….took it to the edge of the counter tops on both sides.

I love Suzy's pics. Agree with Carrie too, backs but not sides. Outside edge of upper, not lower cabinet.

@Suzy - your kitchen looks amazing. What color silicone did you use for the joints between the backsplash and the countertop?

@Joseph - I was thinking of extending it all the way up to the ceiling, but we've decided not too. Our kitchen is quite tiny. Thank you for the advice though, I appreciate it.

@everyone - we have decided to leave the sides alone. No backsplash. Thanks again for your feedback and advice, and especially for taking the time to post pictures. You're all awesome :)

i'm not sure what color silicone the guys used. originally they had just used grout because they don't like silicone in wet areas, but then the grout started crumbling, and the counter is not really a wet area (like a shower) so mold isn't an issue so they came back and used silicone. much better.

Hi Suzy - glad it worked out for you :)