Does your backsplash go all the way up to meet the upper cabinets? If so, I think that's a good place to stop. I've seen some here angle or step down to the end of the counter, but that depends if your tile style will do that nicely, and if you like the look, of course. I'm kind of a keep it simple sort and would probably end at the uppers. I would just end with the tile (unless it really looks crummy on the edges) or a bullnosed version of it, if there is one.

if the high point of the ceiling isnt symmetric with the sink... i'd skip highlighting that. have your splash match the bottom of your uppers OR some sensible spot on your hood higher than the bottom of your uppers if its like... 20". dont go higher so you can ignore the vault. if you intend to tile to the ceiling of your hood wall... stay at 18" on your sink wall with or without uppers.

Thank you Dawn, that is a nice idea! I I don’t want it to be busy (=grout line busy or patterns) And the simple larger tiles will accomplish that! We like that simple look. I’ll look into some larger format tiles based on your suggestion for sure. . My husband has finally abandoned the floor tile on wall idea (yes!!!) but now he wants thin porcelain tile slabs in white to cover the entire wall. I like the large format they come in so I’ll take a look at that as an option too.

Yes we will be taking it up to the level of the hood and I agree that would be a more unified look. We are going to do the install ourselves unless you guys think this will be way too hard.... Anyway, say we do the install, what should we use on the top edge that will run under the sink light from cabinet to cabinet box? Some kind of pencil tile border? I'm not sure if they make one for this tile.