didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )

Hi Katie, Demo starts tomorrow, so no pics on progress yet, but I'll post when I have some. I'm working a little bit with a KD, and doing the rest myself with cabinetmaker. KD suggested open shelving like in the inspiration pic (but in stainless, specifically). I think it would stress me out though, lol! Having all of my bottles and stuff right out there (the range area is the focal point to basically my whole downstairs living area). My pantry rarely looks fabulous, and I'd be moving the pantry out into the open. So, I think we'll be making the vertical column things on either side of the mantel style range area into pull-out shelves for sheet pans, spices, small bottles, etc. I considered the open shelving with a pretty display of white bowls and dishes, but then I'd lose the storage space for the stuff I really need at my fingertips. Feel free to email me, too, if you want to exchange more ideas. It's a fun process!

No luck finding Rixi tile in the area and if I order and have it shipped it brings it to the price of Sonoma Tilemaker. I have a sample of Walker Zanger Cafe latte in a 3X12 which I really like, it is on the left. A sample of a factory made to look like handmade tile is on the right. The price point is about right for the project for us. I think the top picture represents the color better than the bottom picture. When I look at photo's on line with Walker Zanger I am afraid it is too glossy. Has anyone used Walker Zanger Cafe or seen it on the wall? Thoughts?UCL turned off. UCL turned on. I need to decide on the size too. Any thoughts?

Back splash provides to functions. To protect the wall behind the cooking space from greasy splatter and all cooking residue by providing a wipe-able surface for cleanup. The other thing it accomplishes (when done well) is to add a real pop or interest in what frequently becomes a bunch of plain surfaces. If this home were for sale on the market and a potential buyer was looking at it, they would think someone had forgotten to finish the kitchen if it was left without backsplash. The HOuzz site has thousands of photos of beautiful kitchens which will give you great inspiration to choose a backsplash that will add to the beauty of the counter top and the rest of the space.