This is almost exactly like my old kitchen... too funny. But this is sort of the look we would have, except we would have no 6 inch base of the counter top material around the edge, just our back splash. My concern is the tumbled marble tiles may be too porous for use behind the stove, and if they stain, then it's a real pain to clean. Quarts on the other hand would be very easy and would act as a sort of "feature" behind the stove. Keep in mind also that I do not have a hood, just an OTR microwave with ventilation.

ok...to make it clearer i uploaded our layouts. my idea is that the accent tiles will be - essentially - across from each other. two rows. on the sink wall, 3/4 up beween the two windows. From Kitchen Reno and on the stove wall...just up under the hood and between the 2 cabinets (worried it will get lost behind the hood. From Kitchen Reno and here's the vertical view: From Kitchen Reno hoping that will provide more info. any other ideas on how to use these? espec. on the stove side.

ellendi and A2gemini - both of your designs you created with the Grazia Rixi tiles are stunning! I need do some google searching tonight and this weekend for simple backsplash ideas. That's what I want - simple and classic. I can embellish with the nick nacks and change those out as they get old and boring. ellendi, I love yours that it doesn't have any accents, just the brick tile. I am drawn to that shape, as it's the similar to the subway I have now. I am leaning more toward that at this point than the square as I feel it fits my kitchen and overall decorating style better. A2gemini - I am drawn to yours because it does have the accent tiles that bring the colors of the granite subtly into the backsplash. After some thinking, I am afraid that if I just use the accent tiles that I posted yesterday (ellendi, I agree, nix the ORB pencil liner) and not anything else that draws the granite colors in it will look, what word am I looking for, too contrast-y? Too sharp and not subdued? If I use the brick shape only, is it even possible to incorporate accent tiles? Gosh, I do sound like such a newb and high maintenance. But please don't give up on me yet! What about if I did a row of bricks, then a matching pencil liner, and then more bricks all the way up? What is the consensus of the the artistic folks reading my plight think would look best with my granite? Which, by the way I have fallen in love with again now that I have found the Rixi tiles...I had been cursing it for the past month or so as it, IMO, has been so hard to find something compatible! Also, there are two areas that do no have cabinets above them. Just to keep things simple (especially to the DH as I know he would never go for a 'no' backsplash idea in those areas) I intend to replace the existing footprint the same way. Do I end those two areas with the matching small end piece or go for the more grand and elaborate end cap? (forgive me, I don't know the technical names...) And, just to complicate matters, one of those areas has a cabinet door that will open up touch the area, so perhaps I do need to just do a flush end cap...

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 )