Backsplash. :)

Yes, the backsplash tile on the wall with the hood should go to the ceiling. Check out the Jinshan Bone series of tile from The Tile Shop. It would look gorgeous with your granite.

I would just tile the width of the stove to under the hood.

And, I would do it as a focal point. You have the 4inch BS and I'm not a fan of tiling above that.

I'm not sure of the color of your granite. I would pull a color from the counter for the walls. But the lightest version.

Perhaps you think it's not finished because of the white walls.

DiscountGlassTile they're having a sale. tons of choices but I like that crisscross too. They also have an Earth color glass

Try BM Pale Oak or Seattle Mist, Balboa Mist or Shale

It's a lovely and rather blank slate, which is a good thing! Most pix are so cluttered as to be slightly ghastly. You have had lots of good advice re. tile. I would suggest a more colourful area rug and bigger more rustic island or kitchen table as Beth H suggested to make it a warmer space. And also see what it looks like with the valance removed. A simple handblown glass vase in your colour of choice in the window might be a nice option to consider.

CTR,,,Pale Oak a nice shade w/white. And looks great w/pale pink accents!

both of these are Pale Oak.

You could also tell them to darken it by 25 or 50% if you want. I think this, the tile and a nice wood island,,,maybe some greenery by the windows, will make a big difference. You could always do a warmer rug. I like that one, but bringing in some color can't hurt

and getting a walnut or acacia butcher block for that island,,,,you can actually make a top like this (not the waterfall,,,but the top. it's easy to put it on a vintage piece you find)

Hello. You have very beautiful kitchen, but in my opinion, here it is necessary to add the island.

Get a larger, rolling cart/island..

I think a rug is a trip hazard and unless you really don't cook, it will get dirty. With the right size island/cart you won't need it. The peacock feather arrangement has to go - no one wants feathers in their food and that's the first thing that comes to mind. As for tile behind the stove and hood, I think that beam or duct or whatever it is at the ceiling will interfere with going all the way up. Consider bringing tile around to the window at the same height as it is under the cabinets. Then at the stove take it up to the bottom of the hood.

I personally don't like rugs in kitchen because of the cleaning aspect, except maybe a small one in front of the sink that's easily washable.

Definitely agree with the feather, too-small-island, and rug comments.

No feathers in the kitchen. Personally, I wouldn't do an island at all, but I know a lot of people find them useful. Don't get another midget island, though - get a substantial one. Your rug is pretty, but in my house it would be filthy in no time. Do you cook? If you get a nice-sized island, perhaps you could add a nice runner rug between it and the sink area.

Agree with Jewel. Backsplash to ceiling on that wall.

I wonder if something like this would work for the island.

I just don't see taking tile all the way up when you have that issue at the ceiling right there and impinging on the hood.

I really like your kitchen. Echoing what others have said, ditch the valance and the rug. Add a movable island if you need it for improved function. Backsplash behind range to bottom of vent hood. Leave the 4" splash around the perimeter. Perfect.

An island that is in proportion to the kitchen would be a real asset. In a U shape kitchen an island offers a great central work zone.