Maybe: glass! 12x12 mesh! I think would look great! http://www.duratileusa.com/productslistByModel.aspx?CategoryID=9&selection=10 duratileusa: got to Vistors: once in there: look to the left: PRODUCT CATEGORIES: there is different types of glass: and neat splash ideas! Just my suggestions: good luck!

Boxer.. The house is a spanish ranch with Adobe bricks. The kitchen is currently rustic and will hopefully end up a happy marriage with rustic elements like rough cut exposed beams, wood t&g plank ceiling, and classic elements like large (57" red hood with polished stainless bands). I was originally thinking warm white cabinets. DH still likes that idea.. Now I feel I need some color..so inspired by an earlier post where I got a lot of pale painted cabinet ideas.. I am thinking pale green with yellow tones (as opposed to gray tones). The light in the kitchen is filtered with windows, and french doors and 2 big skylights. see rustic planks and beams on the ceiling the courtyard from the kitchen DH liked the idea of carrera slab as a BS.. I am not sure how cost effective that would be. It would kind of have the mirror opposite look of the soapstone I think.. Creamy with smoky veins Thanks again for inspiring us visually. I am just amazed at how you have organized all this info.. Hosenemesis: I agree about waiting till the counters are on.. but I am not good at the visual elements of the kitchen and really wanted to filter my choices. The tile stores make me feel small and stupid :)

We have natural cherry cabs with a combination of subways (Horus art Tile in crema) and a custom glass mosaic (Oceanside tile) behind the range. We also have soapstone countertops that we don't oil. I like the subways as they pick up the veining of the soapstone, but I am less than enamored with the mosaic in our space. It made sense at the time, having a 2 y/o black range we weren't going to change (and to be fair, DH loves it), but I wish we had either done something different, or nothing at all there:

I am so appreciative of all your comments. It has really made me think about what I like and how I want the kitchen to look. I realize now that I much prefer the look without the 4" 'slash. I like the way the tiled wall make the area look larger and more distinct. Everybody has their own ideas but it is so helpful to find a group that can talk about it and express their ideas. Thanks. Boxerpups could you give me the wood type for these two kitchens? Or I can research if you have reference info. Thank you kindly! and