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 )

Have a look at this thread. They used Cloe Tile with Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold. It really looks gorgeous and I've bookmarked it myself for a future project. I agree that mixing the real marble with the Silestone may not work well. But I think you can put some sample boards together for your favourite choices and lean them up against the wall to help you visualize. You can also try different grout colours on your sample boards. The Cloe tile has significant variation and I think that is a plus. The problem of matching the white of your cabinets with the white in the Silestone and another white in your backsplash can be really tough. They are never all going to be the same and if you miss on one of the choices, then something is going to look dingy. But I think the colour variation in the Cloe tile will help with that, pull all the whites and some of the colour from the Silestone together. I'm sure it will be lovely. Please be sure to come back and post photos when you're done as well as work in progress photos.

Has anyone installed either of these as both the counter top, along with slab backsplash (and matching the veins at the seam where counter meets the wall). Please post photos if available.

Anyone install either as both countertop and slab backsplash (including matching veining where counter meets wall)? Please post photos if available