Thanks everyone!! dianalo, thanks for the suggestion re:Remodela's backsplash (very nice!). Not sure I understand about going higher than 5.5" for a ss backsplash. If we went with a soapstone backsplash, we were thinking of 5.5" up to the window trim and then stepping it down to 4" for the rest of the perimeter. lavendar lass, we're definitely going for a more traditional look, although the ceiling is a bit more contemporary more by default. We've even considered attaching some beams in the vaulted ceiling to give it more of traditional look. The ceiling will likley remain white but, we'll be painting the walls (either a green or light gray). We are looking to use some simple window treatments (shades?) . We also have a couple of pendants from Barnlightelectric for over the peninsula. Hope this helps give you a feel. Thanks mpagmom. It's good to hear that all-tile backsplashes aren't a problem for cleaning. Is that true for behind the sink and range also? Thanks palimpsest, we're definitely going for more traditional as mentioned above. If you only have the soapstone under the window and glass over the range, are there generally problems with with just drywall everywhere else? Someone mentioned that variations in the wall may leave some separations between the soapstone counter and the drywall. Is that a real concern? One complication is that we really need to finalize the soapstone layout and let them know if we want any soapstone for the backsplash. It might be easier if we could decide after the rest of the kitchen was together. Keep your thoughts and suggestions coming as we're still searching.

More opinions! Love this forum (and the people here). I'll take a moment to admit right now that before I posted this I was wanting to stop the backsplash in the corner and was leaning toward option 2 or 3. Making the drawings actually helped a LOT though and now I'm preferring option 4. orcasgramma, thanks for voting #1! I actually like that option a lot even though integrated backsplashes aren't in favor these days. I like the idea of repainting every so often to change up the look. remodelfla, the ceiling in this room is 12' high and flat. No slope or peak. rmkitchen, point taken that the style of the backsplash may have to play into the decision. ellendi, another good point that tiling up the wall would be better if that wall were facing the entrance. Let me add some more info that directly relates to #5 (BS to top of window). The room has 12' ceilings that are flat. The soffit is on two of the walls as seen. It creates a very strong horizontal line that continues all the way around the room at the height of its top. On the wall behind me there are "windows" up high whose bottoms are at the same level as the top of the soffit. The right wall is all sliding glass door and window, both of which are as tall as the top of the soffit. That's why I suggested running the backsplash up to the top of the soffit instead of the bottom. It would be very much in character with the strong horizontal break at that height. As for stopping the backsplash in the corner, I was inspired by this recent photo posted of another member's kitchen. However, their blank wall doesn't have a sink and can get away without any backsplash at all.

Hello, I don't have any advice for you as I too am going through lots of backsplash woes right now. But wanted to tell you your kitchen is really nice as is! Also, for those who don't like to copy/paste the URL's, I added a link here to your PhotoBucket Album. Here is a link that might be useful: rjdavis21 Kitchen Album --Where to stop Tumbled Marble

I did think about having them install that granite under the window, as it's just sitting in the basement right now. In Retrospect that would have been the cheapest thing to do. I feel like a crazy lady going back and forth on it. I'm sure they roll their eyes each time I ask for something different. Do you think the 3 or four outlets along that wall will be hard to work around? I like the idea of not bringing the back splash up high where the window is. Is a small strip efficient for the sink area? I don't plan on spraying the walls and my kids are old enough to know better. (famous last words) @Aurora: my mind is spinning from all the pictures and ideas though it's very nice having something I can see. It really helps. That fireclay tile is very pretty! I like that it's muted, but still there. For that back wall , Is it just a matter of preference how high tile goes up a wall with an exposed hood? Or is there a function for having it go all the way up? Thank you again