I completely agree with you, jerzeegirl. Isn't the whole point of a backsplash to protect the wall behind the countertops? I think it would look even siller to have that much counter hanging out there past the cabinets and backsplash. But I also do think it isn't very good design to have the top and bottom cabinets not line up when all you have is a stretch of wall on the other side or some other feature that acts as a natural stopping point. So I like the idea of adding shelves to the end of the top row of cabinets. Then there is no question about where to end the tile.

I'm waiting to do the backsplash last....the cabinets are being installed this week, appliances end of week, and then template for granite next week. I will probably want to live in the almost finished kitchen for a few weeks before I decide on the backsplash - one reason, I want to see the colors in my kitchen during all phases of sunlight and darkness to see what backsplash color pattern will look best and second reason (really should be first reason) is that I am scared :-) I know backsplash can make or break a kitchen and I have seen some really bad ones (too many diff patterns, clashing with granite, doesn't match at all) so I want to make sure I do this right. Probably in about 4 weeks I will be posting pics of my kitchen asking for specific help in picking out a backsplash so be prepared everyone :-)

JL: When you said "also quartz" you are implying that you are using engineered stone for a countertop and backsplash. There is no such thing as "granite composite" no matter what the marketing people for the sink manufacturer says. It is all quartz and resin; granite has too much mica and feldspar to be suitable for filler. I'm not aware of any "composite granite" countertops made of the same material as the quartz composite sinks. You must design and install your splash in conjunction with your appliance manufacturer's instructions, particularly if your splash is engineered stone. Contrary to engineered stone manufacturer's claims, estone is 66% quartz and 33% resin. The nonsense about 95% quartz and 5% resin is a measure by weight, which is meaningless, not by volume. Resin is heat sensetive and it makes up a third of your splash.

If you do floating shelves around the window, I would recommend the backsplash to be up to the bottom of the first shelf. If no shelving, up to the window sill with matching countertop material or just a washable paint. Full height Tile to ceiling at range would be nice too. Of course, it also depends on what materials you use what I would do with them. I attached a photo of the look that I have been enjoying and the 1st comment was suggesting creating a focal wall.