Erika - it's not mindimoo, but funny enough I clipped a bunch of threads for a friend last fall who was considering doing a marble counter/bs (and I was the one who was TKO and on GW non-stop!). I think this has the info you want. Cheers, Eliz Here is a link that might be useful: Honed/Polished marble thread

Is there seating at the island? If so, try to have 24" b/w the back of the range and the edge of the seating overhang. Both for safety from splattering grease, billowing steam, smoke, etc. as well as to have a large enough space that people won't be knocking things off the counter and onto the range...especially if it's a gas range or has a glass/ceramic top. It's also a good idea to have at least 24" on each side for safety, for emergency landing space, and for work space. If there's no seating, then I would aim for 18" behind the range (still 24" on each side). 10" isn't enough to ensure grease splatters won't hit someone passing by or standing nearby nor is it enough to keep smoke, steam, etc. from flying into the faces of people nearby. In addition to the safety around the range, also think about venting...does it have an externally vented overhead range/vent hood? If not, seriously consider putting one in. Island (and peninsula) ranges/cooktops are exposed to more and stronger air currents than those against a wall. These air currents will grab the smoke, fumes, grease, steam, odors, etc. and rapidly disperse them throughout the kitchen and, if the kitchen is "open", to the surrounding rooms. This means grease will settle on cabinets, walls, ceilings, drapes, rugs, furniture, etc. Then, when dust/dirt settles on the grease, a "gunk" is formed that's difficult to remove without constant scrubbing. (Speaking from experience, btw!) With an externally vented overhead hood that's big enough (6" wider than the range & at least 24" deep, preferably 27") and strong enough (at least 600 cfms...900 to 1000 is much better), you can capture the vast majority of the grease, steam, smoke, odors, fumes, etc. before they have a chance to travel throughout your living space. Downdrafts, even telescoping, don't work that well. At best, they work marginally for pots/pans right up next to the downdrafts and that are several inches shorter than the downdraft fan. Good luck!

Remodel-Mama - I really like your choices. You have lovely taste and should trust your instincts. I know that feeling - you could stick with the simple and know it would look nice or take a risk and have your place look...wow. I LOVE what circus peanut posted. I don't know where you get stuff like that, but Jeffery Court carries some hand painted tiles that are interesting. http://www.jeffreycourt.com/chpt4_handpainted_tiles.asp Another route is something in the same color family but a little softer. Both Pratt and Larson (makes a "watercolor" glaze that I could not find on the website) and Winchester make a soft handmade glaze that has a little variability/interest but could be a softer treatment in the same color family that would compliment the walls and give a little punch without overwhelming. Here is a link to Winchester "Mars" - http://www.winchestertiles.com/range.php?c=28&r=35# The tile you posted looks strong with a flat color - with your antiqued island I would be looking for something with a little more variability and character like a watercolor finish or a crackle. Or even a real terracotta tile :) Looking forward to seeing your choice. The kitchen looks beautiful so far.

cigi, in our last house the previous owner installed tumbled marble in a mauvish tone which IMO looked awful with the St Cecilia granite. Even though the tile was expensive, I tore them off and left the 4" granite backsplash, patched and painted the rest of the wall. The sink was the only working area as the cooktop was on the island. No problem with water as I used BM Aura, but Pittsburgh Paint's Manor Hall Timeless is just as good with a more flat look and lifetime warranty. I'm pondering the issue for my current redo. In various houses I've had paint, wallpaper, white tile with abalone inserts, plain white tile. Right now I'm weighing white tile with a beautiful insert, just paint with no granite backsplash since this area has only a counter but no cooking/wet functions, paint with granite backsplash, or a simple glass tile backsplash with listello over it a la Chinchette. I'm attaching a photo from Chinchette's beautiful kitchen (hope she doesn't mind seeing hers cited as a great example) which shows the last option. In any event, I echo others' advice to not worry about that decision immediately unless you absolutely love a certain look. Just use good paint. Here is a link that might be useful: