35ftcabo, glad to hear other people like this idea! I am having such a hard time finding pictures where people have done this. It's always one or the other. If anyone has pictures of a sheet of glass behind the range with another material next to it I would love to see. I have seen pictures where people tile all around but do stainless behind the range. Just not on love with the way stainless scratches. The frame idea sounds interesting. Thanks!

I can't enlarge those pics enough to see, but it appears so. you can't put wood next to the firebox, so i'm guessing they've polished the edges. all you need is some sandpaper from 220 up to 800 or so. I've done it. marble is very soft and you can put a honed finish on it pretty easily. if you want it shiny polished, you'll have to graduate up to higher grits. I'd stick w/a honed finish,,,no one will see it. You could also do chair rail molding for the outside if you didn't want to do wood. or the marble pencil liner that lays flat would be another option. I like your kitchen. are you doing the same tile as your backsplash? I'd do something w/some black for more contrast. maybe cement tiles, or the darker marble w/the nero marquino. like the chevron tile in my niche. that would good as your splash. this splash in a herringbone would look so cool..I'd take it all the way up to the ceiling in your kitchen, and above cabinets.

For starters You selected material that is extremely difficult to install for a first project. Actually difficult for many contractors. You plan to purchase a wet saw that is junk and will make things more difficult. You want a moving tray for mosaics. Spend a bit more now. It's worth it. I strongly suggest the Porta cable for a small saw. This link will give you a demo. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=PORTER-CABLE+PCE980+Wet+Tile+Saw+video&&view=detail&mid=C85BA5FCA3572B55A79DC85BA5FCA3572B55A79D&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DPORTER-CABLE%2BPCE980%2BWet%2BTile%2BSaw%2Bvideo%26%26FORM%3DVDVVXX Yes you will cut individual pieces around the outlet unless you plan on purchasing a angle grinder with diamond blade also. Don't forget to notch for screws. You need a lot of wedges. A good rubbing stone or diamond pad as all cuts need to be smoothed prior to installation. Determine which type of sealer you prefer and apply 2 coats prior to grouting without getting the sealer into the grout joints. How will the ends be finished? I urge you to hire a professional for this project as it will test your patience. If the material was purchased at a box store most pros won't touch it. Odds are the quality of material will also add to the difficulty factor. If you go for it I wish you luck.

Thanks @Beverly for the visuals! It definitely helps to see the potential for the room. Ironically, I saw a swatch of the rug before I ordered it and it seemed more beige even though it was described as "ivory." Thanks @Louise Smith for your suggestions. I'm not a fan of bright color rugs but I realize that others may have different tastes, especially on a forum like this. I'm planning on getting a 9x12 wool rug though, so not necessarily an inexpensive purchase. I'd like something that will last and would rather make changes with smaller accent pieces over time.