I think one of the things that ends up missing in a lot of discussions about backsplashes, is that they are supposed to be easier to clean and more durable than a painted wall, and a painted wall is fairly easy to clean and pretty durable. I think the argument that a backsplash is needed because you are going to splash things on it gets a little weaker when the backsplash is stone or mosaic that is primarily ornamental and would be susceptible to stain and water absorption without sealing it. My gym recently updated the showers with stone tile and mosaic. They removed tile showers that were probably 60 years old. The stone requires a lot more maintenance, isn't as bullet proof as glazed tile, and, since they are used heavily, you can tell when they need to be resealed: they smell bad, like a combination of mold and mildew, and they feel slimy. I don't take showers there anymore. Not that this is going to happen to a residential kitchen backsplash---but my point is that a good paint would probably be just as good a backsplash from a functional standpoint as cleft stone. This sort of backsplash veers into the Ornamental category. As for the 1" backsplash not Adding anything to the look. I agree, but it doesn't subtract much from the look either: it's there primarily for function.

Wow. Such great ideas! Love the tiles from sonoma. I am really embracing the idea of blues now, especially the delft. My everyday dishes are blue and white. After looking through a few of my inspiration magazines and photos from when I started all this, the ceramic and blue seems to fit right in with my overall long-term decor theme. I found something blue to put there to help me visualize how well it works, and I think it does! You guys are brilliant! So, IÂm thinking maybe some dark brownish/red field tiles along the inner sides of the cabinets and as a background surrounding perhaps a rectangular insert of blue and cream patterned tiles like in some of boxerpups images above. What do you think? Or would that be too contrasty? I wish I were better at photoshop. Also, what about adding wood corbels under the 2 side cabs? Would that help anchor the hood or just look silly?

Kmgard, There is no way you will be able to choose something for an unknown future buyer. At some point in time, we have all fallen for that and in hindsight wondered why did we let that influence us? The eventual buyer of your house might turn around and remodel it upon purchasing it... So, please don't let that be a major factor in your decision making. The trick is to find the balance between making it too personal and you vs. generic enough that it will make you happy for the next four or so years but won't freak out potential buyers. For example you might like really like the idea of an orange or coral colored tile in there..... ;;) Take a sample of all 3 materials... floor, counter and cabinet to the tile and paint stores with you. Use that to narrow down your possibilities and then bring those home with you to check out in your space in the various types of lighting that you experience in your home before making your final choices. Looking over your materials... backsplash... I would look at your countertop and see what is the base color of that material and start with that for your backsplash material search. I think if you found something that had that color plus a reddish wood tone would be wonderful and wouldn't add another visual texture to your kitchen. Another possibility would be a creamy solid which would make a nice subtle contrast to your cabinets. Glass tile does come in a solid color as well as multi colored. I am not sure if I would go for a shiny material tho in your backsplash... Ah, something that you might not have thought of is using a laminate for your backsplash. It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, is easy to clean and won't be as outrageously expensive as some tiles can be. In your case I think it might be possible to put it up on backer board and thus easy to take down for a thorough cleaning if needed. Paint... I would look to your cabinets and your floor for direction there. The cabinets are on the walls. Your floors and walls combine together to be the backbone of your room. I think you are on the right track with the "tone" of your wall splotches even tho they are for a previous color scheme.

Autumn, I think both of your options would look great! Did you see this reveal thread by toddimt where he did a herringbone framed bs area? (I have never posted a link so hope this works) http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2932005/kitchen-house-reveal-diy-with-scherrs-rta-better-late-then-never?n=55 He graciously posted step by step instructions with pictures on how he accomplished this. I loved it! My DH said he would probably do it a little different with ours. (something about tiling the board first flat, leaving out a few tiles where he'd screw it to wall?) I will let him figure that out. :) I just thought you might like to check it out. Todd did such a great job explaining it so that someone DIYing could easily follow the process. Your awesome that you can tile girl! I definately understand how herringbone would be harder then a brick pattern. Do you think it is only due to the extra care it takes to plan it out and the extra cuts? I'm just wondering if there is something else in particular about installing this pattern that makes it advisable to only use a professional if you want it to look right? I know you want your gorgeous tile to be perfect, so that's why I would want to know the potential problems. But in my uninformed mind anyways, I don't see why you couldn't do a great job if you take it super-duper slow. I think Todd said it took him like 3 weeks! However, I think it was those little glass mosaic tiles that were the lil' buggah's on his project.