It looks like the Imperial 42" is the favorite. It is funny that most of my "inspiration" pictures have a similarly shaped hood, since I saved those images in my "backsplash" folder to try to help my choose the BS height (i.e., I didn't intentionally choose those pictures for the hood). The voting for BS height is mixed, with the majority so far choosing the 8' height. The image above with the tall gray glass BS is from the Smallbones catalog -- I love that look -- makes me wish I could have gone "topless." I think I prefer the taller glass BS, but I'm not sure how to overcome the technical difficulties with the chinmey extending beyond the glass. The glass and wall above will be painted the same color so the line will not be a strong contrast like most of the images above, although the shine factor will obviously be very different.

I remember your kitchen and home from the planning stages -- it is turning out so great. I love the idea of the white or green backpainted glass or the Caesarstone. I've also seen some large format glass planks from Bellavita that could look good when done horizontally, in stacks, to pick up the lines in your beautiful architecture. Here is a link that might be useful: Large format glass

Check out a line by florida tile-Pietra Art/Classic Mosaics. 3x6 subway /China White---you can get in polished or honed. Even the polished isn't super shiny. It's on one of the many boards I have home now.. I don't know price yet. We haven't gotten that far. I really like the looks of the product though. #1 for me right now. Good luck in the search. P.S.--there's also one on the board called White Statuary that looks interesting.

No luck finding Rixi tile in the area and if I order and have it shipped it brings it to the price of Sonoma Tilemaker. I have a sample of Walker Zanger Cafe latte in a 3X12 which I really like, it is on the left. A sample of a factory made to look like handmade tile is on the right. The price point is about right for the project for us. I think the top picture represents the color better than the bottom picture. When I look at photo's on line with Walker Zanger I am afraid it is too glossy. Has anyone used Walker Zanger Cafe or seen it on the wall? Thoughts?UCL turned off. UCL turned on. I need to decide on the size too. Any thoughts?