I have Jerusalem Gold 4 x 4s done in September 2006. I love my kitchen but i've been thinking the wide grout lines and 4x4s make it a little dated. The designer and the tile guy worked out the grout lines. Maybe because mine is tumbled they needed to be this wide. It's mixed with Red Limestone 2x2s and bronze glass tile 1x1s. I didn't seal it or enhance it since I liked it the way it is. Here is a link that might be useful: finished kitchen blog sue_b

sskit, I agree with Live Wire, while the concept is not new, hanging large format 2cm stone on a vertical wall should be taken seriously. Any well thought-out stone installer will know to ask the right questions and they will make certain other tradesmen are not left holding the bag after the stone is installed. Just make sure the obvious utilities are accessible and the rough in is complete and most importantly identify who is responsible for each task. Another option for the stone installer is to install mechanical clips around the exhaust opening. It�s another way to help pin the stone to the wall without having to worry about hiding the anchors. Something similar to Hohmann and Barnard #432 would work great (again I am sure your stone installer can also provide alternate options). All the best Caayu

didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )

As long as I don't have to keep the glass clean behind that stovetop... Friends have a window like that, but a sink in front. It's okay, but when you stand at the counter, all you can see is downward, as the cabinets block even more view. And, most of the time you're home, that window with just be black anyway, because (unless you're retired), you'll be at work all day. I would definitely not do it behind a cooktop.