Backsplash along with wall color are the last things to choose. I have no idea why plastic counters are a choice when there are so many beautiful natural stones . Get a nice white granite polished ue it for counter and backsplash and it can safely go behind your cooking appliance which BTW quartz can't Get much better lighting even a track light all LED bulbs in 4000K and a counter depth frige in this tiny space . BTW before evne thinking about counter where will the fridge go if you remove that wall. BTW I never like kitchens open to LRs and in this space a really bad idea IMO. If you post a to scale floor plan here you might get some really good help

Thank you for the comment Patricia:) I love the look of quartz. I think it’s pretty—but I’ll take a look at granite as well.

I agree with you on the lighting. This is an old house and the electrical is wonky...I’m hopeful my husband will be able to put some under cabinet lighting—fingers crossed!! Removing that wall should brighten up the kitchen quite a bit.

I actually got layout help in a previous post. I’ll try and find the drawing...it’s pretty rough but you will be able to get an idea.
On a side note—that is a counter depth fridge in the picture.

Thanks again

Here is the rough sketch and a couple more pictures of the wall that’s coming down and the bar area.

I would go for quartz. Granite is very porous and need to be seal from time to time to prevent absorbing and stains. Quartz is not porous. Does not need this treatment.

Thanks Celery:) I love the idea of low maintenance. any insight into which white quartz to choose? I know I want white and polished...other than that I’m pretty open.

Also: should I replace the wood countertops on the bar with the quartz I choose in the kitchen?!or keep the wood?

I think it is not part of the kitchen, it does not fight with floor and your both wall arts, so you can leave as is.