Hey there - I was going to suggest the schluter edging as well - we used it on a floor, and a friend has it in her kitchen and while I'm not like "WOW! Awesome edging!" I basically don't notice it. It comes in an awesome copper color that blends perfectly into slate... but that's probably not helpful to you! Also comes in brass-like and brushed stainless-like. We used a mix of tile behind the stove and beadboard everywhere else, so wood was already in the mix. That being said, we used .5" x 1" sticks to frame out the subway. I hated it at the time, but now, again, don't really notice it. May not be for everyone, but here's a pic so you can see what I'm talking about - we did buy the bullnose pieces for where the tiles are next to the painted (orange) wall - but needed a transition between the beadboard and tile - bullnose wouldn't have worked well and the tiles and beadboard are different thicknesses, so they didn't make a smooth transition on their own.

Looks like a consensus then... I'll take out the top 5 tiles. The 6th tile down is coped around the bottom edge of the cabinet so I'll keep that one in. Natesgramma - The paint around the top portion of the window is the same paint as the rest of the kitchen. A white crown molding will go all around, including above the window area. I wasn't planning on doing a window treatment as I like that particular window bare. Yes, I love Anita's backsplash. At first I think the tiles should be the same height as the ones under the range hood, and noticed Anita's window and range hood are on two different walls. BUT I think mine will look fine if they're not level. If anything, I think it makes the area under the range hood more of a focal point. Thanks all, I needed a confirmation that it wasn't just me. DH isn't convinced but I'll show him this post. How long can we wait before we pry off the tiles, I wonder?

Definitely don't block the vent; however, if you can find a table as wide as that whiteboard so the legs are on each side of the vent and the table top is above the vent, that would work. Sofa tables or typing tables would be a good size for this space. On the wall above, because the tv/entertainment center is adjacent to the space, consider something other than a framed picture. https://www.google.com/search?q=metal+musical+wall+art&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiK_sPc2p_ZAhWRzlMKHfuBDmgQsAQI2wE&biw=1366&bih=650 Pressed metal wall art could be chosen to fit beside and above and below the thermostat and draw attention in a way that could visually help the thermostat disappear.

I think the bigger question is, what will you be using this space for; conversation, tv watching, playroom, etc?? For conversation, a 4 seater will be awkward without additional seating. If for TV viewing a 4 seater makes sense.