Thank you for the nice compliments. I started following the posts on this website at the time I ordered my cabinets. My remodel was made so much easier from what I learned here and since I have not been so great about posting finished pics and I so love looking at everyone else's pics, I figured it was only fair I shared too.

Oh my -- do you have to pick so theoretically? That is, can you get much of the other stuff up and running so that you can see the context a little better, set the tiles up against the counter with the floor in sight and choose *then*? ~one who's expert at delaying choices as long as possible. Speaking of which, it's pulls-time....

My plug mold is mounted between my cabinets and backsplash at a 45 degree angle. I saw this on someone's posting and showed it to my GC who thought it looked great (it does). He had the cabinet installers rip a piece of maple matching my cabinets at a 45 degree angle and the electricians then mounted the plugmold. I especially like that I don't have to lean under and crane my neck to figure out where the plugs are. This technique also eliminates the knuckle-scraping problems mentioned above. It can also solve some wiring issues because you could fish wire across the back. I have stainless plugmold installed and love the way it looks.

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 )