Stranger, I have Caesarstone Smoky Ash which seems nearly identical to Charcoal/Zulu. It has a little taupe, but no pink (thank goodness). Its price was comparable to granite. I was looking for something dark gray without a lot of movement, so this fits the bill. Not sure I would choose it again, but that's academic at this point. My cabinets are white and my floor is red oak. I decided I wanted something more yellow/gold for my backsplash and the good people here at GW talked me out of it. I'm instead going with a cream crackle subway. Although I'm not convinced my first choice was totally wrong, I think a more neutral b/s is going to work better in the long run. It doesn't fight with my counter. I'm not having any special accent tiles or liners. I was surprised how expensive tile setters are and non-field tiles, like bullnose. I'm grateful I had just enough left in my budget to cover the b/s. Many here will suggest you just hang tough and wait a while until everything else is done. I tend to agree with that. Get LOTS of tile samples.

What if you ran each band halfway between counter and window (or counter and wall cab) and then bumped up behind the range and between the windows? The band would always be halfway between the counter and the object on the wall. I think it would be more interesting than completely straight lines. If you do it too low, it risks being hidden by anything on the counter. Too high and there is shadow from the cabinets.

I like the look of taking the tile all the way to the ceiling. I like the idea of the scones, but not sure you will have room above the windows. Recessed cans in the ceiling may be the most functional. Looking at your plan, is that the only sink, or a prep sink? The cabinet is not going to allow for a standard size kitchen sink if it's the only one.

I just finished a budget friendly kitchen update (No backsplash as of yet). I had very similar oak cabinets that I purchase new door fronts and drawer fronts, removed the cabinet above the stove, and added a pantry hutch style cabinet. I painted all the frames and doors/drawers myself, husband installed all the doors, hardwares, and new cabinets. It turned out awesome and IMO (doesnt look like a do it yourself project) and neighbors, friends, and family agree (maybe biased IDK). SO depending on your budget, there is nothing wrong with using your existing cabinets if they are in good condition and the layout is functional. My kitchen does not appear to be as large as yours, however, with new cabinet doors/fronts, hardware, new 6' long by 70" height pantry hutch, sink, faucet, quartz counters I spent just shy of $9,000. My doors/fronts and new cabinets were from a custom cabinet maker, which by the way, was less then stock cabinets of similar style at a box store. This is not my dream kitchen, but the kitchen that fit in the existing space in a nice home that I plan on selling and custom building in the next 4 to 5 yrs. If you think you may want to go this route and would like information on paint used, I'd be happy to share more info. If budget is not a concern and you want a different layout... Start fresh