It depends on the color of the backsplash tile - if the backsplash will look obtrusive sticking out into wallspace, then I prefer it to end with the cabinet. Else it will look like a square of tile floating on the wall. If folks want to do that, it's almost better aesthetically to go all the way up to the ceiling. But that's my feeling. As you see - the aesthetic is so individual. In your case, with just a couple inches to the end of the wall, it isn't as big of a deal, but if it is a darker color I would keep it ending at the cabinet.

I think you could do what Patti Bee did, and line up the marble tile to match the height of the tile under the window. This will give you more decorating options for that wall. You won't be limited to a small picture that has to hang up above the marble. If you extend the backsplash out, it may beg the question 'why didn't you make the cabinet wider?' If you have a shorter backsplash, it will look intentional.

what do you like? The cabinets are going to be the "in for the long haul" element. Dark counters with a little sparkle can look great, or lightish as well....I wouldn't worry about the floor.....mats end up on tile[hardness] and potentially someone would swap the tile for a more resilient product in the future, but be inclined to leave good cabinets...so I'd see what would be appealing with the cabs. What is the style of the cabs?....the stain sounds warm and nice.

Wow! So many helpful responses. Thank you! kim k, this picture is fantastic - just what I need to help me visualize what I am doing. By going with the 6" cab to the left of the DW, I can have a 3" filler between it and the corner, leaving 1 1/2" between the counter and the slider trim. The upper and lower cabs and the backsplash would then be 2 1/2" from the trim. Not as much as you picture here, but still some breathing room. If it turns out (as my KD is suggesting) that I don't really need a full 3" filler for the corner, then we can adjust on site and gain even a little more room next to the trim. herbflavor wrote: "I would avoid the area between window and door.....keep that area looking good,'" and "a deeper wall cabinet somewhere, with microwave on the bottom ledge of the cabinet is better than the protruding shelf only.......get the most flush look you can." What do you think of me changing the pantry cabinet in far right corner so the top is 18" deep (not 12" as shown) has only one shelf, and then putting a microwave on that shelf?