I don't have the range yet. I was looking at the GE Profile. The new laminate is in. The problem is that the laminate backsplash is about 1 or 1-1/2" thick and seems that it would look odd with a thin backsplash between the laminate behind the stove. I'm wondering if I should build up something to match thickness. I do really want a backsplash there, not just paint because I do splatter behind the stove. It's the one place that I want a full backsplash. The wavy glass isn't hard to clean, it's big waves and would wipe easily, which is the selling feature for me, besides looking clean and streamlined. I was also considering a sheet metal backsplash, either bronze or stainless. Maybe that would be easier to work around. The alternative to the slide in would be a free standing range with control riser in the back. That's what's currently there, and so there's no issue with the laminate splash on either side. I really don't like that ALL the new ranges have the large burners in the front. I cook lots of big pots of stews and sauces. At least the slide in range with controls in the back would give me a little buffer in keeping the hot stuff away from the children. At least I've realized this before purchasing so I have time to figure things out.

So tired of hearing " but that will make it look dated" or "it wouldn't be good for resale" Everything is going to be dated at some point, the kitchen designers, cabinet companies and appliance companies make sure of that. Example: stainless steel appliances were just coming on the market 15 years ago when we gutted our kitchen for a remodel. It was hard for me to find stainless in my area at that time, I live in a small mid western town. So, have you noticed in the past few years appliance companies have been trying to bring out new colors, grayed looking stainless, now ice white etc. they are trying to make people think their stainless appliances are soon going to be "dated". But I have read in several articles that stainless is still the number one choice. I chose a cinnamon stained cherry wood for our new build. I thought about white because that is the trend right now, but I reasoned cherry cabinets will always be in style while the white trend Has just a few more years. I won't be a slave to trends. Just my opinion.

Have you considered wallpaper? You can bring in color, as well as a design, if that's your 'schtick'. Just throwing another consideration in the mix. I personally *hate* a backsplast covered in tile or granite from countertop to bottom of cabinets, or even further up. I've gone *about* 3/4 up the wall, with the remained just the neutral color thruout the rest of my home, but only on the interior cabs, so above the stove and sink areas. On the perimeter bank of cabinets, it's just a painted wall, where I had planned to use wallpaper, but haven't done so yet. I also picked up at an auction a painted canvass, which is long and narrow, and thought of using it here. It's a vintage French scene of a girl feeding chickens in a barn, done in dark colors, which is my preference. I just don't want to leave it should I sell. ;)

I suggest you decorate your kitchen in whatever way makes you smile when you walk in the room:) All my friends have kitchens that are different from each other. Some are older, some are newer and none look the same - they reflect the personality of my friends. I might not pick that style myself, but I feel good in the cheerful kitchen of a friend who has done her space up her own way. If you want to change things a bit, spend time looking at lots of pictures in different styles. I use Pinterest the most for this. I like looking at cottage kitchens, vintage kitchens, French Country kitchens, Shabby Chic kitchens, beach kitchens .... all sorts of kitchens. Also, when looking at pictures, note those kitchens with more movement in the backsplash vs more simple. It is a good idea when making expensive surface changes that you consult a designer or a good, honest friend with a good sense of style. Here is the only pic I could find on a quick search of a basket weave with wood cabinets. It is not the best to start a backsplash above a 4" splash as was done in this picture - and this might not be the colors you are thinking, but looking at pics like this will help you visualize your space: Here is one in a blue kitchen: Farther back: Backsplash can be difficult to visualize, so take your time, visit kitchen showrooms and look at lots of pictures:)