Can't help with the photoshop.....but have to say I love the tile you chose. I 'wouldn't' go up and over the window. I think it will draw your eye to the window, and don't think that's what you want. Having tile up there will also make hanging WT's a real pain! If it were my kitchen, I'd trim out the window with wood molding and then have the backsplash butt up to the sides of it.

You guys are terrific, and I really appreciate your input. You have definitely helped me settle on grout the same color as the tile. So, to follow-up, yes the shelf I was thinking of was the Grundtal shelf, and yes, I was thinking I would install it so as to hide the brackets behind the tile, which is why I'd need to decide in advance. This one has separate rails that make up the shelf (see link). I was thinking a solid shelf might interfere too much with the venting and lights. I'm still not sold, and I hadn't thought that it could potentially look cheesy next to the range and hood. I think I'll go ahead and get one to check this out. I could always use it somewhere else in the house if it doesn't look good over the range. If I do decide to use the shelf, do you all think it should align with the bottom of the adjacent cabinets? The large pot in the photo is my tallest stock pot. Would that leave enough room to put things on the shelf and be able to lift pot lids comfortably? About the tile next to the window, I just checked and it looks like it's about 1.5-1.75 inches between the window and cabs. Do you really think that's too much of a sliver? I suppose I could mock up that section too see how it will look before committing. Fori, the range is an AGA Legacy. Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA shelf

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 )

I saw that you mentioned having a window that doesn't have molding... just like mine. We have a stainless pencil molding (I don't know if that's what it's called) around the window. My tile is an odd sized glazed stone which was set in a subway style. Rather than stop at the bottom third of the window over the sink, I decided that the tile treatment should go right to the ceiling. It works well when the cabinets also are ceiling height. [IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/Loboto-Me/Kitchen%20reno/P1010017-1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/Loboto-Me/Kitchen%20reno/P1010027-1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/Loboto-Me/Kitchen%20reno/P1010021-1.jpg[/IMG]