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 )

You already have a backsplash, the 4” piece of counter material is your backsplash. Don't try and put tile on unless you are removing that piece. It makes it look disconnected and disjointed. If you are removing that piece, none of the options, except maybe the tin/stainless look, would work with that counter.

(any other choices you like?? they're having a sale and have some nicer selections than your choices. like maybe this one https://www.tilebar.com/collection/closeouts-1/year-end-sale.html?product_list_limit=90&p=2 For instance, I love these penny rounds w/these colors w/your cabinets. better than those glass mosaics copper style Home Depot jeffrey court^, https://www.tilebar.com/metal-copper-stainless-steel-3-4-penny-round-tiles.html this one is cool too. https://oasistile.com/collections/metal-tiles

Wilson , thanks I love the idea of replacing the wine rack with shelves. Anna- I think you’re right. It’s a small job, so he had to make the price worth it for him. I’m definitely planning on getting more quotes! Thinkdesignlive- I want to paint the cabinets iron mountain by Benjamin Moore To match the island in the kitchen (kitchen has white perimeter cabinets and iron mountain island). Here are the tiles I’m thinking about- https://www.homedepot.com/p/Daltile-Restore-Ivory-9-in-x-12-in-Glazed-Ceramic-Herringbone-Mosaic-Tile-0-6-sq-ft-each-K17513HERMS1P2/316956245 Before I knew it would be 3-4K to change the countertop and backsplash, the original plan was to match the countertop in the kitchen (see pic)