From a professional stand point adding shelving tends to close up the space and get in the way. A mosaic back splash would add more character and dimension to your space.

Agree, back splash with an interesting design would look nice. I would also put up some trim below the cupboards to hide the puck lites.

Great idea!

If budget is a concern ... How about hanging a cheerful sunny landscape picture? Would sure make washing dishes more pleasant.

I would hang a piece of art. It should look nice when you have those under cabinet lights on. When you get tired if it you can always change it out with something else. If you didn't already have a backsplash and it was just the countertop I would suggest a tile backsplash for the whole wall. In my opinion when you have that small 4 inch backsplash it looks busy having tile on top.

How about a pretty print landscape wallpaper to fit in that space? Could be wrapped around artist canvas. Easy removal when tired of it and inexpensive.

Chalkboard with inspirational messages for each day. Love notes from hubby. Gentle reminders for a shopping list.

I like the chalkboard suggestion. Should it (or any type of artwork) be hung no lower than the bottom of the longer, side cabinets? Just wondering if water spatter might be an issue.

I would make it a rectangle....leaving edges with space, but bring it down closer to your counter back splash area. See what you can find already made even and how it would fit. If you are worried about a frame on it being damaged, maybe put some oil????over the wood. Most of the time you can find such good deals on them....Hobby Lobby and such......that it would be ok to replace them if they did get damaged. I think it would take some time for that to happen, though. Love the idea of black in that area as an accent when I see the touches of it already in your room.

How about a trompe l'oeil (to fool the eye) of a window with a scene?

Mosaic tile art like a lady washing dishes.

You could try a splash back with a blackboard / chalk board above for menu ideas& daily reminders .

Rectangular mirror, cut to fit. Or any art you want to change seasonally.

I see a reclaimed window frame, use it as ideas above, like chalk board. Stained glass, picture frames, hang hooks on it to hang your dish cloths or brushes...so many ideas!

Can you remove the existing granite backsplash piece and then put backsplash tiles on the entire wall including this space? I think it would look better and be more practical.