Tile IS easy to clean, the glaze is protection. I'm not sure what your concerns are, but if you are really concerned you should keep the grout lines to a minimum, so the bigger the tile the better. A glass backsplash is another option.

You don't mention what your countertop material is (or your other finishes). We have slab granite counters and matching slab granite backsplash and it is the easiest combo ever to clean. I use vinegar based granite or glass cleaner, spritz on and wipe off with a paper towel or clean cloth and I'm done.

As for tile, I agree that glazed tiles with as few grout lines as possible (and keep them narrow and seal them well, at that) would also be great. I have a friend back east who had little 2" travertine tiles with a boatload of grout and all of the natural "holes" in them and she said they were a nightmare to keep clean. She did not have the holes filled and did not seal the job and they don't look very good... she is not going that route with her new house.

There was a thread recently on backsplashes for modern kitchens with several pictures of glass backsplashes. A back-painted glass backsplash could look really great (with the caveat that I'm saying this not knowing the style of your kitchen) and would be easy to clean. See link below.

Also remember that it's fine to just have painted walls for your backsplash. Plenty of people live without tile, etc., on their backsplash.

Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash for Modern Kitchen

I Recently got some samples from american tin cielings. Powder coated tin. very nice. I'm thinking of using it around a gas range, possibly the whole backsplash.

http://www.americantinceilings.com/pattern/

I used tiles from American Tin for my backsplash - something a bit different, very inexpensive, easy to DIY, and wipes clean with a damp sponge.

Thanks for the ideas!!

The countertop will be granite and the cabinets will quarter sawn white oak.

Your granite, or one very similar, likely comes in a less-expensive small-tiles-on-mesh version. You could use that, pulling off some pieces and replacing them with another material in whatever color and pattern you chose. Set diagonally, it'd add a little energy in a relatively quiet, harmonious way.