B. I think anything that breaks up the flow will be distracting. It may add interest, but that is not what you want, so I vote just the tile. ( JMHO)

I think so too. I do visualize the s.s. chopping up the wall into blocks of color and texture.

I went back and forth with the same question. I ultimately went with a custom stainless backsplash shelf copied from a Ventahood shelf but extending all the way down behind the range.

Thanks for your feedback, footballmom. I'm sure you're right, of course an additional wall surface will add interest/distract (take your pick, depending on what the intention is!) I've had the image of the ss behind the range for so long now that it's hard to let go of it. But, I'm learning flexibility with regard to vision in the course of this reno. Next vote: pot filler or utensil rack???

thanks, egganddart and idrive. idrive, thanks for the picture, it exactly illustrates what my vision was (is.) I do like the way your ss backsplash connects the range to the hood into one tall unit. So in a vertical sense, the ss backsplash makes the space less choppy. But it does draw a lot of attention to the range area, and in my case I'm getting concerned that there's already too much going on in my kitchen.

I think the ss highlights the range as idrive65s does and looks really nice.
So you have to figure out if thats what you want highlighted along with
your floor. I think how much wall space you have plays a big part too.
Either way would look nice, my personal opinion because of the flooring, would be all subways.
vic

good point, vicnsb, about the amount of wall space being a factor. Because two of the wall cabinets come down to the counter, there would only be 27" X 18" of tiled wall space on either side of the range if we did the stainless steel behind it. So it might look funny, just those two little patches.

Another consideration is whether your hood and range will be the same width. If you're going with the Bluestar, will you have a wider hood? If so, it could get tricky doing the stainless. And then as you mention, there's the issue with the wall cabinets coming down to the counter.

I think I like all tile. Have you considered a tiled niche behind the stove (like Buehl's) instead of a utensil rail. It would still be simple but add just a bit of visual interest and be convenient spot for nice salt and pepper mills.

cheri, we will not have a wider hood because we didn't plan for one. But I spoke with my contact for Modern Aire hoods today and she didn't think it would be a problem (neither did the Bluestar salesperson.) I did ask her what the upcharge for a 1000 cfm blower would be: it is an extra $550 plus tax. This hood is getting expensive! But I really want this one: do you think the extra cfm's is worth it/necessary? Also I am considering getting the RCS Bluestar rather than the RNB; the highest burner on the RCS is only 18,000 BTUs as opposed to 22,000 on the RNB.

Still think all tile would look best. Tell me about the hood getting expensive!!! It's truly pushing me over the edge. I think 600 cfm could be fine depending on what you cook. I don't generate much smoke but I do generate odors (they smell great while cooking but awful later). My hood is only 2" wider than the range and I was planning on 600 cfm. The hood depth will be 26" instead of 24" but maybe I need to give this a bit more thought.

I followed your Bluestar thread in appliances and it sounds like the RNB is superior to the RCS especially as it has the white glove service and added year warranty. I wouldn't buy a Bluestar without both of those.

cheri, you're right; if I'm going for the bluestar I should really go for it. My Modern Aire salesperson was going to check on the 27" depth for me as well...but I wonder a)would an 18" h X 27"deep hood look weird and b) would it be a head banger? (although we are a short family.) I know I've heard many times that coverage is more important than cfm, so should I go with 600 cfm and a deeper hood? or 24" d hood and 1000 cfm (there is no in between). Aak, my head hurts.

Oh, do I feel your pain. I just checked Rangecraft again and they only offer 600 and 1200 cfm. I know I don't need 1200 but will 600 be enough? Everyone says it's better to over-compensate with ventilation but I don't want to deal with make up air.

Do you have a cabinet for over your hood? Is that why it's only 18" high. If so, what height is your hood going to be mounted above the range? If it's only 30" , a 27" depth is going to be a head banger unless you're very short.