Not crazy at all! I think the focus on backsplash is really big here, but not necessarily in the world at large. I have seen plenty of examples of kitchens with nothing but wall or something creative as a splash rather than tile. You need boxerpups to help you visualize. Also there was a new finished kitchen just the other day, maybe jessleigh's, with a cute ceramic plaque behind the stove, hung right on the wall, but no tile or anything else. You may want to look into the best way to protect the wall behind the sink and stove, but I"m sure tile is not the only way.

I went with the 4" backsplash to match our granite but that's what I wanted. You don't have to put anything there if you don't want to-it's up to you. Like jsweenc said-may want to have something by sink and stove as that's where it seems to get the most action on the wall areas.

I've had a kitchen with nothing back there and it got dented up because it WAS a small kitchen and things tended to get shoved. Drywall just wasn't sturdy enough for us. Other people are probably more careful, but it really didn't work for us.

Recently rented a vacation home with lovely granite and then no backsplash...just painted drywall right down to a nice, tight joint. Was very nice. Liked the simplicity of it.

Rene

We didn't add the 4" backsplash because we had planned to tile one right away. Two years later and we are finally getting around to it. We wish we had just put in the backsplash at the time and then had the option of leaving it or taking it out when we decided what to do. We have a pretty tight seam, but water definitely will run down the wall near the sink if we are not careful. You could consider just a nice quarter-round border around the edge.

Would something like an IKEA wall panel work?

Here is a link that might be useful: here's an example

Any backsplash is better than none. Any 1/16th inch panel material will do. Steel, plastic, Kerlite, whatever. (Search Kerlite.) Some glass tiles are 1/8th" thick. Bisazza are. Even tempered glass can be gotten, and to be cheap and temporary you can get glass shelves from Ikea that you just caulk (removable). Let us know what you figure on going with.

thanks very much!
I'll let you know what I decide :)

I don't think the issue is space - really and inch or two won't matter. I think the issue of space is a red herring. Either you like and or need a backsplash or not. My friends who don't have one are adding them. Most already had the 4" kind, but now what more of a statement or a tie in betw their cabinets and countertop. Personally, I wish I had lived without one for a couple of years before deciding, but I don't think I would have done without. If you don't want one, don't do it - but really the space isn't an issue.

I have to say I think the 4" backsplash looks dated, almost clumsy. I think plain glass over a beautiful paint color is one of the smartest choices, and not necessarily permanent. Isn't it one of the most inexpensive? I I had big plans for my backsplash, but when I found out I had enough granite to do the whole backsplash too, I went with it. I mean, I already 2 slabs of arctic cream! Now that I can focus on unrequited backsplash fantasies, I dream (high end) of that gorgeous Moroccan white on white tile I saw on this forum. But for low end, and for me a more realistic solution, is glass over a fabulous color. I think it's very cool.
There, it's easier to give advice, than make a decision!
Good luck!
Joyce