Why not just a piece of quartzite all the way up behind the range and nothing anywhere else?

I did a 1" backsplash for my soapstone and then a back painted Starphire sheet of glass as a backsplash (wallcolor). The glass could not come down to the counter edge for a couple reasons, but 1" barely registers.

I really like those tiles and bookmarked them.

I think it may not be necessary to have a backsplash in your kitchen other than behind the range.

We didn't "backsplash" except behind our range. I took 1x4s and applied copper leaf to cover the joint between the wall and the back of the countertop. It was a pretty finish with minimal budget impact. Still, between that and the graphic paint finish, it carries its weight in the room.

I am planning a small kitchen going in this summer and am having the same debate. For cleanliness, I struggle with no backsplash whatsoever. We slop around too much or someone spills and I am always wiping the countertops back to the backsplash. My painted walls would not hold up. You have a better chance of getting away with it with your prep area and sink on the island.

I am going with Cambria and what I like about them is they offer a thin backsplash. I am seriously considering the thin Cambria behind the range and 4" up all the way around. I like the look of the thin backsplashes vs the chunky ones that come with granite.

If I do decide to tile it is going to be a simple solid, probably small brick pattern that highlights one of the colors in my Cambria.

Palimpsest - interesting idea back painting glass especially behind the range. How did you attach it to the wall?

I like Palimpsest's idea.

Here's the tile you had been planning.

These are some good ideas-- thank you! Do any of you have pics?

Your kitchen has the most elegant and beautiful features already...those windows and views are unmatchable ! No backsplash is needed. You don't even have to have anything at counter level..in fact I think that would diminish the simple elegance. I have had paint for over 6 years. It is scrubbable BM matte, contains ceramic. It has never been touched up. We stir fry and deep fry every day . I bake breads and use the kitchen in a big way. If I were you I would simply have them run a bead of clear caulk at counter/wall and call it good. Use your wall areas for art and let your kitchen be an elegant and simple place of beauty . c

I have art on the wall here now:

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I think your kitchen is beautiful as it is. I have been struggling with backsplash for months now and understand what you mean by the backsplash and counertops clashing. Right now my backsplash area is painted a deep gold/yellow since remodeling in early 2009 and I still love it. I keep my eye out for the right tile to come along for a backsplash but until I find the perfect compliment, I'm happy with the paint. It looks like you have excellent taste and style so you'll know the right thing when it comes along. In the meantime your kitchen is gorgeous as it is!

What about something like this? My mom just used this in her kitchen and it looks gorgeous. I posted the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Saltillo tile

Wow, trainrunner, you've had no problems with just the paint? I"ve got Benjamin Moore eggshell, which is supposed to be even more scrubbable. You just have a bead along the joint between the wall and the countertop?

Your kitchen is beautiful and has a clean design. I would vote for the quartzite from the range to the hood and leave the rest as is.