That would be absolutely fine, and would look very nice. I think sometimes the backsplash and the countertops fight each other.

We never had a backsplash in my kitchen growing up, and no rental apartments I have ever lived in have had a backsplash, and they worked fine.

I was in a high-end tile showroom recently and the owner, whose wife designs a brand of nationally marketed artisan tiles, told me they have held off putting a backsplash in their own newly remodeled kitchen. So, we're not alone!

I have beautiful, active soapstone on my countertops and island so I want to be sure I don't choose anything that will detract from it. If you're springing for marble, I'm sure you feel the same way. I have a 3" soapstone border on the wall around the countertops and my ss fabricator customized a little shelf that ties in those tiles and finishes off the space behind my range. Functionally, that's all I need.

IMO, the backsplash is primarily for looks, except for behind the stove. If you have washable paint between the counters and cabinets those areas shouldn't require much protection, especially if you do most prep work on an island or peninsula.

Backsplashes aren't easily changed out. I'd rather not have one than get one I'll tire of looking at in a year or two. A beautiful backsplash can really be the crowning glory of a kitchen, though. But I wouldn't force a choice just to get one done.

We have a 3" granite backsplash and I love the look. The only advice I have is don't feel like you're stuck with 4". You can go to less or more, to play with the look. For instance, a small one (say 2") throughout, then bumped up to 6" behind a sink and/or slide-in stove can be a really nice look. Also, if your marble is 3 cm, consider having the backsplash shaved down to 2 cm, if you like it a little thinner. Just play with different ideas until you're happy with the overall look!

I have an 8" backsplash of tile that looks so much like limestone you can't tell the difference~i've only used it in two areas, the cooktop/double over wall and the sink/dishwasher peninsulas directly across. On the perimeter wall I left the space untiled and unadorned without anything. I want to use it as a more formal buffet space, and have been thinking of having it mirrored.

I am at that stage of my kitchen and just got a back splash sample from the tile company. I am asking this same question am thinking I would rather not go thru the expense and work for something that I am not sure i really need or want.

I like what rachelle g said with the 2 cm granite 2" high and 6" at the slide in and sink. I just may do that, I think it would finish the look off real well without covering the whole wall and competing with the granite