Really simple would be a piece of matching granite between the range and range hood, a piece of stainless steel if the range and hood are stainless steel (although it would need to be wiped a lot), or a piece of low iron glass back-painted the color of your choice.

If it only goes behind the range (which can be a problem in terms of edges) it's a range guard, not a back splash strictly speaking. I would do the entire range wall for consistency.

I have a backsplash installed only behind my cooktop but as you can see, I did take it all the way to the ceiling. I used Schluter edging to finish off the sides. (And no, I don't still have Christmas decor up in my kitchen )

badgergal, I love your pendants, and how they go with your backsplash. Pretty!

This is one I found while looking at dark cab pics awhile back. Not loving this particular mosaic, but at least it gives you a visual of what you are looking for.

Kitchen detail of custom mosaic tile · More Info

And cpartist posted this in a thread of mine, so I don't "think" she will mind me sharing it with you. She designed this herself. This is typhoon bordeaux countertops with tile mosaic.

I have counter-height windows over/next to my sink, so only needed a backsplash behind my range top.

Countertops are aqua grantique, and backsplash is 2" x 4" aqua grantique tile.

amck2, your kitchen also sounds a lot like mine. I have a lot of countertop; so a lot of granite. But I don't want just a big slab of more granite behind the cooktop (which will be induction, not gas or coil/electric). Cabinets will be wood, stained a medium color.

I have been thinking about using something subtle, as well; but I haven't yet been able to wrap my mind around the edging.

kchd, the bright morning light is making it hard to get photos that aren't too washed out, but these give you an idea.

My range is also induction. I can't tell you how much I love cooking on it, but it does not have the presence of a pro gas range. IMO, having the tile behind it gives it a bit more visual heft that helps it hold its own against the large island and window.

I used so many GW elements in my kitchen, especially regarding storage, but I went against the grain by going with a low (3" instead of the typical 4") granite lip around the perimeter. It offers the protection and finished edge I needed and flows easily into the granite sill and coffee station splash.

The mix of granite & tile I've done isn't trendy or popular but I am really pleased with how it works in my kitchen. While it may not work for you, it may spark some ideas.

Thanks for the photos, amck2. They do help me visualize and provide inspiration for ideas. Your cabinet style is also very similar to what ours will be.

For those wondering, here is a photo of the current state of the kitchen, which is kind of a floating room within the living room. I'm standing on a ladder in the living room corner. Nothing is painted yet; you see primer and raw trim. Sink will be centered within the opening, which looks into the living room. Cooktop will go against the back wall. You can barely see a bit of the vent pipe in the back wall.