Speak to another kitchen pro. the attached backsplash is just not a good look and with schims and other carpentry tricks there should not be a problem. You should then decide what backsplash would be best with your countertop and cupboards.

The matching attached backsplash is outdated so don't do that. Do just the countertop, then do a tiled backsplash all the way up to the bottom of the wall cabinets. Where the counter meets the tile backsplash, caulk it. If you grout the space between the counter and tile it will crack.

Thanks, sorry, didn't mean to say grout. I am going to ask her to talk to the laminate installer. This design firm is a design/build .. and they don't do a lot of laminate. Ha ha, I am their budget customer.

I currently do not have a tile backsplash (or any backsplash) in my plans. Will it still work to install laminate counters without the built in lip/blacksplash?

If you skip the built in back splash (which is very outdated) you will need to tile the walls. Especially since they are telling you the walls are not even. You can use an inexpensive plain subway tile and still have a very nice look.

okay, I will have to circle back with my design firm ... thanks

If you do decide to forego the backsplash now and use laminate counter without the back splash lip, the laminate counter installer should scribe the counter to the contours of the uneven wall and the counter would fit like a glove. Then you can simply paint the backsplash area and wait until you decide whether or not that you really want the tile.

No laminate backsplash!! Your installer should be able to scribe the back and make it even. You do not have to add a backsplash if you choose not to. As long as laminate fits well, you can paint the wall.

I have a laminate countertop with no backsplash and a painted wall. It fits well. The installer used tinted caulk and it looks good.

Thanks all, yes, the 'plan' was to just paint or something simple in that area. Laminate counters and no backsplash are small ways to help with the costs. My designer says .. even if you get economical tile, the labor costs are the same as if you got an expensive tile. (I am not handy, am hiring them to manage the project). I am replacing the entire kitchen.

Am hoping that once she connects with the laminate installer, that this will resolve itself. They generally do quartz, granite, solid surface, soapstone, etc.

Good to know that everyone is doing this.