I wouldn't recommend brick here. Not because of the dust factor but with respect to the already dark kitchen with lots of texture already going on. If the space was larger, with high ceilings, and lots of light, sure why not? Instead I would lean towards an artisanal style tile in an interesting color and something that will reflect light. You could even entertain a copper backsplash that would give you both character and style.

i would do something grout-free. some smooth flat surface where dirt/grease/dust won't collect and that wipes clean easily.

Copper is expensive and I've heard it's hard to keep clean. I love the combination of rustic and old. I'm not worried about grease, maybe a bit of dirt or dust, but not grease, since it's not near the stove.

My faux brick backsplash turned kind of pink over time, which made it look even fauxer. No problem with the grout or cleanliness however. Something like the second picture posted by Rusty would be nice.

I actually really like the copper idea, Ive had it on a number of surfaces and siding. The natural oxidation looks pretty cool as it progresses, or is also fairly easy to maintain the bright original color. The only downfall, spots will show up almost immediately, but can add character or be remediated quickly. Otherwise, I think the brick backsplash looks great, maybe with a seal to help with maintenance.

I think copper would look out of place, too dressy for this rustic kitchen. I agree with artisanal tile which will pull it together, polish up the look and be easy to clean.

What about keeping with the rustic look and using tongue in groove (or beadboard) as your backsplash in these areas? It's a lovely period look and you can easily freshen it up with paint when necessary.

I don't care for painted wood and not painted, it would be impossible to clean if anything did get on it. I also don't care for artisan tile. Too busy. I'm going for a slight coffee house/café/bistro look, yet old elements to stick with the style of the house. Our house is an 1800's log home. I love the look of old and worn(for example, we will have some old, worn barnwood in parts of the house). Old worn brick reminds me of an old building or café, which I love. If anyone actually has a brick, ceramic or porcelain backsplash, do you like/hate? Pics?

Paint. Anything else will be too fussy and dark.

What about a textured-washable wallpaper? Maybe with a simple pattern?
I would definitely go with a lighter color of whatever you choose with having darker cabs. Or what type of stone is native to area? Copper may be pretty, but I agree, hard to keep clean and would be to matchy to cabs.

You can also find brick wall board/ panels , in lighter colors of gray or white

Been there, done that with just paint and I don't care for wallpaper or painted brick. Anyone have brick veneer or ceramic tile that you really like?

Sorry Im blowing up your comments! Ive been on the back splash hunt for 6 months myself! I used air stone for my fireplace ( Ive seen used in kitchens and bathrooms) and I read that you can coat with clear poly for cleanablity... I used the warmer shaded color, but they also come in a cooler, more grayish shade. About 3/4-1.5 in thickness. Good luck!

Nice, bodicop! I've heard tumbled like that, even if sealed, can be hard to keep clean.

Frankly, your gorgeous cabinets and woodwork should be the stars, so any backsplash, in my opinion, should be kept simple. If you have your heart set on brick, use it. It is your home after all.

Yucky!

I absolutely love your rustic kitchen, but I think a variety of materials would make it interesting. I would use something smooth on the backsplash, such as olive green glass subway tiles with a darker grout to ease your concerns about dirt showing. I love all the pictures that Rusty Empire posted above, especially the green.

These are old pictures. The kitchen has since been completely remodeled. The faux brick shown above had been there 25 years, so no problems with grout or wear other than the slight fading. Maybe better materials now-a-days? If you like the look just wipe with damp microfiber. We're at the beach so plenty of humidity.

A glazed subway tile would complement your style of cabinets.