I think the tile should be carried up to the ceiling here.

Well it looks like they put a bullnose piece on top. Maybe I don't understand your question.

I also wish it was up to the ceiling, then you could put floating shelves. I guess you could put the shelves there now. I also don't know if they would look right with the pendant.

the mirror would be less expensive but either of these would work

Do you need the pendant? You could put can light above sink, tile to ceiling, add floating shelves with strip lighting beneath. Could become a nice modern feature if that's what your looking for. Otherwise Jennifer's idea to add mirror or cabinet is good as well and more transitional/traditional.

Also! That live edge wood counter top is to die for! Where did you get it?? Wonderful option for a rustic /modern kitchen.

I was also admiring the counter, beautiful!

Switch to a can light and use floating shelves but not straight across. Use 24" shelves and stagger them side to side.

The tiles are very expensive so we are trying to think of something other than tiles to go all the way up. However, when we have spent what we did on the tiles, I don't want to "cheapen" the look up and want a nice finish. I'm not ruling out continuing all the way up with the tile. We are from Minnesota; purchased the slab of wood near Minneapolis, Patrick A. Finn.

How about a painting or print under glass?

We did put a bullnose piece on top of the tiles, having in mind we were not going all the way to the ceiling with the tiles. Accent color ideas if we painted?

I've been going through other posts on decorating dilemmas; it seems like selecting a backsplash for the kitchen is a popular dilemma! I'm leaning towards adding floating shelves but hate the idea of dust accumulating on something too high for me to easily get at.

You're missing an opportunity if you don't continue with a cabinet over the sink. It truly looks like something is missing. Like there should be a cabinet but it's on back order.

Jennifer's last example is perfect for your kitchen.

Do not paint that space an accent color. It needs a cabinet. The other cabinets are calling out for their missing sister "Where are you my little Cabbi, we need you to close the gap".

Why spend so much to get a kitchen so beautiful and then leave this gnawing space? It's just not right.

We didn't put a cabinet in because we thought it would get in the way with the sink being there. If we put it up high enough so it is out of the way, it wouldn't be used.

You might not put everyday things up there but you would use it to display some crystal or lovely dishes that you want to show. Or if you didn't want glass doors then seasonal items that are used infrequently. Seriously consider a cabinet. Really, even if it's empty it will still serve a purpose. You did such a wonderful job on the kitchen but this needs help.

I would get a quart of a dark charcoal paint, one of the colors in the beautiful tile, and paint the area... then I'd probably put a nice mirror in the area to reflect the light, a mirror with a shiny or shimmery decorative edge that will make a distinction against a dark wall.
I also would've preferred to take the tile all the way up, but the paint is inexpensive and if you don't like the paint idea after a little time you can always add more of the tile back in after the fact. ;)
I think it only looks awkward right now because of the light wall color. I love the charcoal colored tile with your cabinets, I think a paint color that matches one of the shades in the tile will look sexy.

The cabinets on either side are also very high for access, but I would at least add a cabinet across the top, same height dimension as the top perimeter cabinets, and could still add a shelf below it (at a height easier to access and clean but still about head height. It would be recessed back far enough that it isn't in your way). Shelf or not, continue backsplash up exposed wall. Love your backsplash selection (and the wood countertop!). Nice job.

They make black or gray or even stainless steel outlets and covers. I would exchange out those white ones. under cabinet lighting?? Can you take your tile all the way up? I think it would look a lot better.

I think adding a cabinet or more dark tiles would close in the space. I would leave the wall empty, and get a larger more decorative light fixture. It looks off because the pendent is too small for the space. Or have a piece of glass cut to fit exactly, which would reflect your light and add another dimension to the kitchen.

Paint the remaining wall above the tile a matching color to the bullnose trim of your tile, hang an interesting mirror or floating shelves or piece of art in the space.

Speaking as a person who has a sink facing a wall I hate when there are cabinets or shelves over my head. I think you keep it open and have a mirror professionally installed so it fits that space all the way to the ceiling. It will reflect the light you have and will be complimentary with your current aesthetic.

I like the mirror idea other than across the room is a large screen t.v. and I'm afraid that is what we are going to see in the mirror....not much to look at! We will have to hold a large mirror in the space and see what the mirror reflects.

Dragonfly has a good point. The cabinets are all high. I agree that the missing cabinet should come down to the top of the tile. Shelves get dusty. Mirrors need to be super clean and streak free. How often to you want to climb up there and clean the mirror. Mirrors are not normally found in kitchens. Or maybe it should be mirrors are not found in normal kitchens.

Don't wait around until the matching cabinets are discontinued.

Kicking in my two cents: I don't think you need a cabinet to finish the look over the sink. The crown molding on the flanking cabs state clearly that it's finished. I had the same kind of dilemma with my bathroom and I asked my cadre of very talented friends on facebook which color? They all had different ideas. It was pretty clear that whatever way I went, it would have to be my choice. Remember too, you can see it, you can feel the vibe you get from it. That's not so easy with a photo on the interwebs. You've got a lot of lovely ideas. Think about for a few days then go with your gut.

I'd bite the bullet and just keep going with the tile. Overtime, the cost will be less of an issue than you kicking yourself wishing you had.

More tile will be too dark IMO. Actually being able to glance up and see what's on the Telly might come in handy w the mirror.

Perhaps a mirror with antiqued glass? You don't see such clear reflections with those.

Carolina Kitchen & Bath: I think we would work well together!! Today I got some paint samples that are up on the wall.....and thinking about it for a few days :-) I'm thinking light gray, my husband is thinking color. Still contemplating tiles all the way but will likely paint first. Once it's painted, we will decide if we want to add shelves....OR....tile it all the way up.

Beth H., we did purchase stainless steal outlet covers and do have under cabinet lighting. The lighting reflects well on the tiles!

There are a few different ways that you can do things here. Below are a couple of our designs that might help you make a decision. Notice the backsplash ideas and shelves.

It's dark...do mirror above. Then use floating shelves or not. If u don't like the idea of mirror because you don't like what it's reflecting do artwork. Something colorful in the colorless kitchen.

Joyce Cockrell Designs, LLC