Try posting this on the kitchen forum?

So why do you want to do something different than an already well engineered solution?

I would layout the outlets horizontally in that backsplash, and yes, I would probably use countertop material, but matching the tile used in the other backsplash areas is common as well. Try to work the outlet position into the tile layout.

Our outlets are laid out horizontally and yes the back splash is a continuation of the counter top material. I have also seen people use the same tile back splash that they used throughout their kitchen. We are renovating our island to remove the bar height portion - have you considered keeping is all one level? It will look more open if it's one level and you'll have more usable counter top space, stools won't have to be so high... just a thought.

I was going to suggest pop-up outlets too. I agree with saypoint. Post this in the kitchen forum too. The folks there were super helpful when I redid my kitchen.

Which kitchen pop- up outlets do you suggest