I agree with Sara. I also don't like stone backsplash against a different stone countertop AND I don't think travertine is a great backsplash material in any case due to its rough and porous surface. Something completely smooth is much easier to clean.

With the solid quartz counter and the light fixture, it looks like your tastes are leaning more contemporary now. Travertine and tin don't fit.

I'd look into removing the arch and fluted columns around the stove. You may even have to since it appears you have no exhaust hood.

Not too worried about the travertine. It is honed and polished (so not rough) and will be sealed. As far as the gas cooktop, it will be a KitchenAid with a downdraft, so no overhead vent needed. I appreciate all of your comments. I guess the reason I asked is I kind of suspect it will be too busy or look too “Tuscan.” What does anyone think about using the same travertine tile in the inset, only on the diagonal?

IMO, if you're leaving the arch/columns around the stove, you should keep the backsplash simple - they are eye-catching/decorative enough on their own. If you're removing them, an inset over the stove might be nice, but I wouldn't use the tin/travertine combo you're suggesting. Are the samples below the tin pieces samples of your travertine?

Yes, those are the travertine and tin. I’m not locked into the tin, but I am to the honed travertine. What kind of design, if any, would you do over the stove with the travertine?

Are the two darker squares pieces of your countertop? And are the travertine tiles different colors of the same tile or is there that much variation between tiles of the same "lot," so to speak (I know natural stone has natural variation!)? If the tiles vary that much, I probably wouldn't do any type of pattern, especially if you're not removing the arch and columns.

Since you need a light over the stove, you could just get a much nicer pendant and that would give you enough interest below the arch. Find one that you can take the shade off for washing.

Blond, yes, that is the same lot and the natural variation. The two darker pieces are the quartz countertop, which is showing in the photo as being more grey than it is in reality. You can see a truer color of its color on the island. What does anyone think about removing just the fluted side pieces of the arch to open that area up more. And Mayflowers, I have been looking for a more suitable pendant, just haven’t found one yet. Thanks for your idea!

The side pieces give it a squished appearance but I don't know about leaving the arch by itself. It does nicely frame the pendant, and if you upgrade that, you have your focal point without adding more busyness to your hard surfaces with a framed accent piece. So I'd shift gears and start pendant-shopping. I'd look for something in a color that stands out against the light gray of the travertine--ie, not clear glass.

I don't know what it would look like to leave the arch and remove the columns, but you could always try it and see - worse case scenario, it looks weird and you put the columns back or remove the arch too. I agree with mayflowers about the pendant, too!

This is my Ill-fated attempt at photo shopping! I’ve already decided the tin is too busy, so thank me you all for that. Thoughts on the fluting? Would a metal oil rubbed bronze pendant look ok? I am limited to 7 inches in diameter.

Here is the adjacent book shelf on that same wall. Wonder if I should get rid of the arch and just match the square opening. What would you do about the crown on the cabinets?

Why are you limited to 7"? ORB would be a good place to start but you're shifting to a gray color scheme. Is the rest of your home formal traditional?

What is the measurement between the side pieces?

What is your concern about the crown molding on the cabinets? The crown molding around the ceiling is what looks odd to my eye - I would paint it the same color as the ceiling. Are you removing the wallpaper?

I just want to comment that a downdraft with a gas stove is absolutely horrible. Not only do downdrafts not vent, with gas ranges they suck the flame towards it leading to uneven cooking. You need a proper vent hood, especially with gas.

No to the tin and to the travertine either. Your kitchen is dark, why are you trying to make it darker? Go for a glossy tan subway tile to brighten it up. Also, skip the 4 inch countertop piece when putting in the backsplash.

With the style of the cabinets, your bar light, and the country feel of your home, you could use a schoolhouse pendant. Pottery Barn's comes in 8" and 11" in a choice of color and a metal rod. Many companies make them however. It would be easy to keep clean too.

PB schoolhouse pendant

Have you considered an induction cooktop instead of gas?

Mayflowers, there is only 4 inches from the wall to center. Also, I’m aware of the downdraft feature, with gas. Not too concerned, as it meets our needs. I don’t cook (for only two of us) a ton these days, mostly pasta, grilled cheese, scrambled eggs, and stewing. I’m not talking down the wallpaper; I happen to still like it, as it’s not greige.

Mayflowers, I really hadn’t thought of induction. I don’t cook like I used to and I grew up with gas, so
It wasn’t even on my radar.

biondanonima, thanks for your comment! To be honest, the painted crown doesn’t really bother me enough to change it. It was stained when we bought the house, and I wanted to lighten things up.

Moogers, what wall to what center?

The back wall ceiling abve the stove, to center of that same ceiling, is like 4-1/2 inches. We’re talking just the ceiling above the stove. So, any light would have to be either in the ceiling (yuk), or have a diameter of no more than 8 inches, or it will hit the tiled wall. Does that make sense?

I hadn't even thought of that dimension. Duh!

There are schoolhouse mini pendants.

Here's one from Lighting Direct. The shade is 6 3/4" and it comes with metal downrods in 3, 6, and 12".

https://www.lightingdirect.com/vaxcel-lighting-p0241-huntley-single-light-6-3-4-wide-mini-pendant/p3391421?uid=3391421.

Just wanted to update everyone on my dilemma. The before, and after. Thanks to whoever suggested a school house light. I love it!

It looks great! I bet you're enjoying your new cooktop and the openness without the flutes.

Yes. It feels so much more open withou the fluted arch. The tile work is lighter, as is the change from dark granite to light quartz. I think I accomplished my objective. Thanks for all of the comments.