Paint for now, then decide when the rest is installed.

Paint really will be fine, if a good quality paint, properly applied. You need a scrub tolerant paint because you will have to wipe it down regularly. It is what I have and had.

Have you considered installing tile yourself? So many folks have posted here having DIY and turned out very well. If pre-mounted on mesh it is even easier I believe. I installed glass tile in my bathroom, on the sink wall, using the 2 sided adhesive sheets -- I had to be very careful to get it right the first touch with that adhesive - once the tile touched it, it was stuck! The key is, plan your layout, then take your time!

I like the sketch with it all the way across the wall.

Backsplashes are easy to live without, and then add later if you like. Agree to paint for now. The backsplash can be a fun project down the road after all the other chaos is over. Also, you won't need a GC to be overseeing it (and adding to the cost with his management fees/mark-up). All you need is a good tile contractor who you hire and pay directly. Usually a 2-3 day project where you'll just remove the stuff on your countertops but still have full use of your kitchen.

you can get that color in glass tile, but that's expensive to buy and to install. for sure, semigloss or eggshell paint has done the trick for decades.

Brag pics · More Info

(Note that this photo has tile up to cabinet level and paint above, a very pale green. Your hubby's idea might work similarly.)

hard to believe you can give up a whole wall of cabinets in such a small kitchen. why not the normal U and then maybe some open shelves right above the sink itself, for lightness?

New England Farm · More Info

Palo Alto Kitchen · More Info

Just another idea.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to use beadboard panels in my new kitchen. They're super affordable and easy to install yourself.