Not to my eye, no. It looks minimalist and intentional. I do wonder about any shades or window treatments though. Of course, it'll look "done" when you have wall decor (island seating end). Beautiful kitchen!

I would say it does look unfinished however you don't need to put a backsplash if that's not what you're looking to do but I would consider painting the wall a different colour to bring in some sort of a feature in an area where there is a lot of negative space not being utilized... there are many ways to achieve a goal without using the standard approach. hope it helped ;)

Maybe just install a sheet of stainless behind the range to protect the wall?

It looks really nice. But I'm afraid after a few batches of homemade marinara sauce, bubbling winter stews or stir fries that may change. It might be mitigated a bit If you've used a durable semi-gloss on the wall.

ETA: Would you consider using your counter top material behind the range? The advantage of a slab backsplash is no grout lines.

It doesn't so much say unfinished as it does cleaning nightmare. Don't let that rush you, though. Wait until you find something you love then take it all the up to the ceiling.

Personally looks unfinished for me, but more importantly seems like a missed opportunity to improve upon the great kitchen you already have in both form and function. A backsplash is a one of my favorite finishing touches in a kitchen that can either change the whole look of a kitchen, or really enhance the look you are going for. It also makes cleaning up much easier and more effective. I would tile the whole wall to the ceiling/around the windows, stopping at the end of the cabinet run.

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Scrubbable paint is a thing.

Love the window and looks great overall. if it were me I’d do a backsplash just behind the hood, all the way to the ceiling. Maybe leave 4-6” between the windows and the backsplash.

or as another option a very eye catching decorative hood. to work it has to be wider than the range and quite substantial. Wider a the base and wider all the way up. Then you could tile to the bottom of the hood.

good luck. It’s a pretty kitchen and fine as is.

“is there any harm leaving it just painted?”

Yes, actually. We all get so carried away with the look of a backsplash that we sometimes forget it serves a purpose. It protects your wall AND your cabinets from water that can run down the sheetrock and destroy them. I think a 1“ or 2” bs made of your counter material would be lovely, along with whatever it takes (probably stainless steel) behind the range to bring you up to code...

https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/painted-glass-backsplash

Consider glass; painted to match the wall color or to contrast and add a bit of color.

Yes, your wall looks unfinished without a backsplash. I like the glass idea...it'll add a nice touch of class and brightness to your kitchen. If you do keep the painted wall you'll probably have to paint it occasionally, which is cheap and quick.

Yes it does look a little unfinished. Even something subtle with minimal colour, even white, would look lovely.

What about just a backsplash behind the oven up to the hood? That's the only place I think needs extra protection.

I would be much more concerned about safety than aesthetics. Sheet rock has paper components, and you have a gas stove, with flame. Scary combination.

Go for sheet glass.

Your glass guy might be right. Why not look for another glass guy? Get a second opinion?

Pick a white subway and run it between windows and up to top of windows only. the island seating end of room has a void of color or art on the walls and over time you will probably be doing things there......and you have a stone feature at the table location to avoid competing with... a simple white subway tile is suitable and there are many beautiful ones.....contrasting the grout a bit ,or more ,if you want, is an option.

I would install a backsplash simply to protect the wall. It wouldn't have to be a tall backsplash. Even 4" or 6" would be enough to keep water from damaging the wall. Something simple and clean. Those crazy patterned backsplashes look so dated at this point. Good luck!

As others have pointed out, backsplash behind the gas stove makes sense for safety reasons. That unfortunately whooshed by me. OP, did you change your original post? I don't recall reading anything about glass last night.

Could you run tile or some material the same height as the bottom of the windows (including across the back of the range)? Something that blends in to the wall? Your kitchen looks great!

No- it does not look unfinished !! I also have had painted walls vs a backsplash in my last 4 homes. I prefer the look of the kitchen as more of a room. Its not hard to clean a painted wall- even grease splatters can be cleaned up

Wow, thanks ALL! Jeff, tangerinedoor and others-- your comments re-ignited the flame of our frustration with our Thermador rep --- we requested the 9 inch backguard (which they told my husband was free, even though I saw online that it was like $700) and then the installers didn't even bring it, and THEN when we called the local store them to ask where it was, they denied that we ever ordered it and continued to insist that we didn't need the backguard!! Should I contact the BBB? It passed code but we know that if anything ever happened we would be s*&t outta luck.

I think that all of the above has helped us to decide:

1) to get the backguard (::facepalm::)

2) then we will feel better about putting the laminated glass around it (less risk of shattering from heat if further from the hottest part of oven)

yes, this picture is before we put our window treatments up, and we are slowly accumulating art for that big wall. (SO challenging to find art!)

thanks all, we couldn't have done this reno without fellow houzzers' help!

IMO you need something behind the range and you really don’t need one anywhere else so even if you went with a stainless panel it would be okay. Art.com has lots of great pieces of art if you don’t want to spend the time lo

oking at galleries The 2 pieces in this pic are from there and my clients love them One says “ mornings suck” and the other with the wine glass says “evenings are better” I always like art with a bit of fun in it too.

You are gracious to give thanks to all. Please post a photo when your backsplash is finished.

It looks like you have a 4" splash in your pics.

I have nothing to add other than my insane jealousy. I love you kitchen.

Could that be the shadow from the window sills, Creative Design Cabinetry?