Another picture of the kitchen.

How about cutting the wood and using in a random herringbone pattern?

I'm open to anything! 🙂 Any suggestions as to what colors would compliment the rest of the kitchen?

just be sure you don't run this behind the stove -- wood is not safe for that! (also, do you have a plan for sealing it so that actual splashes, soap, grease, etc. don't stain and get gross?)

The wood you have has all the colors of your granite. Under counter lighting would brighten up the room as would a lighter color on the walls. I am not a pro but think your kitchen is beautiful and you just need a few inexpensive tweaks to make it your dream. I am not one to tell you to replace the floor, cabinets, countertop, etc.!

@acm- good advice. Thanks for looking out. I have VOC free sealer and open to suggestions behind the stove. Tile? Stainless?

@pat Reddrick-thank you! We've been working on the kitchen remodel for quite some time.

The wood doesn't relate at all to the rest of your kitchen, and will be a big mistake to introduce such a strong pattern on top of the granite. Put in a very simple (and inexpensive) white subway tile that matches your cabinets. Did you paint the walls gray or is that a difference in lighting in the photos? The white backsplash will also help with your brownish countertops and gray walls. Maybe you can use the wood as an accent wall somewhere else in your house.

Did you consider using it vertically like rustic bead board instead.

I would only use the white-colored boards and run them horizontally. It will help to lighten up that area and contrast your countertop. I like your kitchen! It looks like you took a lot of time putting it together. I am not sure why you want to cover the backsplash, but if you do, use the white boards. “Striping” it with multiple colors won’t work - it will be dizzying. Your countertop has a lot of movement.

I think what you currently have looks better than that wood. (how do you plan on cleaning that??)

and you'd have to keep the tile or get a stainless steel panel for behind the stove. I just don't think it will look great.

Have you thought about doing a beadboard in a wipeable vinyl of MDF? then you could paint it any color

they did it right over the tile

or you could go the shiplap route. like shown. also in an easy to clean MDF or vinyl.

Or, do your own demo of that current splash and try a DIY w/inexpensive subway tile.

The bead board would look great. If there is a washable version, get it. Beth is right about the challenges keeping a wood backsplash clean.

Thank you so much, everyone, for your input! I really like the subway tiles....buy my husband doesn't want a white backsplash (sigh.) Maybe I'll show him this thread to try and convince him otherwise. 😉 Any suggestions for cheap ones?

I agree with Beth H! Cleaner look, and easier to maintain.

samantha, subway tiles come in every color. glass, ceramic, stone.

for a cheaper alternative, go look online at Home Depot, search for 'subway tiles', (you want something in the 2x8, 3x9, 2x10 range) they have tons. Ivy Hill is one of them.

or check Wayfair or Tilebar.com. they all have tons of colors in subway tiles

these are all colors that would also work.

these would be great, but these aren't cheap!

I really appreciate your advice, Beth! Those times are all beautiful.