Another interesting look you might consider would be to tile up to the top of the windows behind the backsplash, and maybe to the top of the window to the right of the right window.

Either of your ideas would be my choice. But I would likely go with easiest, and under cabinet height all around with just to under hood in the range area, if using subway tile. If it was something more ornate (pattern or tile), I’d likely choose your column idea.

I think you only have two options, like it was or the entire wall. Because there’s a lot going on on the wall anyway I would just do the backsplash area above the counter like it was. Tile on the entire wall, to the floor would look a little too cold, commercial and industrial.

U shape kitchen....what is under cabs on right side wall? The stopping point under those cabs doesn't line well as far as the apron under the window sill alignment. And is the tile going to lay flush with the apron under those sills or will there be a grade difference.???? lots of small cuts and then the tile will end a third way across the left side window???? I think in truth i might tile under those wall cabs on right wall.....paint the window and hood wall a good scrubbable maybe semi gloss paint and make a relief w decorative tile on board and affix it under the hood for aesthetic detail. The windows are really wonderful in their detail....with exposed glass and light flowing a rich semi gloss paint.... and just do something smaller but w great detail under that hood . I see where you had to end the cabinetry a third way across window for walkway clearance...so just paint the whole wall .....move away from anything that chops up any more. paint can be the right choice as it unifies/ you can tweak w color and sheen. Dont discount this more simple approach. .....

Now that I study the picture more, tile on the range wall would be really tough. Herbflvor has a great idea with scrub able paint.

You might be able too do subway tile from range hood DOWN.

Maybe a designer can comment on whether just 1, or 2, tried of tile at counter would look ok, or stupid

If useful, here’s what the kitchen/tile looked like before. The tiles were much larger.

tile works well under the full height cabs on the one wall. tile can really be omitted from window wall. the windows have nice original detail...now w hood....space not really all that large. DO something a bit interesting under the cabs and utilize paint on window wall. its hard to picture because you have the repaired areas showing.....and smoothed out in paint just doesn't cross your mind. I think you are better off w a great tile under that main area of cabinetry and this approach allows a wider range of choice for that , in truth.

In the latest pic you posted, that height seems to take away from the windows which are really nice. Could you try it with all tile the same height (below the window) and then decide if you want it to go higher? I think if you did go higher, probably to the top of the windows is best. Under the hood seems to chop up that wall way too much. Too many other varying heights

I would put the tile under the cabinets and go straight up from stove to hood. Don’t fill in right next to the windows. Can you put a shelf up where the cupboards end? That would disguise the odd cut off Point. if you could find one that would fit from the end of the counter to the end of the window. They make the straight edge brackets fo go on the outside edges of tile. Sorry, I don’t know what they are called. By putting tile right up Next to the windows you take away from their character. Look at your before picture with the tile. Place your finger over the space between the window and range hood And imagine it running straight down.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I have a plan to move forward now.