That tile is not my cup of tea, but if you love it, I would put that tile on the shelf wall to be your desired contrast/special accent and then do something way simpler and more wipeable on the stove wall.

No to the tile and IMO one star per kitchen is what is best. As for special on the shelves that should have been decided before you did the shelves. I dislike open shelving in kitchens usually the exception is maybe one in a coffee area. I would have forgonee the shelves and hung a great piece of art there .

I don't think I understand what you're asking. You have already chosen and purchased that backsplash, correct? What are you going to put ON the shelves? Cookbooks? Decorations? Other? Are you asking what to put on the wall above the shelves?

Agree that you can do (way) better on backsplash tile.

Thank you for your comments.

Perhaps try looking through images of kitchens on here. Below we've included a few of our kitchen designs. Note the backsplashes in each image.

Modern Ranch · More Info

Casual Classic Remodel · More Info

Colorful Remodel · More Info

That tile is too busy, and that thin long tile style is quite out of date. It stopped being popular when people realized it was impossible to have anything go with it due to the busy colors and grout lines. Start over with your tile choice. No thin long tiles please.

I know how it feels to be attracted to a sample piece of tile like that. But, I would agree with others. The tile is very busy, and when you put a lot of it up, it will take over, and then it won’t take long, you will tire of it. Trust us ... change you tile choice.