What about cork tiles? The color would be similar to the tile your husband is holding up. Loads of options online. Also a rug runner might help.

Hang a decorative quilt or tapestry.

Nice kitchen. I don't know if those tiles will work for you. (and, it may end up looking kind of 'cheap'. because, where would you stop it? it would look funky if it was just over the cabinets.

Wallpaper of some sort might look better and dampen the sound.

I'd opt for beams/trusses. not only will it look fantastic, it would help absorb sound waves

have you tried some runners in the kitchen?

more area rugs.

any drapes?

wood planks on the ceiling would also absorb sound

some pendants over you island would look amazing. if you did the beams, you could hang them from there.

Thanks for the replies!

There are beams in other areas of the open space, so that's not an option. We have drapes, area rugs, and tapestries already hanging in the space that you can't see in the photo. This area is the only one left with open wall space, which is contributing to the echo. Regardless of what type of hanging we use, if it was approximately 2 x 2 - how many would you hang on the two walls, and how would you space them?

Why don’t you cut out cardboard in the exact dimensions of the tiles and place them on the walls with masking tape? You can move them around until you get a layout you like!

Before putting anything up on your wall I would start with a runner or 2 depending on how that could work in your kitchen. Look up Ruggable online, they have a variety or patterns and sizes in many colours, all machine washable and dryable no matter the size, and reasonably priced. They come with a rubberized underpad that keeps them in place, and the rubber would probably help dampen the sound. The rugs are thin and stay nicely in place so that you don't trip. If you want 2 rugs, start with ordering 1 then they'll send you immediately a 15% discount coupon you can use on your 2nd purchase.

what about 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 or 3 x 5 feet, thick nubby area rugs hung horizontally over the perimeter of the cabinets? With 3 inch spacing in between. Might work. Find a pattern that has a color similar to the wall color to blend in.

It looks like the tile you plan to use is similar to the wall color, is that right? i think something that blends is a good choice, and I think it would look best just above the cabinets, so two on one side and three on the other. They won’t draw visual attention and should help with echo.

Also might want to consider swapping your island stools for upholstered ones- they would dampen sound as well.

Forgot to add— are there any larger size acoustic panels you could use? Something rectangular to better fit that space above the cabinets. It might have a more cohesive look than multiple smaller panels. Just a thought.

I wonder if you could use the acoustic tin tiles all over the ceiling in between the beams as well?

Separate idea...moss walls? Moss is often used as walls OR artwork to dampen noise. Could look more like artwork this way?

Another separate idea. I wonder if you didn’t use the acoustic tin tiles on the ceiling if you could use them instead to cover the entire wall above the cabinets, stopping the tile where the cabinets end on either side (shown in pic). It could visually lengthen the cabinets and call attention to the tall ceiling height.

Another thought: maybe consider a very textured fabric or woven/macramé wall hanging over the wood door on the left, and some chunky placemats on the island in addition to runners on the floor.

IMO the tiles are not going to help and honestly 14' ceilings are just a space asking for issues with noise and heating and cooling I think you need to get some more soft surfaces in the space and it is surprising how every little thing you add helps. I usually hate rugs in kitchens but I would start there A living wall could be an answer but honestly how will you deal with it even cleaning will be a big deal as it is. If those tiles are planned they need to cover that whole space and honestly not really attractive

Acoustical ceiling tile is only quieter comparatively. I would try somethinglike these panels before doing a wall-mounted ceiling tile. They are better at adsorbing sound. You can always recover them is a fabric more to your liking - no sewing involved.

Even better would be to install a lower ceiling - like 5 feet lower.