could you mark the ones you are referring to... maybe with a sticky note or tape?

have you taken the lily white sample home?

it may not be too white in your light. I would go with the Lily White. as you say, change up the decor... nice backdrop for anything.

Pics attached with colour names.

Thanks Alyssa. Funny I did pick a similar style sample tile along with the 2 tile boards shown in above pics. Thanks for your comments and feedback. So so helpful and great food for thought. I will have to decide and commit within the next week. In general I will stick with my original vision of keeping it all light and neutral vs introducing a darker colour so that helps to narrow it down greatly. Decisions, decisions. We love our home and have called it home for over 30 years. I want something timeless so I don’t have to do it again for a long long time. Thx!

Alyssa this was the sample. I meant to attach to the above comment.

I personally would reconsider whether or not you actually need a tile backsplash? Your sink is on the peninsula and well away from a wall. You could simply paint it/leave it painted. If you must have a splash, you could opt to do something more colorful and creative just behind the stove. What kind of art do you create? A painted mural covered with glass could be lovely and personal. Or some more unique and artistic tiles could be used behind stove. Even a gorgeous favorite fabric or wallpaper could be applied to wall and covered in glass. If it were my kitchen I would want some color (even a lighter color) in there.

Options for cottage kitchen backsplash materials.

You can use real beadboard or beadboard ceramic tile sold at HD.

Thanks Hope and Beverly. Ok that’s a game changer to reconsider using tile. In the over 30 yrs that we have been here I never had backsplash tile, it was just painted wall and only ever got a few splatters behind stove which always washed off. I just thought since we refreshing the look I should add tile. I love the first 2 pics you posted Beverly. I had 22 yr old beadboard panelling on the peninsula which we just updated/replaced with the wider ship lap. Hope I didn’t get away from the cottage feel I was going for to too farmhousy. Would you repeat the wide shiplap on backsplash or could I introduce narrower beadboard on backsplash? I love that look which is what I was going for.

Beverly this is the peninsula.

I love your barstools! Can you tell me where they are from?

Nice to know they have stood the test of time. I still love them too. We had them made locally over 25 yrs ago. They sadly are no longer in business.

Love your kitchen! Do you have a 4 in backsplash installed already?

Thx La_la Girl. No that is just the discolouration on the wall from where we took out the laminate countertop.

@robinglade I was going to suggest decorative square tiles for a cottage feel as Beverly did. But when I saw your square floor tiles, I thought the headboard look would be better. But, will the floor stay? It's nice enough for a cottage look. Just thought it would help to know.

Thanks @K L Yes the floor tile is staying. Not in budget to replace and I like the durability of it. I’m changing my mind daily on backsplash tile still though. Haven’t committed yet. Still considering options. Yes I like the colour and style of BeverlyFLADeziner suggested square tile but I didn’t want to repeat square shape same as floor.