You already have a backsplash - the edge of the counter that goes up the wall IS a backsplash. To add another one that sits on the wall above that would be odd looking and is not needed. If you want to change the color in that area, you would just paint the walls.

As Kendrah points out, you do have a backsplash. You also have laminate counter tops. They should be laminated all the way to the wall allowing you to remove the 4” backsplash and install tile there if you want to. However, I suspect yoyr counters may have already been re-laminated. The lower edge in the red circle was not trimmed properly. This leads me to wonder whether whoever laminated them made other missteps.

There’s one way to find out. You could try removing the 4” and just see how it goes. We can help you find tile. Alternatively, you could leave the counters and backsplash alone and re-paint your kitchen walls.

Right now you have a sea of beige, honey oak cabinets, and a very busy floor in a relatively dark space. Start by Google-ing images of honey oak kitchens, and see which ones appeal to you. My favorite is below, along with an image from Better Homes and Gardens magazine that gives you some great options for honey oak. Keep in mind you have really busy floors, so try to keep things simple.

if no other major changes are planned , I'd get some granite to replace the formica. find.. something w warm tones generally to unite the floor w the cabinets..get a big single sink ..update the faucet. visit a stone yard.

here's a slab of granite....good tones to pull things together with your long counter .....i like formica at times but stone has a different quality that would be an enhancement.

Cubbage Laundry Room · More Info

You have what's needed. It goes with your vibe. Move on! Adding more on top of the lip you now have is not a great look. If you decided to lighten your counter and swap it out I would match the counter to the back splash. It's such a great clean look and close to what you have now really. The smaller the kitchen the faster it is filled visually when one starts adding tiles etc. It was a look for a long time and one I currently have but you would be better served resisting for now.

The issue is when I’m cooking; steam and grease splatter onto the wall. This is the reason I was hoping to add backsplash. does not have to be all the way around at least around the stove would be helpful. It’s either that or I’ve considered putting aluminum foil on the walls around the stove

There is very little wall exposed around the range. You could mount a sheet of stainless steel along that back wall.

The issue is when I’m cooking; steam and grease splatter onto the wall.

When it splatters and you wipe it down, is the wall then stained?

I too have just a 4" splash like yours and wipe the walls down no problem when steam and grease splatter. Perhaps my paint is more wipeable? It is eggshell.

It mostly comes off. But, I cook broth for 8-10 hours. That’s a long time of steam exposure; sometimes when I check, theres droplets of condensation on the walls. I can’t imagine that’s good for the wall.

I get a ton of condensation on my walls because I don't have a venting hood. (Coop rules, no outside venting. Urgh!) My walls seem no worse for it. It looks to me like you only have a recirculating vent too, am I correct? It seems you have more of a ventilation issue than a backsplash issue.

Correct but solving ventilation issue seems quite expensive.

Surrounding the stove and back splash in the kitchen are different things. Easiest fix is SS as suggested above. Easiest to clean, easiest to install, and works with your appliances.

Two now have mentioned condensation, and that just has never happened to me. I don' t even vent out just blows up into the air above my head. Different sorts of cooking definitely call for different defenses against grime.

But solving the ventillation issue will solve other annoyances you live with now, like the kitchen being hot and cooking smells that permeate your home. It’s entirely up to you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.