bump

I’d just wait till everything is installed - there’s no hurry and it will be an easier decision

I just saw this on thespruce:

Slocum and Bordelon say we'll be seeing fewer plain tile backsplashes and more large-format stone and slabs this year; not only that, but these backsplashes will stretch from the countertop to the wall.

"This creates a sense of cohesion and visual calm, and also reduces maintenance," the duo says, explaining that there won't be any grout cleaning or upkeep, either.

They also appreciate how nicely this contemporary look can shine in a more historic space, like the ones The Brownstone Boys often work in.

So consider making your backsplash the same as in your counter material. It's a nice look.

https://www.thespruce.com/2026-renovation-trends-11898547

Wait until your countertops and lighting have been installed, then bring home every sample you can get. You really want to see them in your own space and light before making a choice.

I like your AI mashup, however, the window sill should really be your counter material if possible, and I prefer the look of trim around a window to tile, which can look heavy. Taking the tile to the ceiling on that wall would be fine, but you can also stop under the window. For a look like the one you show you would beed a lot of bullnose tile, so keep that in mind when choosing your tiles - you may need bullnose and trim pieces. Don’t look at tiles that only come in subway format. Consider Daltile or American Olean. They’ve been making high quality tile forever and they are budget friendly and widely available - and make bullnose and trim pieces.

If you want to keep the focus on your view, I would suggest a neutral toned slab backsplash (without too much movement) that frames your view instead of calling attention to itself.

I rarely see the point of tile to the ceiling. It’s a cold material and there is very little bang for the buck. Excellent suggestion to use countertop material for windowsill and then keep the tile to that level except for behind the stove.

For cabinet pulls maybe a bronze color rather than black.

Thank . you everyone for your replies. I read and think about them all. A few follow up questions. I very much want the view to be the focal point which is why i was hoping a long subway tile in a shade of white might work, but i am the farthest from a designer as one can get.

1. The bottom of the window might be 10-11 inches above the bottom of the upper cabinets. If I want it to looi professionally decorated yet not fussy, if i want the eye to go out the window, would i bring the tile up to the bottom of the window or the bottom of the lower cabinet. I agree that brining the tile up to the ceiling will be too distracting for what I hope to accomplish.

2. Sill same as countertop is what we were planning, just no photo to show it-thanks for reminding me!

If the tile only went to underneath the window and not the lower cabinet, the wall of cabinets would have tile all the way up to the lower cabinet? Unfortunately, the house is a seven . hour drive from me, and i am unable to get there prior to these decisions being made

yes you can do it like this. just tile to under the cabs and in the back of faucet.

If those are 30" cabs, I'd go taller. I know you have issue in the one spot, but you can get a filler to take you higher.

I'd also do a full overlay on those cabinet tops. I know this is AI, but you see how your door tops have a reveal? don't do that (more than an inch) and make sure you have some type of crown or molding.

I also notice the drawers aren't shaker. I used to have the same on my top drawers. weird.

changed so they look the same. you want more drawers that doors for proper storage

my mistake-the doors are Eisen style in maple natural. Not Shaker. The upper cabinets are 42 inches. We are planning on a Crown moulding. Beth, your photos have been really helpful. I like the tile going up to the bottom of the window sill and then to the bottom of the lower cabinets. I am leaning on not tiling up the reveals on either side of the window, but paint. Any thoughts on this?

thats perfectly fine. It's all a matter of choice.

yours would resemble this if you did the window trim.

here's a few others around level w/under the cabinet height:

and a few that go up to the top of the window

and one over the top of cabs

A backsplash is exactly that it goes where water splashes unless you are really crazy at the sink it does not go up around the windows .

Or if you have a sprayer nozel that has a mind of it's own! Still I vote no tile at all. Too busy, too much in your face. Subdued, more conter top up the walls is such a great look.

Am in agreement with other posters - no tile on the window wall. Not a fan of the first photo you posted. The grout lines are prominent enough to be distracting. Will also say that IMO the tile should be as much background as possible - would suggest a very neutral color and uniformity in the tile instead of much fariation.

I agree that tile will be backsplash only and not make a statement as the window view is the star. The grout in the photo is something AI threw in. I am thinking a 3x12 neutral color tile on the backsplash only.

This is the tile we are leaning toward, we would do a 1/3 tile placement. I am wondering now if i should go a chanpagn bronze instead of the black cabinet pulls. My hats off to all designers out there.

plain old subway?

why are you fretting over backsplash at this point? just get everything else installed and then worry about the tile

I’m not sure if your cabinets are purchased yet, but I had natural maple cabinets, in the kitchen. When they first went in, I loved them. The kitchen was sunny, and within 2 -3 years the cabinets had yellowed to the point that I hated them. Something to think about.