What about using back painted glass? Literally purchase some glass, cut to your dimensions, then paint the back to what ever colour you'd like. Easy to clean, cost effective, and highly customizable.

@MG. What do you use to attach glass to the wall? Is special prep to the wall required?

Nothing special for the wall. Did a quick search: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/01/back-painted-glass-backsplash.html, the hardest part is getting the paint to stick to the glass. Some special products required. But as this site suggests, Michaels may be the best and cheapest source.

Thank you MG. Thought you had performed this technique and would have special hints !

Thanks a lot MG. I am looking at pictures and trying to decide if it would look OK in a traditional kitchen. Maybe just behind the stove. Still thinking...

My kitchen remodel will take place mid to late April. Right now it is early 80's almond melamine with oak trim. :0 Does not match the 1930 Tudor style brick house. We will be using white Shaker style cabinets (a little more detail than plain Shaker) with possibly wood stained bases, or painted or white... Will decide by the end of this week. Once the cabinets are ordered will hustle around to decide countertops, backsplash, etc. to have all ready for installation. So pictures won't help much at this stage.