You really do need grout for your backsplash, for a proper job that is waterproof and easy to clean. Having said that, I once did a "just for now" refreshing of my tiny kitchen to hold it over for a while until I could afford to totally gut it and start over. I didn't want to bother grouting in some inexpensive tiles as a backsplash because I thought they would only be there for a short time. I painted the backsplash area a similar colour to the tiles, so the stark white plaster would not show through the cracks between the tiles and then lightly glued the tiles to the wall, butting them up directly to one another. Little did I know that I was about to get laid off from my job and it would be 8 years before I could afford to do the renovation I desired. The ungrouted tile backslash held up beautifully and because I was careful, remained dry and clean for that whole time. I just finally did the kitchen reno this past winter and they stayed stuck tight to the plaster as I tore it out. :-)

An upstand sits on the worktop and is around 4" high. A splashback normally fits behind the hob area to prevent splashes ruining the wall. You can have one or both fitted.

I personally love tiles. I think they add interest. However I had to google Wow Fez tiles as I had no idea what they were! So they are Moroccan hand made style tiles and you are wanting plain white ones? Is that right? Are they like the ones in my second pic? If so, I think they are beautiful. I think metro/subway tiles are a bit boring unless they are an interesting colour. I would tile behind the cooker and up to the window sills. However some people have just an upstand in the same material as the worktop (picture below) and use a washable paint on the rest of the wall. It boils down to personal taste.

Hi Tashmina, I like the tile, however I would like to see how you intend to incorporate this with your kitchen? What colour is it? Is it a modern or more traditional kitchen?