Hi Adrian, thanks for the details - love the Caraz! Absolutely on trend colour, and a nice calm, sophisticated palette. Always amazes me just how much influence ambient light has, as the pictures show both to be even warmer in reality. With that info, I think I'd still be opting for white/off-white close to your worktop colour - on, if suitable, using the worktop material as a splashback, but you'd need to check with the manufacturer on suitability close to gas flame. Not all would be permissible. An alternative would be to go with whatever you have picked as flooring tile, if available in large enough size, then cut & edge to suit. Now that large format tiles are becoming so popular, we're finding clients opting for this more frequently, to add a bit more texture compared to flat, plain glass.

I have tiles on one wall by the sink, and mirror in a darker area. I also have wallpaper over the other (non-cooking) side of the kitchen. It's great!   Do what works for you.

Often with upstands people don’t have tiles as it can look a little clunky. They tend to paint the wall above with a washable paint instead. However, if you want tiles how about a pearlised finish, such as Zelig tiles in pink or blue? I can see you like pink!

Hello, Congratulations on your new kitchen, we hope you're enjoying it! We understand that choosing kitchen tiles and backsplash could be confusing, there's so much in the market! You could go with a similar material you've used for the worktop, so it feels and looks continuous. You could also go with a mirrored look to expand the space, visually. We love Kit Kat tiles, they're making a comeback in the market. I'll attach a few images so you can get some ideas! We are Bespoke kitchen and wardrobe designers and provide free-of-charge initial design or quotation services. Our showroom is based in Notting Hill, London, but our services all over the UK.