Just an update on the backsplash dilemma that I had...I finally managed to find something nice and worthwhile. My dad and I did the tiling which was a steep learning curve as I never did this before in my life. But its an amazing feeling when you do something and it works out well in the end.

Hi Karen. I like the sound of grey. I'd go with something very light to brighten the space. Farrow and Balls slipper satin is a beautiful colour and would look lovely with grey units, perhaps shaded white. Little Greene Paint company also do lovely shades of grey. Perhaps Grouse on the walls and French Grey for the cupboards. A lighter floor and glass splash backs would also help to reflect the light and make it brighter. You could always add a bright accent colour on the splashbacks like orange or a mustard yellow. Good luck!

Is this the upstand for the whole of the worksurface or a splashback behind a sink or hob? If it's the Upstand then i'd match the worktop. For the splashback, then match the type of surface to that of the worktop, ie, if it's gloss stay with gloss, if matt stay with matt. As long as the surfaces are easy to clean then staying within a style will keep the kitchen looking seemless.

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.