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. :-)

What an amazing forum this is. Do hope you have a clearer picture by now. I adore your splashback, it must not be relegated to a utility room. Buy more of the same for that! Perhaps you could frame an extra piece as art in another area. I've painted my kitchen cupboards in 'Hebridean Mist' which goes so well with the slate floor tiles, then a pink fridge freezer and pink edged worktop tiles tie in well. I like to add a little bit of matching colour from one room to another room, moving through the house like that. It givers synergy to all my rooms, none of which are the same colour, but all of which have a hint of another room. Anthology is a fabulous site to look at for lighting. Wayfair has a gorgeous orange glass globe light I want badly! I actually adore the combination of orange, shades of grey, white and black. A simple thing like 1 Cygnus Papilios cushion by Alex Goode can pass one colour into another room.

I think you should use white so the kitchen doesn't look choppy ,but if you still want color try this idea

Hi Carolyn. I think your kitchen looks great, love the styling of the shelves. Does the "splashback "on the oven come off? If not, and may be wrong(!), I think a splashback might look a bit odd. If you were to do anything I might add a splashback all the way across that wall up to the bottom of the first shelves but it would be good to see a pic including the ceiling. Your kitchen to me seems all about texture so I would actually avoid any type of coloured glass but add more interest with texture. I don't think it's needed though I would just clear a couple of things off the worktop add some wild flowers (good faux if necessary) and a potted herb or 2