Tiles are one way to introduce some pops of colour in your kitchen. If you are worried about the grout discolouring, use epoxy grout which is more resilient to liquid staining. Also, if you use a coloured grout, discolouration will be less noticeable. If you choose textured tiles with rectilinear edges, grout lines are almost invisible. Using tiles can look more traditional compared to glass or stainless steel. The problem with stainless steel is keeping it looking good. Drip marks and grease are instantly noticeable. Glass is less obvious when splashed. They are both more industrial and modern looking. What about using the same material that makes up your worktop as the splashback? Most manufacturers of manmade worktops also do an 11mm thick splashback and upstand.

They’re fine to use otherwise they wouldn’t be manufactured. However glass is a better material. It will need templating and is more expensive than laminate but is easier to clean. You can choose a BS or RAL number to have the glass sprayed to, but if you leave it clear the colour of the emulsion on the walls will show through so you don’t have to worry in future about respraying it.

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!

Are you having wall units? If so you can have the backsplash up to them. If no wall units then 60cm is plenty enough with maybe a taller bit behind the hob. A picture of your kitchen would help us advise better.