Hi, Tiles, paint, glass splashback or using the same worktop effect as a splashback all depends on personal choice as this is the space you will be using and seeing daily especially if you are a real foodie. If it is tiles you are wanting, I wouldnt tile to the top, I think it may be too much Especially with metro tiles; rather I'd prefer to line the tiles with the window bars and see if the extractor can be lowered by a notch to ensure there is continuing straight line through out. Alternatively, I'd consider a neutral coloured glass splashback behind the counter space which would co-ordinate with your walls and work surface.... Good Luck

I agree with comegetme about getting samples together in the actual kitchen space. The reason why I prefer the lighter one is the pattern. Even though I really like the pattern in the darker one as a single tile, I think that the floor will end up with too many fairly clear lines running crisscross, or if they're laid in the same direction, the lines will never match. I think it would drive me bonkers. Whereas the marble effect tile has a softer and less linear pattern. But it might not be a problem for you :-)

I wonder whether a darker wood effect tile would work on the floor? Darker wood seems to create a more classy feel whereas the pale wood tiles (which are nice) seem more beachy.

We're doing a total ground floor renovation on a late Victorian townhouse in London and I'm attracted to the idea of using tile in the entry hallway - maybe something light and/or colourful to lighten up the space, which will be dark. I also want to tile the walkway up to the house at some point in the future (when we have recovered financially from the renovation!) Thinking ahead, should the tiles match? I like traditional Victorian encaustic tiles for the outside (e.g the Lambeth pattern in beiges and blues), but I was thinking of something more modern/maybe in gray and white for the hallway. Should they match?