Its quite popular now to continue the worksurface up the wall to the underside of the wall cabinets. You could have a simple thin shelf at the same height as the bottom of the cabinets and continue the worksurface up to the underside. The shelf marks the stopping point. I do not think the localised splashbacks look good. It looks better continuous but might also look odd behind the hob with nothingto stop against. Usually the extractor marks the stopping point. If you don't want to continue with the quarz then a marble type tile very large format to minimise the joins could also look good. I would stick with light grey and white. Colour could be added later. I have often not bothered with splashbacks at all. You could just do the upstand and then paint it with a hardwearing paint that is washable.

Thanks @Isla Cherry, I tend to agree that the localised splashbacks are not so pleasing on the eye.

I like the suggestion of the shelf or similar, had thought about being a bit creative on that open wall, so had considered open shelving either side of the hob, or could be one single shelf as you suggest, would just not run all the way into either end.

How high would you go with splashback? As far as the wall cabinets? That's around 660mm.

I'll have to check on pricing to run the quartz sone up and around versus tile.

Would you rule out glass splashback?

Have you ever used or see this, may have to get a sample.: https://alusplash.com/gb/elements-collection/white-carrara/

That looks amazing. I really like the look of it and if its affordable will give you a sleek modern finish. Yes do get a sample.

They sell through (amongst others) Wickes, Selco, Screwfix, Homebase, going to take a trip and have a look tonight.

My challenge will be the sizes it comes in, as the max height is 610mm - my gap from worktop to beneath wall cabinets is around 660mm - so not quite enough.

Mirror would look amazing and really give an illusion of space. Go lightly tinted. It is expensive though, like the continuous quartz.

The affordable and timeless option is metro tiles. Do include an upstand of the quartz (8-10cm).

If you include a 100mm upstand you will still have a gap if its 660mm and the alusplash is only 610mm wide. You could make it look deliberate by stopping under the units and having the gap of 50mm. I wouldn't do the upstand and then the alusplash its not sleek. If you do the alusplash start at the worktop and have the gap above. That could be the starting point for the shelf. Metro tiles are fussy to clean and unless white on white can look very busy. Zellige tiles are stunning but for that square meterage probably eye wateringly expensive. I would do a serious houzz search of what you are planning in photos, save lots to ideabooks and then see which style appeals to you the most to help you decide. If you have the upstand I wouldn't do any splashback above it. It looks great with only a good wallcolour.

Thanks for your comments and thoughts.

I am going to try and find the funds to run quartz upto 660mm, the next best option is the Alusplash (took a look last night in the store, it's a nice product, but still quite costsly due to the size of the sheets I would require) - but it's that gap I want to avoid, albeit small.

If I run upto 660mm, what do you think about positioning of a shelf (or shelves on that wall) - conscious it could look unfinished with just the splashback. Have thrown a few ideas together below.

I prefer the long shelf but check the cupboard opening. Just make sure any display items are easy to clean so glass fronted art or DW safe bowls etc. Perhaps consider wall lights rather than a clock?

Hopefully the quartz price is ok as I’m not sure I’d put 2 lightly veined products together

Thanks @minnie101 - The shelf will not be able to run right into the cabinets on the right, there is a 100mm filler panel on the end of the wall cabinets, but even so it would need to finish probably 150-200mm short to allow cupboard opening.

If the quartz cost is eyewatering you could just have it up to the shelf behind the hob and then consider an upstand under the wall cabinets? First prize is all of it but you could combine two different finishes if they were similar. Seamless looks are the most expensive. Minnie's second image is exactly what I meant about the shelf.

I'm going all in on the quartz splashback, upto 660mm, my supplier/fitter has come good after a little negotiation :)

Shelf - if I go full width, I'll need to leave a gap on the right hand side to enable cabinet door opening. Assume it's best to mirror that gap on the left also?

Great idea you won't regret it. Yes mirror the gap on the left hand side or it will look as though it was a mistake being off centre. It will look stunning when complete.