Hi Rona. The picture didn't upload. There seems to be a problem this weekend but mine have worked on the 2nd attempt :)

Hi, we at Dual Designs are often designing kitchens up to the ceiling. It is usually because of the client requiring more cupboard space, along with making sure the design will suit their beautiful dream kitchen. We have designed cabinets up to the ceiling in large and small rooms, both work really well. It mainly comes down to person taste, some people would never leave a gap at the top, with the 'dust trap' word mentioned. Others who don't mind a gap would often say they can't reach high units and don't want to use a ladder. We always consider both the practical side along with the design and give an honest assessment to help our clients. I would think taking the cabinets up to the ceiling can work though a good designer will confirm this for you, so I hope that helps and good luck

Composite Deck? Once down you'll have very little maintenance for years. You could find a colour that matches your Ikea tiles too. Let me know if you need any assistance.

We had granite worktop with upstand and no splashback in our previous house and I can honestly say it never bothered me; the painted walls were easy to wipe clean and even refresh with a bit of paint when some stain got stubborn (that happened only once!) The thought of grout in the kitchen terrifies me...! :)) We now have glass for splashback and I think it's the best! (I don't have any better pics of our old kitchen, at the time I wasn't into photographing interiors). My advice is not to go for tiles, just keep it simple and clean. Good luck!