I like the photo you gave as an example. He smaller 1x1 tiles on the floor are a good idea, it will make the space look larger with the contrast of the larger white subway tile. The stripes in the shower curtain are good too pushing the eye out creating width. Kids are messy so having appropriate storage for all their goodies is important, keeping the room organized will make it feel bigger.

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.

Hi Debzip, We used flat metro tiles in three colours in our walls - green at the bottom, a black border, and then used white tiles up to the ceiling ... With white grout used throughout. We happen to think it looks great! It is a vey traditional style, but works well with all properties.

I personally love tiles. I think they add interest. However I had to google Wow Fez tiles as I had no idea what they were! So they are Moroccan hand made style tiles and you are wanting plain white ones? Is that right? Are they like the ones in my second pic? If so, I think they are beautiful. I think metro/subway tiles are a bit boring unless they are an interesting colour. I would tile behind the cooker and up to the window sills. However some people have just an upstand in the same material as the worktop (picture below) and use a washable paint on the rest of the wall. It boils down to personal taste.