Just letting you know that a metal pressed splash back is only suitable if powder coated or left galvanized. It does not meet regulations when painted as the paint is not fire rated. Powder coating is. If you do it yourself, no one will know, but it is likely to dis-colour, blister or even singe! Powder coating does not make it easier to clean. But if you were really concerned about cleaning it you would avoid it all together. The recommendations above solve that easily. At the end of the day, a gloss finish will make spraying and wiping the grease, steam and fat away easily than a satin or Matt surface. Glossier the better, powder coat can control that.

Hidden gadgets appeal to the tech nerd in me!

Hi Bekkyboo7, if you like the idea of plants - depending on your taste you could go for something sculptural like a String of Peas or a ZZ Plant or if you're a keen cook go for herbs - there's even hydroponic kits that are designed for kitchen benches such as Aerogrow hydroponic systems or try something in a macramé hanger (just watch the weight - growing medium can be heavy when wet).

I happen to love shaker style, but it kind of depends on the mood/style you're going for in the rest of the house. Your floating shelves are already a bit modern/transitional, and most of what you see from the back of the island is glass upper cabinets so I think you could easily go the modern/transitional direction with the clean doors. If you're more into traditional, and are planning on going that direction with light fixtures and furniture, etc., continue with the shaker.