A cheaper alternative to glass is the metaline range from Laminex, and maybe something to consider Laminex launched this product to compete with glass splash-backs. Your cabinetmaker can install it, and it can be cut on site as required to fit around power points etc. The range of colours are obviously limited compared to a paint finish but there are some lovely metallic's in the range - I'e added a photo of our sample folder to give you some ideas. In regards to the colour itself, you could stay with a neutral, but I would go for a splash of colour! as the rest of the kitchen is neutral, choose something that you just love, and will work with your planned decor, and go for it! I would think about putting something on the back of the island bench as well, timber is being used beautifully these days, so depending on your floor tiles it could add a lovely warm touch to your area.

I would get in there to enliven up the space without taking away from the clean lines. You don't do that by repeating more of the same. You make the rest of the kitchen, with all its weight and clean lines play into something not the same. I would suggest you look at a gold leaf look ( ie with a little texture in it. Obviously not actual gold leaf) and put the most vibrant magenta pink/red that you dare in a horizontal line about 2 inches wide and going the full length of the area. Just very well executed paint. Make it above your average pot size so it does not disappear behind pots and pans. That way every time you will look at that place in your home and think Oh Yeah! Also, if you would rather .... make the coloured line turquoise.

yes... unfortunately we changed the colour of splashback last minute before ordering it... so end up disaster as we failed to consider the "green" glass effect on grey .... we will try to resurface it like the project on this link... http://www.resurfacingaustralia.com.au/ hopefully it will be good...

i have not looked into the splashback pricing yet, as i am still stuck onto the colour fr the cabinets. we have to decide it tonight. I have been looking at warm whites, as suggested earlier in the thread. Antique white USA in 1/4 strength i think will go with the grey colored stone. I have read tht in full strength it throws cream tones. NOt sure if this colour scheme will work. i still have to decide the wall colours for the kitchen. We have finalised hog bristle1/4 for the living area with natural white for ceiling n trim.