Thank you everyone, your thoughtful advice was very welcome. I'm attaching a photo as its all finished. I selected Olive Reserve for the splash back and painted the wall above it the same colour. As its a big room with lots of light and a large window it doesn't dominate. The glass is so easy to keep clean and I love the way it reflects the garden and light. Have to say though some people are stunned into silence when they see it, but as the cupboards and bench tops are quite bland I knew something bright was needed

I agree! Go for what you love. Down the track at resale time, if you feel it's too dated then, there are many splash back materials that can be applied right over top of tile. Is it just the area behind the cook top that will be tiled? I think anything will feel like "too much" at first if you've become accustomed to how it currently is. It's like when you paint a room. It can feel overwhelming at first until you begin to put furniture and decor back in place. A simple way to trial colours is to tack up some wrapping paper, fabric, contact paper (backing left on) or whatever you find that has a colour you think could work. Try use things with different sheen/gloss. Even paint a board and prop it there. Leave for a few hours and see what does and doesn't work for you.

Awesome!! Actually macymacmaples, the mirror will date more than the white glass. My cupboards will be white handleless polyurethane...and I'm gonna choose Ceasartsone Calacatta Nuvo as my benchtops :) hagan - My painter (which is my cousin) lol, also wants me to do vivid white ceilings..but I'm thinking of just keeping it the same and doing Natural white ceilings too as I don't like contrast...I prefer it to all blend....Dunno yet tho, will keep u updated ;)

Hello! A mirror splashback looks great and would definitely bounce light around and reflect the view out the window - but you are right that they can be particularly hard to clean behind an oven. I'm speaking from personal experience and also from when we have installed mirrors in clients homes. Have you thought about subway tiles? These will keep the space bright, are relatively inexpensive and timeless - which will help with resale down the track. I've attached an example from a recent project I've completed. Colour and warmth can be brought in with accessories and can be easily updated as trends change. Hope that's of some use to you! Cheers Clare