If you want a decorative back splash which usually covers 18 inches between the counter top and upper cabinets, there are exciting choices. Weather you choose tile, granite, glass or another material, it needs to respect what is happening with other elements in your room. Your cook top is a wonderful place to showcase a special design. Some question to ask yourself are: do I want high or low contrast with my cabinets or counter top? Do I want a shiny, matte, or textured finish? Do I want large or small tiles? Do I want an accent feature?
The answers to all these questions has to do with all materials in your entire space working together and relating in some way to your other rooms.