I would do a glass splash back [ this can be painted in your color choice to suit the decor ] - taking from the bench top up to the bottom of the range-hood on the wall of the stove. The window is beautiful and I would give anything to have them in my kitchen. I would probably paint OR stain and apply marine grade vanish to the would so that any moisture would not be able to ruin the wood. I would also put herbs or flowers there. Could it be made into a servery for outside maybe ???

Black roof, black window frames and muntins, cream siding, cream (the same tone as the brick siding) garage doors and high gloss black front door. No other color but cream and black. http://www.houzz.com/photos/3245164/Atherton-Residence-contemporary-exterior-san-francisco

I would not recommend glossy tiles in a bathroom. We have 24" polished porcelain throughout our house, and... we also have a pool. Although I love our tiles, I have to be super careful coming inside. If I am at all damp, walking on the tiles is tricky. Yes, they are easy to keep clean, but so are most tiles. For my master bath, I went with tiles that had a high COF (Coefficient of Friction). I've had my fill of slippery bathroom floors, and wanted something that I didn't have to slide a towel around on. I love them! I can step out of the shower, and have as much grip on the floor, as if I had stepped onto a mat. :)

You should remove the cork first as tiles need a flat and even surface to go on. Definitely remove the cork.