I think we are going to use the white subway tile to keep the budget down as I priced new tiles and it would blow out the budget. Really like the contrast grout idea to add a bit of texture and pattern. My partner is a builder and he loves the reclaimed wood shelf idea as we have a lot of spear old wood left over from the renovation. We have made a dinning table and fire place mantel from it already so it would tie in really well.

One piece of coloured glass will give almost the same visual appearance but without the hassle - I do however not have a splash back but I do love to watch many programs relating to renovation. You can also have a piece of art work installed behind plain glass - it depends on your taste.

I've always had a tile and glass shower and it's a bit frustrating to clean. However, like you, I love the look of tile and glass so I deal with it. What did you decide to do?

Without seeing the rest of the room ( curtains , dining or bar stool colours , etc ) I'd go for a primary colour -- blue or red or orange or yellow . Actually , thats not quite true -- personally , I'd go for subway tiles in the above primary colours ( or black ) , or those tiles that are 25mm x 200mm in charcoal , grey , and metallic colours . Those would need grouting though , but they'd be my first choice -- a colourful glass splashback would be my 2nd choice .