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 ???

Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

I never love open shelving in a modern kitchen they are dust and grease traps but I would hang horizontal glass front cabinets and paint that wall some awesome color ,run your backsplash up to bottom of window all across. If you have space make the island top larger and paint out the other wall of cabinets to match main ones. The island top could be something much different than the others