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/

Rather than removing the edging, I would add to its width and this wil make the cabinetry look custom and paint it white. I would also keep the corner shelving and replace your accessories - one item/shelf and related to each other. You could add a great fixture instead of the pot light, change the faucet and hardware. Suggest carrarra marble backsplash (don't put the rack back up behind stove) and there are so many pattern choices. It's also interesting how they have laid the tile in the last picture, which I think would work really well with your set up and will save a bit of money on marble. A dark quartz or granite would be complimentary and warm up all of the white. [houzz=]; [houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/6-via-aragon-san-antonio-parade-of-homes-contemporary-kitchen-austin-phvw-vp~1042542];[[houzz=]

Stacked splashbacks always look wonderful!

Maybe a cream so the eye is drawn to the interesting table pattern and not on the splashback?