You can choose Image on glass NZ service instead of choosing colored splashbacks. With images printed onto glass, you have the opportunity to transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom with a work of art, plus have the added benefit of having a splashback as well a fantastic piece of art on the wall.

Not keen on tiles ... prefer a smooth surface with no grout lines to try and keep clean

Hi Helen. I thought I might share photos of my kitchen- which happens to be on a farm- as the layout is very similar to yours. We planned to do white subway tiles (and still might as we are just doing the bathrooms with the tiles and will see what we have left...) but used clear coated cement board as a temporary measure and find it quite serviceable as we haven't finished the kitchen. We did the open shelves first and then added bits and pieces of shelving afterwards. These are white washed Douglas Fir. The shelves just below the temporary ply bench top (going to do polished concrete benchtops later) are lined with galvanised tin. The lazy Susan in the corner cupboards are really handy! Hope these photos might be of interest. It's a very serviceable kitchen work in progress!

I am needing some suggestions for a splashback. I was thinking of having cube tiles in a dark grey/black with a paler grout running the width of the rangehood from bench to ceiling. Would this look too dark? Would I then need to run it along under the window/behind the sink?Help Thanks