Consider going with tone on tone textured tiles. Keep it classical. Sometimes you can introduce a slightly darker contrasting grout color to accentuate the tile shape or design. The new trend is moving away from the subway tile look, it might date the kitchen in a short period of time. I would select your back splash tile before selecting the paint color. Paint colors I always select last, it is what pulls everything together.

I agree that something simple like a subway would work and remain a classic over time. The subway could be a shade of white/off white to match your other whites in the room. I realize many will disagee, but i still like a subway in a natural light travertine with cherry cabinets. We have a small horse farm and work in our business seven days a week, so i get what its like not to want high maintenance and to have limited time. We have travertine as our backsplash. Seal it well when its installed and it is very easy to maintain over time. It also doesn't show every spot where things spatter.

Don't be swerved away from hand painted tiles! The best way to add colour and originality (I make hand painted tiles so I may be biased). I would take the tiles to just under the bottom shelf, and up to the hod. We have had tiles behind our cooker for 21 years, and we don't find the grout staying clean a problem. By the way - I think subway tiles will look dated in a few years, as anything bang on trend tends to do.

We are considering getting a glass back splash for our new kitchen but are unsure regarding hard wearing or do they crack over time esp with the heat from the cooker. Also any recommendations of good suppliers in the Dublin area. Thanks