SFGate

Natalie Hi---a quick question---why can't that wall be painted?

Natalie I like these 3 options for you... Stainless Steel, Honed Limestone, or Embossed Ceramic.[houzz=Bling Bling Kitchen][houzz=Modern Loft Kitchen][houzz=Eberhart]

Carolyn C Photos above are great. Consider having a panel made for below the electrical panel that fits on that entire wall. You could upholster it in a nice gray/white geometric and use it as just a focal point, or tile it to match the backsplash. These renderings aren't so much to show you tiles, more to show you the finished look. I would face the side and bottom of that cabinet in wenge

Carolyn C All solid wenge

Carolyn C This shows an upholstered panel. If you choose something really funky here then choose a less busy backsplash. Again, reface the sides and bottom of the cabinet with the panel

Susan Jablon Mosaics Hi rayess!
I agree with Natalie that a stainless steel backsplash would be a great option for your kitchen. It comes in so many different shapes and sizes, too! Below are images of some stainless steel tiles we carry on our site. The backsplash could also be a great opportunity to add a bit of color to your modern kitchen. I love the idea of a bright 1x6 subway tile, maybe in a fun blue color!

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Hi rayess, Marie here.
I've compiled some suggestions for you - but you need to give me some more information.
Do you want to keep it neutral and add splashes of colour in accessories like cannisters, vases, tea towels and the like?
Or do you prefer to keep it minimalist in that you bring in personality and wow factor with the backsplash tile itself?

What direction you go will depend upon your love and end result for the room.
Your cabinetry is gorgeous - it is neutral, and anything will go with it.

You can
-add full slabs of solid glass and back light it.
-have custom glass backsplash designed
-laser cut tile is a gorgeous and expensive way to add wow factor
- find a great bargain glass or natural mosaic for wow factor in tone on tone layering.

Below are some suggestions, in the end, you have to ask yourself, what do YOU want. Are you trying to create flow from an accent colour happening in the living room in your favorite piece of art ?
What is YOUR inspiration - tell me, and I'll try to help more.

Whatever you decide - whether it be white glass, or natural marble - stick with that for your entire backsplash. DO NOT add a band of this or that - modern aesthetic means you stick with your decision and repeat it with confidence.

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Some more types of glass, natural pearl and 3D tiles that would look stunning - some laser cut, some not...

http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/glass-tiles.html

olldbobbi The wall that you say cannot be painted, can it be wallpapered? Perhaps a paintable, heavily textured wallpaper?

Natalie I have used the Illusion 3D tile Marie suggested and it is STunning! It can be installed horizontally or vertically-either way looks great. You can't go wrong... Good Luck!

rayess Natalie, The builder says the wall is in poor condition and he prefers to tile that paint it. Perhaps needs render? maybe a lot?

rayess Carolyn, The images you have sent me of the kitchen are truly amazing. Thank you for taking the time to make them Wow.! Fabulous! I wish I could do my whole house like that it makes it all come alive.

rayess Marie, The 3D tiles are so special.I think they will add a real Wow factor and make the room stunning. Are they hard to clean? or is that a 3D illusion?

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Hi Rayess, I'm not going to lie, yes, the 3D tiles are harder to clean because of the edges and ledges to them. If you are a sloppy cook, and love to make a mess then these are NOT the tiles for you ;)

Natalie 409 before and after you cook will eliminate any build-up around the stove. Cheesecloth works best for cleaning these tiles. If your builder suggested tile over paint for that wall then by all means tile it. Order a sample of the 3D tile and see what you think. Keep us posted.

maripi Why don't you try white metacrilat. It's shiny and modern.