I am finally getting my backsplash done after a few years without one. This is the cooktop/hood wall. I chose 12x24 dark grey that looks like concrete and is used elsewhere in the open concept home. The aesthetic is warm grey and neutral with clear oak floors throughout, and cabinets are white on the perimeter, black island.. The doors and trim are all white. I have two light fixtures from Varaluz fascination line, but they are small, http://www.lampsplus.com/products/varaluz-fascination-nevada-reclaimed-glass-mini-pendant__v0741.html.

The hood is stainless, it will be taken down then reinstalled after the tile.

To the left of the drawings is a double oven stack. To the right is a wall and a sink is on that wall. I will not be going all the way up the sink wall with tile, but want tile up the hood wall.

I have stainless shelves with hidden brackets that can be configured in different way, or cut - there is an end cap for cuts. There are three shelves 46" each.

The obsessing I have been doing for the last two and a half year:
1) where should the shelves be in relation to the grout lines
2) should a shelf line up with the hood edge
3) should I use a stainless steel trim piece like
http://www.schluter.com/2_2_designline_installation.aspx
this as a band around the whole design from a shelf line (does this make sense?)
4) any other gardenweb awesom wisdom