Hi cjlpn, My cabinets are dark cherry and we used a Mexican Travertine 3x6 subway tile called Desert Cream Imperial for our backsplash. I don't have a counter range but I do have a butler pantry and I used a small 6x6 accent tile and scroll rope tile to dress it up just a little.

Here is the accent tile detail. Daltile sells this in their Metallic Signature Collection. It is called Aged Bronze Rosette and is also available in a 12x12 tile.

Here is the view with the Butler pantry.

Here is a view of the counter backsplash with our cherry cabinets.

I wanted an Old World look, too, and after looking at the medallions at the local tile places I ended up ordering at cast iron fireback to center above my cooktop. I googled 'cast iron firebacks' and came up with many wonderful fireback possibilities at numerous online stores. I can't remember which one I finally ended up buying mine through, but I love it. It was easy for my GC and tile guy to mount on the wall, despite it's weighing about 34 lbs. My tile guy just worked from there outwards. There's a thread on how they did it here, if you want to try searching for it. Anyhoo, here's the link to my kitchen over on the Finished Kitchen blog. There you'll find a link to more pics of it.
Lynn

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Here is a link that might be useful: Lynn's Kitchen Remodel

Sonoma tile has some beautiful ones, although they are EXPENSIVE. I can't find a picture of the medallion that is incredibly striking but for a 15x15 square not including the tile frame it was $1100.

Walker Zanger has some great ones but I can't find a photo.

I also found this site when I was looking last year. Depending on your style, these might work too. They are high relief reproduction tiles. He makes a mold from antique furniture and trim and recreates the piece in handmade tile. I may use his tiles in my bathroom because I still love them.

http://www.andersenceramics.com/decorative-tiles.html

Good luck. I think the backsplash is the hardest part of remodeling a kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: sonoma medallion

Thanks so much for the pics and advice. I'll definately check on thecast iron fireback. Just can't justify sending $$$$ on medallion.