Counter-to-Ceiling Backsplash with Open Shelving and a Range Hood
We’ve mentioned the idea of pairing a counter-to-ceiling backsplash with open shelving and a range hood a few times, so here’s the full explanation. Our plan is to create an accent wall made of backsplash tile that runs from the counter to the ceiling, and to layer open shelves and a range hood into that space. We’re inspired by Sarah Richardson’s kitchen tile choices — we love classic subway tile, but since our cabinets will be white, we’re considering a tile with a bit more warmth or contrast to avoid an all-white room.
Before we get into specifics, here are the common questions we expect people to ask:
- What type of tile will you use?
- What kind of range hood will you choose?
- What color will the shelves be?
- Will the shelves float or have brackets?
- Won’t open shelves get greasy or dusty?
Here are our short answers and the reasoning behind them:
- We haven’t decided on the final tile yet. We’re leaning toward a classic look but may pick a slightly warmer or off-white tile to contrast with white cabinets.
- The type of range hood is still undecided. Functionality is a priority — a hood with strong extraction that fits the scale of the wall is what we’re after.
- The shelves are likely to be white to coordinate with the cabinetry, though we’re open to subtle variations in tone or finish to introduce depth.
- We’re leaning toward floating shelves for a clean, modern look, but we haven’t ruled out concealed or minimal brackets depending on the final aesthetic and weight requirements.
- We investigated grease and dust concerns and found practical, reassuring answers.
We won’t replace all of our upper cabinets with open shelving. The rest of the kitchen will include ample base cabinets and some closed upper cupboards for items we prefer to keep out of sight. For the single eight-foot wall we want to transform, we did some hands-on research: friends who have an open-shelving wall above their stoves with a dedicated range hood told us they love it. When we asked whether grease or steam settled on their shelves, the response was essentially, “We use a proper range hood.” Modern hoods typically have much better extraction than over-the-range microwaves, so when used correctly they remove most steam and airborne grease before it can settle on surfaces.
As for dust, the feedback was similarly practical. One friend said their shelves hold items used daily, so the dishes don’t sit long enough to collect dust. Another friend admitted they simply prefer the look and don’t mind a quick dusting every few weeks in exchange for the openness and easy access that shelves provide.
We also read an extensive blog post by Layla, who maintains open cabinets in her kitchen. Her perspective summed it up nicely: open storage works for many households because the everyday use of those items prevents dust buildup. If something does gather a little dust, a quick rinse before use solves the problem.
We also heard from readers with open shelving about their experiences:
- “We installed open shelving last September and I don’t regret it. I dust about once a month, and I enjoy displaying my pretty dishes.” – Betsie
- “We have three cats and open shelving — it hasn’t been a problem.” – Caroline
- “Open shelving shows how dishes complement the kitchen and encourages keeping only what you need.” – Carrie
- “Open shelving doesn’t get as greasy or dusty as expected. I keep a separate space for the less attractive items.” – Debe
- “Items stored behind closed doors were the ones that got dustier, because they weren’t used as often.”
The point of sharing this research isn’t to convince anyone to adopt open shelving — design is personal. We’re simply documenting our decision-making process. For our kitchen, a mix of open shelves and closed upper cabinets feels right. We’ll try it, and if after a month (or a day or a year) we decide it doesn’t work, we’ll be honest about that and share what changes we make. Once we finalize the backsplash tile and range hood, we’ll reveal our choices and the reasons behind them.
P.S. Today I’m writing on BabyCenter about how the house is evolving with Clara around — spoiler: we’re adding lots of storage for toys, books, and blocks.