The Backsplash

Mosaic art placed in a neutral marble backsplash

Choosing a backsplash can be a very time consuming process.  There are endless options when it comes to tiles and accent tiles. The mosaic tiles available today are so beautiful it's hard to choose just one.  To keep costs down you can choose a tile that your Kablan offers and accent it with a few more expensive choices.  You can use just the base tiles alone without any accents by putting a row of straight squares and the rest on an angle for added interest. Using only high end tiles or mosaics for your backsplash may end up costing you a nice chunk of money otherwise.

These mosaics were put in after the tile was done!

A beautiful flow of earthy colors (Atara Lavi design)

Another idea is to run a line of mosaics around the kitchen backsplash along with a basic tile.

This backsplash was done with Atara Lavi

If your stove top is below a wall you can choose to make a 'focal point' there and design a beautiful backsplash in that particular spot.

Most projects in RBS have their tile stores chosen for them by the 'Kablan'. They may send you off to Tel Aviv or elsewhere.  The most economical way to go is to use what the project offers and add to it.  If you are going at it on your own I would recommend going to Talpiot and visiting the many tile stores there or checking out the tile stores here in Beit Shemesh.

TILE STORES
Negev in Talpiot has a really nice selection and they actually supply many other stores in Israel (Beit HaCeramica in the Ayzor Hata'aseya is affiliated with Negev).  A fairly new discount tile store opened up across from Beit HaCeramica called Mona Lisa and it's worth checking out too (I hear it's more contemporary). You can always negotiate whatever price they quote you because the bottom line is they want your business.  There is another neat store to know about right around the corner from Negev (in Talpiot) in the alleyway, I think it's called Machsan HaCeramica? They have discount tiles and tons of mosaic sheets ready to take on the spot.  Oz Ceramica is a good stop in Talpiot and they also have a store near 'Big' in Beit Shemesh.  I have found that prices here tend to be a bit higher than in Yerushalayim but if you don't have a car or the time to spend getting there it may be worth it.  You should definitely bring along a piece of your counter top and a sample of your cabinetry, this way you can really get a feel of the overall look.  The best way to get inspired is to look around at other kitchens,  and see the possibilities.  I hope that the following pictures(taken in RBS!) do that for you...

My personal favourite.  This one was done with Derorit.

This subway tile backsplash was brought out to the eating area

Another subway tile style done by Aliza Freedman

An Aliza Freedman design

A glass golden crackle tile

Ceasarstone panels designed by www.linkarchitects.com(in RBS)

An Aliza Freedman design

I personally think it's smart to extend your backsplash into the eating area if possible.  It's easier to keep the wall clean with a quick wipe. 
In the end if you are still overwhelmed by the thought of choosing a backsplash and making a commitment to any tiles then you can always choose the route of using an interior designer.  There are many talented ones locally that are available for this type of project.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS
One well known local interior designer is Atara Lavi(999 3269).  She helps her client choose the  different tiles at the tile store (she gets a great discount at Oz) and figures out the layout of the tiles in your kitchen.  In her opinion the backsplash is really the 'jewellery' of your kitchen. 
Another wonderful interior designer is Aliza Freedman (991 4094).  She  works with you step by step to get the exact look you want and she has great taste.
Lastly, I've only met her once but I know quite a few people who have been very successful with an interior designer named 'Derorit' (0508252641).  I have seen two completely different kitchen layouts in the same project done by her and they were both uniquely fantastic.  She is more on the high end in price but has a great reputation.  
Obviously all these women do more than just kitchen tiles, they also can work with you on bathrooms, space planning, layouts and much much more.
If you have a beautiful backsplash that you are proud of please send me a picture and I will be able to provide more inspiration in another post.   I have included a few more pictures off the web...

travelsi.com

Kitchens.com

 www.StoneImpressions.com

hgtv.com

wolfcustomtile.com

tilebacksplashpictures.com

bhg.com