A modern convenience in most homes constructed today are easy to clean “backsplashes” that cover the portion of the walls between the counters and cabinets.  Tile is the most common option, as it is very affordable for such a small area.   We opted to have our back-splash set in a diamond pattern, for a bit of a decorative element.  The tiles are set just like the floor version with mortal placed on the walls and each tile set in place with a spacer in-between.   The process takes about a day for the tiles to be cut and laid by professionals.