Finally I had some time to do a small project I promised to my wife.
Yes, real tile would look better, but savings on time, money, and hassle (dust, dirt, time lost, no use of kitchen for a few days.....) prevailed.
I ended up printing "tiles" on vinyl and applying it to the kitchen walls (Drywall). You get the same "look" and now it is much easier to clean than before.
I'm happy and what is more important, she is happy