Cheap way to do stainless is to just buy sheets and then stick them to the walls before you fit the cupboards.
We have done this to about 6 kitchens but only as the backing where the stove is. Came to about $50 per sheet - be a bit more now.
We just tile over the edge of the stainless on one...
Well done with your first reno.
Couple of hints.
Cornice -- Use the square step down the are a lot easier to set.
http://www.boral.com.au/productcatalogue/product.aspx?product=922
The kitchen wall cupboards should be lower so that you don't get the gap between the tile and the cupboard. You...
