I love stacked set, personally. I think it's a fresh take on a classic look. Have you thought of drawing it out on the wall to so how it'll look (obviously it won't be the material, but will give an idea)?

Offset is traditional; stacked is modern. Which look are you going for?

Thank you for the comments. I prefer a transitional look, not too modern or transitional. The tiles are 2x12. What if I stack the tiles vertical or off set and vertical like in the below pictures?

I was going to suggest vertical - not offset.

I normally like vertical, specialty with tall areas, but I think with your shelves I would go no offset horizontal. Just make sure it symmetrical on the wall and same color grout.

You say you like "clean and simple" yet you're complicating your backsplash. Which is it? I think that backsplash is going to be very dark in your kitchen.

I don’t have a lot of space for a backsplash. I initially thought the tile is going to be too dark with the dark cabinets and dark wood flooring, but the tile reflects light and goes well with the granite. I don’t like white as it can be a cleaning nightmare with 3 kids, that being said the walls are painted egret white,sw. (Husbands choice) So there’s plenty of light in the house.

Here's some layout ideas for you. don't know about that dark gray color w/your dark cabs and dark counter. your dark glass is going to show more spots and grease than lighter tiles.

anyway,here are the layout options. ignore the color

Athens Gray marble tile.

linear bar in a solid color

you could do a lighter ceramic in an elongated hex design,,,

whatever one you pick, I think it would look better if you took your tile all the way up around the window and the shelving, or at least under the first shelf.

it will look more modern and tie into the stove wall if you do the entire window wall

I would ask in the kitchen forum as some of the folks there really know tile

Beth H thanks for the pictures. Do you think the tile is too dark? The house is custom and I have already made all the selections, the tile people are working in the house as we speak. I think they are installing the backsplash today.

If you like modern, then go with stacked horizontal. You don't have enough room to go vertical--the tiles are 12" long and the backsplash is most likely only 18" high so you won't get the full effect. (The photos you posted are on larger walls.)

As far as white backsplash tiles being a "cleaning nightmare" with 3 kids, that's kind of ridiculous. How often are your kids cooking and what are they doing to dirty up the backsplash??? The white walls are more problematic with kids.

I prefer the offset. I think stacked might end up looking dated. Offset is timeless.

More than the kids I’m the one who make the biggest mess in the kitchen lol I love to cook and not clean. Hopefully the kitchen won’t look too dark with my crazy selections. Thank you everyone for your comments.

Melissa: I’m going with offset backsplash. Thank you.

Definitely offset. Good choice. Stacked can look retro, as well as modern. Not always a good choice.

Varuni,,if you have lots of light, then go ahead. you've already chosen it. post a pic when it's done.

I love the color of the backslash you picked! It very contemporary

I like the classic look: offset❣️