Thanks! Design below. We are in a condo with some restrictions, no window in kitchen workspace But plenty of natural light off to the right side.

And yes, would like to use the marble for the backsplash but was assured this slab is “too much” so would only put it over the range and sink.

... people do slabs as backsplash all the time if they have the $$$. Maybe the movement would be hard to match to minimize seams without a large number of slabs? If it's white quarts and white cabs on the perimeter, I don't see the problem with it as the backplash.

Maybe you’re having trouble finding images of your desired backsplash because it’s not a great idea. If you want this marble for your island, great. If you want it for your bs, OK, get a slab, but if you want to cut out rectangles of stone and put them behind the sink and range, with glass tile in between, that’s not going to look attractive.

Whoever came up with this idea should be the one to justify it and find images for you. Don’t approve it until you’re sure.

Maybe you should start by gathering inspiration images of modern kitchens that use marble that you like.

This designer is offended when I disagree with her. 🙄I saw one photo with “just stove” backsplash it’s not marble but It give an idea,

Honestly, I think your marble is so busy, I'd just let it be the star on the island. I would install a basic white (no movement whatsoever) quartz on the perimeter. If your designer is offended that you didn't agree, then let her do her homework and either find a picture similar to what she's suggesting or let her mock it up on a computer. That's what you're paying her for.

When you say "modern" kitchen, can you show us pictures of the space and cabinets? Is that your flooring on that cart? If this is a new build, any chance that you can wait to select your counter top and back splash until the cabinets are installed? Often what looks good in the store doesn't carry through as well in the actual space when it is put together if everything is chosen ahead of time.

Since you’re not using the marble on the perimeter countertops, it makes no good design sense to use it on the perimeter backsplash. If you wanted to run the quartz up the wall, that would work since the quartz is what you’re using on the corresponding countertops. Does that make sense?

If you really want to use the marble on the wall, then use the marble as the perimeter top and use the quartz on the waterfall island. And do not use glass tile to fill in the remainder of the backsplash!!!

P.S. This look works!

I'd find it hard to work with someone who is offended by what you say. You're paying her. Maybe some of your suggestions do not fit her vision, but she should tell you why. You have selected a VERY busy marble and I would use it on the island only. It will be the showpiece. I have to say that waterfall islands are on the way out so I'd think about that. A PLAIN quartz and a rather plain backsplash would be what I'd recommend.

“This designer is offended when I disagree with her.”

Then you’re working with the wrong designer. She works for you. If you are worried about upsetting her, you’ll get the kitchen she wants, not the kitchen you want. And you’re paying for it.

How do you feel about the image you’ve shown? Do you like it? Do you want two of those in your kitchen? With glass tile in between them (that’s the part that makes me feel queasy)? Look, different strokes for different folks - I would have said no immediately, but if you are open to the idea, tell her you won’t sign off on it until you see images of what she has in mind.

If you already know this is not what you want, say no, show her images of what you find beautiful, or ask if you can consult with another designer that works with her.

Your ‘similar’ inspiration pic is not similar at all. I’d post your floor and cabinet finish, elevations (I see you’ve posted the plan) and intended paint color direction. I think you’ve gotten good advice so far but we can guide you farther if you like. I’m always 50/50 on a waterfall island and seeing all the details usually convinces me if it’s right or wrong.

Great marble, but another vote that it makes no sense as a backsplash where the counters are something else. Either use the counter material as the backsplash, or find a neutral that gives a little contrast from cabinets and quartz while tying in this slab -- maybe a light gray or taupe option (either glass or ceramic/porcelain).

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Came across this photo with a island waterfall with a counter top similar to what you are considering. Though the tile above the range isn't the same as the counter top but still gives you a general idea of how that would look in yours and this one doesn't have a back splash which if it did, would introduce yet another element of busyness. I feel in this photo the kitchen has been over designed and takes away from the island waterfall. In comparison to the following photos (though the island waterfall counter tops are more subtle). The question is what do you want to achieve?

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Thanks everyone! We decided to go “No Marble” backsplash! I loved this below so we are trying to do similar instead. I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to rep,y. Will ask about the bathroom next week!😂

Great photos @tedbixby1981 - Reinforces my dislike of waterfalls

Again, thank you all. I’ll post photos when we finish around Christmas.

Shmoo if you fell in love with that backsplash I'd highly encourage you to keep all counters simple. If you are 'more in love' with the marble for the island then keep your backsplash simple. Otherwise, your eye is going to go to a striped backsplash and an organic island - visually competing and not a marriage made in heaven. Will love to see what you end up doing!