Never stacked stone for a backsplash and IMO stacked stone is already very dated.Fantasy brown is a statement by itself so is your island so keep the backspalsh simple stacked large format subway tile and let the 2 stars shine IMO one too many already . BTW no fancy tyle behind the stove either too many stars make a big muddled mess in a kitchen Make sure all you other elements are installe d along with all LED 4000K lighting before even looking at backspalsh.

I like the first of these options better, but not many folks are doing feature tile behind the stove these days. what do you want to be the focus here, backsplash or tile? Also, will your cabinets have doors? because if not, then no additional pattern, for sure! Honestly, the patterned fake wood floors against the interesting real wood island (and not-yet-painted? cabinet sides) is enough going on for me already...

we don't really like the shiny subway tile look that seems to be very popular but I have considered this tumbled marble tile backsplash. Do you think this would be better? I know stacked stone is dated but this is our forever house on our family ranch so we wanted something that we like. Our countertop is leathered finish.

And yes, to clarify the perimeter cabinets will all be Alabaster with doors on them. The side panels will be white too (the kitchen is half installed at this point). The hood will be a custom cover that matches the Alabaster cabinets...very simple hood cabinet design.

I like the stone you showed for your backsplash -- it's not really what most people mean when they say "stacked stone." Just be sure it's well sealed.

If you really want an accent, go with the quieter (first) one of your options. The rest of the kitchen will be pretty quiet. Just be sure you get an idea of what it will really look like once you add the pencil and all the rest -- it might end up feeling awfully fussy.