IMO stacked tile looks best when the tiles are very simple so that is whay you see those ones you mentioned that last pic is your counter ? IMO a simple glass subyway tile with that counter not more marble . The only way marble would work IMO is if you used the same marble for a backsplash in a slab. I am hoping the counter is marble and not quartz of course . If that is quartz then IMO never use real stone next to it .A nice gray glass subway tile matching grout and a large format size. I would need to see your kitchen to advise how to layout the tile and BTW best to wait until all the rest is installed before choosing wall color or backsplash

Horizontal staggered, no question.

As mentioned above, I do not think real marble tiles go with the "marble-look" Quartz that is not real marble. That type of Quartz with thick veins is more artificial looking than some other Quartzes which have more subtle veining, so it will be more glaring next to the real marble tiles.

I guess we are breaking the rules! We went to several tile stores and all 3 consultants recommended marble to tie our quartz countertop and white cabinets together!