Basically we are considering going down an inch on the countertop redo (first one 2 inches thick) but then we will have a 1 inch gap under the backsplash. Seeing if anyone has any creative ideas. Do I do a row of smaller tile or a 1 inch strip of marble or would that look awkward?

Your backsplash idea will look awkward, in my opinion.

Either leave the countertop or redo the backsplash too.

Leave what you have anything else will look like you filled in as an afterthought.

Run a 3/4" white painted filler around your cabinet perimeter. Now your 3cm (1 1/4") marble should land at the bottom of your tile. Remember, you want a gap the same thickness as your grout joints between the bottom row of tile and the deck to fill with color matched caulk.

A 3/4" build up isn't at nearly eye level as is a tile filler at the splash. It's all about fooling the eye on this type of thing.

Joe I’m having trouble visualizing that. Do you have a photo? Does this go under the slab between the slab and cabinets?