you already have a back splash.

Hard to tell without more pictures, but in general a stacked pattern is more contemporary and a staggered more traditional. Which style fits your home?

It looks like you have downlighting under the cabinets, which will accentuate any imperfections. How flat is the tile? A stacked pattern typically does a better job of dealing with lippage that may show up if the tiles are not dead flat..

Tiles are slightly wavy.
Going for more of a modern look than traditional.
Cabinets are shaker white and planning to change to black contemporary pulls

I did stacked in my shower and hubby wanted traditional staggard in the kitchen. The stacked is a more modern look so it depends on the rest of the kitchen

That granite does not read modern/contemporary. Traditional subway design is more appropriate….not stacked.

I wish I could get rid of the granite.. but too pricey so just working on the backsplash. My preference is modern over traditional

I love stacked tiles for more of a modern look. I see you have Eames style chairs, so this will be perfect. Don't worry about the granite. Removing the old backsplash and adding the new tile will make a big difference!

Some people hone their counters, which can reduce the contrast and make stone look a little less bold. I've never seen it with this type of granite, so I'm not sure that's a thing, but just a suggestion.

With the current countertops, definitely staggered.

However, because you always have a 4” backsplash, I think I’d suggest waiting until you can change the countertops. The tile, on my screen, looks very white near the countertops. The countertops look like they may be hard to match up.

Oh yeah, in this space I'd definitely go for staggered over stacked. A stacked pattern here would stand out like a sore thumb. You could also consider a herringbone pattern if you want something slightly more visually interesting, but still traditional.

I wish I could get rid of the granite.. but too pricey so just working on the backsplash. My preference is modern over traditional

If I didn't like the granite, I would just save the tile project for when I could afford to replace the granite. My first deposit into the "new countertop fund" would be what I would spend on the tile.

By changing the backsplash now, you run the risk of feeling bound by your backsplash when you are ready to replace the counter. Or throwing fairly new tile into the landfill.

Staggered will look fine in your kitchen, however, you are going for a more contemporary look. I don't think stacked is going to look good with the granite countertops. Change your knobs first. Then see if you really need to change the backsplash. If the short granite splash is driving you nuts, simply remove it and paint the area with the same white color but a wipeable paint. I find painted walls just as easy or easier to clean than a tiled splash.

Have you looked into prefab slabs of quartz or granite? Some of them are relatively inexpensive.

I voted staggered, but wonder if you have considered vertical, which are modern. There are all kinds of styles and I really like a cream tile with warm grout, to work with your granite (and the wood stools). Hopefully you can bring home lots of tile samples to test.