Picture's of the area in question will help you get advice.

In a bit of disarray as emptying cabinets prior to replacing. Wall color changing to SW alabaster. Linear fireplace replacing old wood burning unit between the windows. Kitchen peninsula becoming a counter height island and cabinets extending the length of the right side wall. Dilemma is the floor….

Acid etch the marble and it will fit right in.

with the 12x24 tile, any thoughts on which direction to run them?

With oak, European Oak is current. Many sources will show it. Here's Monarch Plank. Link. This is a different species than domestic White Oak. Denser without the open grain.