With your home being built in a hill I think a natural stone would work nicely. I would consider something that looks like brick paver, travertine, or even dark stained saltillo. Not much help I'm afraid. Anything will work if it isn't too trendy. Get what you like. Good luck.

I seem to be in the minority, but I really like the darker, especially in Groveraxle's mock-up. It looks like a textile look, which I am particularly partial to. Is it by any chance Daltile's Kimona Silk tile? I do agree that it's best to have a plan before you start. Every choice you make will influence what options will work well in your subsequent choices. You don't have to pin down every detail, but you having a general vision will help avoid future problems. Especially if you have a particular idea for the color or pattern or style of some item that you won't be installing until later.

I like your cabinets. Is that first photo your countertop? It looks very white. I like them. Do you have to chose one of those options for a backsplash? Is that your wood floor? I feel like the backsplash tiles are going to be too dark and on the gray side rather than the cream that is in your cabinets. I wish you could take a photo further away. I wonder if a lighter color closer to the color of your counter might be a better option.

Sorry don't have either but I dislike gray with oak