Thanks for all of the input! I was second guessing myself on whether wood countertops on top of wood floors in a narrow space would just look like a lot of wood or whether it would help balance all of the white cabinetry, and I wasn't sure if the marble was too much on top of that since some kitchen designers warn about using too many elements. But I want all of the pretties in my kitchen! I'm going to go for it. Yay, waterlox! Trailrunner, I'm so happy to hear you're loving yours after 8 years--I'll definitely be going with it. I had misgivings about wood countertops until I ran across all of the reviews of waterlox. And the marble fabricator I'd go with has a great acid wash treatment that reduces the appearance of etching. And it helps that I know I'll be okay with some dings and chips and scratches, especially since my current place has a cottage/farmhouse vibe to it. I loved the quartz in my last place, but it chipped around the undermount sink after five years. I think i'll be less upset with wood or marble since I'm not expecting the same durability...plus with wood I can always sand it down and refinish it, and marble can be rehoned.

Mayflowers, where did all your examples go?! I like those ideas. I posted then had to get my kid showered after swimming so didn't respond to all of them...then got distracted by a tree trunk ;) Love your ideas. I wouldn't go crazy there at all for backsplash. I also don't want grey..it doesn't do anything for the space.

ccwaters, true that crackle tile may stain, but that is why most manufacturers will recommend that crackle tile should be sealed. Do the research on what you are buying and how to properly care for it! I used a Pratt & Larson crackle and their specs stated the following: "All Crackle glazes in the RC and W line should be sealed to prevent water penetration and tile discoloration. Seal all crackle glazes with penetrating silicone sealer before and after grouting. Watercolor and RC glazes will continue to crackle over time. For long term maintenance we recommend resealing the crackled tiles every 3-6 months for the first year and every 6 months afterwards to further protect the glaze surface."

$1500 sounds cheap to me, and I am not in D.C. And herringbone tile backsplash is an installation that requires experience and skill, so it typically costs more that an easier tile backsplash. Please read this linked thread about a herringbone backsplash incorrectly installed by the GC’s subcontractor. There is a lot of instruction in the linked thread, so if you decide you want to stay with your GC’s subcontractor, at least you can educate yourself on what to look for, and stop the guy early if he is not doing it correctly. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5886990/crooked-marble-herringbone-backsplash-install-acceptable