I love real marble for a backsplash and the basketweave pattern is one of my favorites, but I think what you may be reacting to here is the color contrast since you have very light, neutral finishes all around. You might try looking for something in the same pattern but with less color contrast. You could also try looking for something with bigger pieces, since the small cuts are adding to that feeling of being busy.

One word of warning: some people have had a terrible time with real marble staining when placed behind a stove and behind the hood, so keep that in mind. If you want to be on the safe side, expand the search to some porcelain or ceramic tile that you might also like. Luxury brands like Winchester or Pratt & Larson can be custom-designed and might appeal to you.

Basket weave is a nice pattern if you like it. This one seems very busy but maybe not too much for your space. I might keep looking a bit more. I’d feel a little hesitant but not sure if you’re at saturation point of the search.

I have the marble mosaic in a chevron pattern. It seems a bit more tradition than what I was going for, but looks nice and haven’t had any problems with it staining. I think the basket weave is nice, but definitely more on the traditional side.

Those look like they belong on the floor. I don’t see them as contemporary.

i would go bigger in pattern.

Maybe something like this Pearl White Isola and 4x12 subway tile?

I think that what you have chosen will look beautiful in your kitchen!

“Backsplash too busy?”

Not only that, it’s too much stone (and two different stones) in a small space, a look I call Stonehenge. If you don’t want solid color white or gray, consider a glazed ceramic tile in a beautiful shape, with color variation or even crazing.

Do you have inspiration images for your space? If not, google images of kitchens with gray cabinets and quartzite counters and get an idea of the looks you like.

Your kitchen is lovely. What I react to though with your pics is so much gray/white that it seems to all blend together - I'm not getting any sense of clean definition. Maybe you need some subtle accent/contrast colors? What will your flooring look like?

I can see why you struggle with the tile looking a bit dated, although it is pretty the basket weave pattern always appears dated to me too. I second the commenter who suggested a larger pattern. Alternately, a glass tile backsplash may add some textural interest and appear more modern while letting you keep the gray/white color scheme. Glass backsplash tiles come in various shapes and sizes. We got our glass backsplash tile from a small company called Mango Tile and love it. An internet search will bring them up. If you go that route, look into glass grout - looks amazing with the glass tiles and adapts to the tile colors.