Similar lightness to Carerra.... yes. But, I am open-minded to other stone options. Carrera has a sense of elegance and timelessness to it. However, because it has been a huge trend of late, I think that the "timelessness" aspect of Carrera has actually diminished. I really would prefer to not go the route of something that in 15 years will look dated and "out" when it comes to style. Carrera is perfect for me... but I've just had enough of it already.

its as silly to not buy something you like because its on trend, as it is to buy something you dont like because it is. surround yourself with finishes you like and to heck with what everyone else chose, whether its the same as yours or different.

A trend that lasts for 15 yrs. is not a trend. Cararra marble has been used in Italy for centuries so IMO not a trend and if you love it use it you will porbably need to change your kitchen 15 yrs from now no matter what.

Thank you Patricia!!!

The reinvention of "wheels" is fairly unnecessary. I would add that Carrara marble has been adorning bakery islands, floors, and case good tops.......for centuries.

It is unfortunate that some people took the opportunity to criticize my personal opinions vs. trying to help me.

Quite frankly, I don't need to be corrected in regards to how to define what a trend is. I also know fully well that Carrara marble has been used for a very long time around the world. Not to mention, I really don't need someone to tell me that it is "silly" to not buy something for a particular reason.

Each person has their own wants, desires and perspective when it comes to decor. I am personally tired of the excessive use of Carrara marble in high-end kitchens of late, in particular in the USA when it comes to $5 - 10m homes. If you don't agree with me, fine. But, why devote your entire reply to criticizing another houzz member? I'm looking for advice, not to hear "pros" tell me that I'm wrong for thinking the way I do. If I'm tired of Carrara... I'm tired of Carrara. If I wanted a kitchen to look like any other 2015 high-end luxury home, I'd just grab some Carrara and make the kitchen look like what so many others are choosing to do. Thing is, I don't want to. I love Carrara. But, I'm getting sick of it. Why would I want to bring in a product that I'm already tired of?

Thank you very much for giving me specific feedback, acm. I appreciate it. When I think about it, I've not given enough consideration to quartz. In particular, I like your idea of a very light / white quartz top with iridescent glass tiles as the backsplash. I've always been fond of white subway tiles, but am getting tired of those also. Maybe iridescent glass tiles that are similar in size would work (vs. smaller tiles). I have to consider scale, as the kitchen is quite large. Again, thank you! This is exactly the type of help I needed.

I know this tread is a bit old, but after discarding carrara as an option, I've been researching schist and thought this was helpful: http://www.wsj.com/articles/4-kitchen-countertop-stones-that-go-beyond-granite-1453304547

I COMPLETELY understand your way of thinking. I've designed SO many kitchens with grey or white cabinets and Carrara quartz tops. They're cookie cutter. Yes everyone doing it loves the look but it will be dated and fairly soon. I'm designing my own loft and plan on going black with white vein's instead. I thought about concrete looking quartz but that too is maybe too cold. Try the black. PS: Is subway tile gone yet? No but that too is about to be over.

I am facing the same dilemma - when everything looks the same, it doesn't excite me and it's not something I want in my house. I'd love to find some new alternatives to white marble that feel fresh and will wear well for the next 5 or so years