Need cabinet choice along with floor color.

I would like to do white upper cabinets and gray lower cabinets. Really like the kitchens that they do on 'Fixer Upper'. For reference to the look I'm going for. White matte arabeque lantern backsplash also.

Here is the backsplash only mine will have matte finish, not glossy

Going for a look similar to this and 2nd picture and my floor will be the same color. These are pic I got from this site and "Fixer Upper".

I like the black one, the first.

Here is another more close up view of the 2nd choice- granite. You can see all the shades of gray and black and from further away it looks more black.

Of those 3, I prefer the first or third. The second seems a lot more ordinary to me - I prefer bigger movement to the small speckly pattern. Have you considered soapstone, or we have a granite called Jet Mist that is reminiscent of soapstone? Your first choice reminds me of these and I think the contrast would be lovely.

If you like the dark one, then look at soapstone. If what you are looking at is a soft quartzite, I would not pick it. It will be like the marble, meaning you have to seal it and wipe quickly. The true quartzite is a different thing. I just don't know if it comes in such a dark color. There are ways to see if it is true quartzite (one way is to get a piece of glass with you and try to scratch it with a rough edge of the quartzite. The true quartzite will bite into the glass and leave a mark on it)

I don't think there's a wrong choice here (in terms of color anyway). It's what you prefer. If you're really, really loving the photo you posted (Fixer Upper), 'then I suspect you might be happier with the second or third pic.

Thank you for the suggestions and opinions. I don't think I could go with almost all white counters. In my country home I would be fighting the constant dust and teens who clean up their messes but always seem to leave a little bit behind. I don't think white counters would survive that for very long. I will take a look at soapstone. But isn't it pretty expensive?

I think the 2 tone kitchen cabinet thing is already dated along with arabesque backsplash as for counter why not a quartz that looks like cararra for ease of care and as for teenagers quartz is great it is forgiving for spills etc and why you want to make your sink stand out makes no sense to me

Just to give you another thing to think about, dark counters are more of a pain to keep clean than the light colored one..I have a black granite and crumbs and dust show very quickly even though it's not a clean black counter, but it has some other specks of color within..

My first love was a Neolith Basalt Grey. It's a ultra compact surface of real stone Quartz crushed and mixed with clay, feldspar and resins. Almost indestructible. (Pic). I wanted something with a more uniform color of gray with some movement, not too much. But due to its expensive price and fact it only comes in 12mm thick, which wouldn't look good around apron sink, I had to let it go.

This is not my kitchen, just example of color, medium shade and movement of countertop look I want. To me this is not too light or dark and just enough movement to not overwhelm or be too boring.

I dont want too shiny. #1 Doesnt come in honed but I really like it and it doesn't seem too glossy. #2 granite feels really great to the touch and would give good contrast just not sure if i would get tired of speckled look. However it is a really great price compared to #1. Since I had to eliminate the Neolith, I can't believe how complicated its been for me to pick another! But knowing the expense and how long I will have it, I just want to make a great choice. Then no regrets or looking back once I do!

Thanks for help and patience reading thru. Know my comments are wordy. Will include pics of before and after when complete. Can't wait!!

Is that beige toned surface in the background your floor? If so, how are you planning to tie that colour into your scheme? More photos of what's going on in the rest of your house would make it easier to give an educated opinion. At the end of the day, though, it comes down to what you like.

That is the countertop laminate that is being replaced. Whole kitchen that beige sand color from ceiling to floor (laminate also) done by previous owners. Right now kitchen is almost done being gutted.

The kitchen is the first to update. Putting in medium dark wood floors in all main living areas and front entry. Keeping beige carpet in all bedrooms. Eventually bathrooms will be next after we recover from doing kitchen! Ha :)

there is no such a thing as soft quartzite; a quartzite will always be more compact and harder than granite,

Arabescatus is a marble, I know because I know the quarry-owner and the origin of the material.

Your concept is very good, I would look for some true quartzite like Quartzite Cielo, Renoir Quartzite, Allure quartzite, Mustang (Naica) quartzite.. or a granite like Viscon White or Virginia Black/Mist honed,

Thank you Daniel. Yes I am going to look at Jet Mist, Absolute black and Nero Mist granite, all of them leathered, tomorrow. I didn't consider black, was looking for grays and some whites w/grays, until I saw Silver Pearl leathered granite. I love leathered, it feels so great to the touch and I also don't want shiny. Stone dealer told me the arabescatus, pictured above, used to be considered a granite until several years ago when scientists studied it again and decided it was a quartzite. And he said of the quartzite category its not as hard, hence the 'soft' label. But still much harder than marble. So I'm now more confused on if it's a good fit for a busy kitchen. And maybe too busy for me. But it is beautiful.

Also am hearing honed leaves more fingerprints than leathered.

So if you know more about honed vs. leathered would love for you to share. Thanks!

If you go with a black countertop, you will not end up with a kitchen like your inspiration pictures, which were beautiful, light, and airy. Black will also show dust and crumbs much more than a lighter countertop. Look at the quartz products that come in whites with muted grays, or look like marble. They are very low maintenance, don't stain or chip, and are perfect with teens. And your back splash tile choice is lovely.

Regarding the softness or not of different stones, here is a discussion that is very helpful http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2499581/marble-quartzite-and-other-rocks-in-the-kitchen

Daniel Konrad and printesa are right on regarding stone countertops. That gardenweb discussion is very long but is a wealth of knowledge about all sorts of stones, and the original poster is a trained geologist. I read through each and every comment when researching what stone to install in my kitchen. If you are set on black, then honed Jet Mist granite is a wonderful countertop surface. It is very dense and has an attractive white swirl pattern. It does not absorb oils or moisture, however, it takes a period of time before they dry and disappear. When I first got mine I was concerned that the water marks would remain, but they fade away. It doesn't show dust or crumbs more than white as some have stated. I love it.

Marble is completely different--the water and etch marks remain and if this would bother you then forget the Arabescatus. I also have Vermont Danby marble and love that too, in a different way. It is etched like crazy but no stains. There are so many marble lookalikes in the man-made quartzes that you should be able to find one that will complement your cabinets. Silestone "Lagoon" and "Lyra", Caesarstone "London Gray", "Misty Carrera", and "Frosty Carina" are all nice whites. Zodiaq, Pentel, Cambria all produce white quartzes you can look at.

hello cmskipper13, Arabescatus is a marble. By definition quartzite is a very dense and compact body; soft quartzite does not exist, this is a term invented by stone suppliers to better promote some marbles in the market. I understand the excellent good will of the stone supplier making a history about granite, studied and now it is quartzite... but few years ago Arabescatus was not even in the market (maybe for the last 02 years and a 1/2 only...);

Yes, honed black granite will show fingerprints for few seconds longer than the leather black granite; both are phenomenal, all the Best there,

I'm not a Pro but I'll give my 2 cents. I put a black granite vanity top in the bathroom and it shows every little spot of water. Of course, our water here is hard so that may be the reason. While I love the look of that very dark gray/black granite, personally, I'd hate to have it in the kitchen because of all of the water spots.

Thanks Sherry. I understand what your saying. Is your granite polished, leathered or honed?

Does anyone have any experience with leathered Super White or leathered Gray Goose? I'm asking about both because we saw 2 different slabs today. One labeled Super White (polished) and one Grey Goose leathered. But when I looked them up online to learn more about them, I have seen those names switched. And to me they seem different enough for one to know which is which.

With your gray lower cabinets you will be happier with lighter countertops. I would recommend looking at the Quartz products. I like the Silestone Lyra for a Carrera look alike. Gray veining. Would look great with all your choices. Polished looks better IMO. I have another one, but I have to go look up specifics. Be back.

Thanks again Daniel, for more info. I will admire it but going to have to walk away. Can you tell me what type of stone Grey Goose and Super White are? And from the pics below which one is called what? There seems to be cross labeling I'm finding online. Thanks!

#1- Name?

#2- Name?

Cmskipper13- here is idea, do two different countertops. Put the Piatra Gray on your peripheral countertops and on your island put Cambria Torquay which is a Carrera marble look alike and I like it better because it is less grainy than the Silestone product. With your gray cabinets (lower) I like the contrast of the white or light on top of grays. There is another new Cambria color called Weybourne which looks good too. The idea of using Jet Mist granite with leather finish for parameter cabs is a "soapstone" look that would be great. So, you have some good choices. Do get 3cm thickness. The two tone choice you will get contrast as well as brightness. Remember, you see a lot of surface of island countertop, but more just edges of perimeter countertops. Hope this helps.

Thanks Flo Mangan. I will take a look at the Cambria. Is Cambria more expensive than Silestone?

A bit more, but depends on size and finish. But not sure what size your island is but the perimeter would be granite, which is less than Quartz and probably you need more for peripherals than island so, overall not much difference. And if there is, sometimes that bit more makes critical positive difference. What is your island size?

That backsplash is very pricey. I was going to say beveled edges are harder to clean too. You can get that shape in white without bevel if that helps.

I found that BS thru The Builder Depot for $10.95/sq.ft. Everywhere else found same exact same tile for $22-25. So I think that's good price and I don't have a lot of BS anyway. My island is very small. It's only 2"x 3'8". I actually added it, it's a stainless steel cart with drawers that I added a piece of granite to the top of. My kitchen is enclosed by 3 walls. Part of our remodel is we opened up half of wall between kitchen and living room but still surrounded by 2 1/2 walls and extended bar but it's helped make it feel more open. I was going to use Piatra Gray until I noticed the polished finish is not really polished. It has opaque little circles all over the surface. Asked the sales rep and he said all the Ceasarstone ( which was very expensive, esp. For something that's suppose to look polished) looks like that except for the ones they hone. Didn't like any of the colors the hone so that lead me to look at granite and quartzite. I already had flooring, BS, sink, hardware, DR lights, bar light pendants, faucet and general idea for paint picked out when I found out the compact surface I wanted for my countertop only came in 12mm and would not look good with mitered edge all around except for 12mm around my front apron sink. So it was back to searching for another countertop. Now I have to have something picked, within budget by Monday(because my kitchen is all striped now and I'm in just a little panic. Haha But had finally narrowed it down to the two pics above. So it's been quite an adventure! But I do appreciate all the suggestions and advice.

The two options you have above are really nice. Quartz is expensive and even though it comes in many colors, not many work for what one needs. I, for example, don't like the grainy looking ones because they look fake (I know they are not real stones, but I don't want that enhanced:)) That was one of the reasons we went with Torquay. Good luck with the remodel

Torquay is most realistic. The amount you need is so small you might be able to get a "unused" piece for your island. Shop a the main sources. How about posting some pics of your space. I feel like I am giving advice with a blindfold on. Help us out here so we give you best advice. If price is dominate criteria, check out the new laminate surfaces.

Ok my kitchen is about 247 sq.ft. So here are the before pics. We moved in 7 yrs ago and I've patiently waited and saved to finally get to this day. Yay! And printesa, I agree with you. Why spend a lot of money for something to mimic something else only to have it look fake now or later!

At this time we have removed wall and cabinets starting from section above/behind stove going toward sink. Bar now extended along that wall between kitchen and living room. And the kitchen eating area is at back of room in pics 1 & 2. Kitchen still had popcorn ceilings! All gone now. Putting in recess can lights. I had already moved island out when I took these. Also putting up wood plank ceiling painted white. Removed fan, put in extra AC vent above and back from where I stand at stove. Above the bar behind sink will be installing a 6' long beam of reclaimed wood from our property, that pendant lights will hang from. I have a little wiggle room in budget because well, doesn't everyone usually go over? Ha! But still want to make smart choices while trying to achieve feeling/look of the beautiful kitchen in my head! Thanks for all the suggestions people!

I think you can make this a really great kitchen. I hope you are planning on replacing the lighting on the ceiling? That dates the space the most. You might be able to paint the cabinets instead of replacing, if you are the handy type. Can save quite a bit of money. Just takes time, patience and attention to detail. But the cabinets look in pretty good shape? Just white and gray.

Thanks Flo! Yes I did mention installing recess can lights, guess I should have included I was getting rid of 'classroom' lights. Ha ha! So excited to be getting rid of those! I used to do all improvements myself or with hubby and friends help in previous homes. Injured back keeps me from this project. Yes, painting these cabinets. They are basically only thing we kept. And they were custom built with beautiful moldings. Even the shelves have carved edges and lowers are pullouts. So except for cabinets, everything from ceiling to baseboards is being replaced.

It looks like you know what you are doing:) I am sure the kitchen will look great

I think a matte finish on a backsplash is a big mistake. You need a surface that's easy to clean, especially around the stove. Matte finishes do not wipe clean the way that gloss ones do, and oils can stain.

Forget the style--keep in mind that this is primarily a workspace, not a museum.

As for countertops--I loved the idea of soapstone until friends installed it in their new kitchen. The honed finish is almost impossible to keep clean. I'd go with something medium grey and with enough pattern to disguise a little bit of mess.

Thanks printesa! I did have it pretty much figured out. Just hit a snag with the countertops since I can't use 1st pick. Can you give me your thoughts on this-- if I use the darker gray granite around perimeter and bar will it cause room to look smaller, cut due to dark color? I mean I removed half of wall,to open up space and don't want an imaginary visual line to cut room in half. Does that make sense what I'm trying to say?

Thanks tatts! I was rethinking that myself last night for same reasons. And that counters will most likely be leathered, I think glossy will look and clean better for BS.

You are right. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean. I have dark perimeter granite and exotic light island granite and no problem plus, I have dark cabinets in deep mahogany look stain. With white backsplash and light walls, should be fine. But when in doubt, go with all light. You can always add dark accessories for contrast.

I don't think it will look choppy. Are you thinking soapstone like or the gray you have above?The ones above are light so definitely no worries there

hello cmskipper13, sorry my delay; both stones in the pictures are Super White marble (dolomite); they are just different blocks of same material/of same quarry;

Yes printesa, I'm starting to lean towards the 2nd, the one in the middle choice. When we first saw it it looked almost black. We went back yesterday and under better light it is as a whole gray. At this point I think either one would be s good choice. Going to sleep on it. Thank you Flo and Printesa for your suggestions while I've been talking/thinking it thru. Will post pics when done in hopefully a few weeks. Fingers crossed;)

Thank you SO much, Daniel!. I was wondering if that was the case. So it will etch and stain and scratch like marble?

the dolomite will etch, just like the marble