I still would consider Quartz. Have you looked at Cambria. They seem to have colors that you will not find with other quartz. No maintenance to a quartz product. Look at Cambria colors like Praa Sands, Oakmoor, Windermere, Bradshaw & Nevern are just a few.

The samples you show seem to be grey tones. I agree with above, you need warm tones to compliment cabinets. Don't do the 4" back splash, like you have now, just run it to the wall. Changing hardware to chrome would help and removing green wall coloring.

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I wonder if this would work. It's quite busy, so you would have to go with a very simple back splash.

bring a drawer or other sample of your cabinets with you.

We are definitely skipping the 4" counter backsplash and covering the space between the cabinets and counter with tile. That's one thing we've decided on! Looking at warmer is a great idea. I think the LG Oyster/Octave and Everest are the warmest we have looked at, but still not all that warm. Pics with our door below.

I think a lot of the slabs you're looking at are too gray and too modern for your cabinets. The River White looks great with your cabinet color and usually has a nice mix of browns, grays, whites, and taupes in the slabs and makes a nice counter.

how about beaumont

Lisa G, I think that is our problem. We like modern over traditional, but have traditional cabinets and need to go with what works with the cabinet style.

Angel18432 I like the pattern on the beaumont. The company we are working with doesn't use Cambria, so I'm going to have to look at LG/Viatera or Silestone alternates. I found a photo of the Cambria Nevern as recommended by ALM above and really like that one too.

Some granites that are warm (but not golds) would be African Rainbow, Andino White, any of the Bordeaux's (there are many), White Spring. They will have cream tones and some brown/red warm tones.

African Rainbow

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Andino White

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White Spring

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Typhoon Bordeaux

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Another one to check out is LG Viatera White Pearl. I first saw it on a dark wood cabinet. I have it on my cabinets though they are lighter. Also, this may not be something you are interested in, but my sink is the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style farm sink that can be installed on a standard sink base. Many don't know there is a farm sink for a standard sink base - great for a refresh when you are keeping your cabinets. Pics in my "my pics" idea book:

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57579129/thumbs/my-pics-work-in-progress

Thank You! I think we have been staying away from warmer stones because we associate them with gold and are trying to stay away from golden tones. We do have red and rust in other areas of the house, so we do like warm, just not super yellow warm. I will look at some of those.

If you like the look of marble but dislike the idea of "maintenance", you could purchase your marble countertop from Stonemark Granite (available through the Home Depot) which comes with a pre-applied 15 year sealant. After 15 years it does need to be sealed once every 5 years, using a simple spray on/wipe off product. So the "upkeep" that you fear equals 20 minutes of your time over the next 20 years. Isn't 20 minutes worth it for having the countertop that you actually want?

This one seems to have some warm and still carry a touch of grey. Viatera Aria. Wondering how this would fit in with our kitchen?
https://www.houzz.com/photos/lot-36-build-transitional-kitchen-phvw-vp~51625706

I like the River White granite

My neighbor has Aria in her new kitchen and it is really pretty. It has a darker line running through it than the White Pearl, but it does have beige speckles too - and if I remember right, it sparkles a bit:)

Brickwood Builders, I am loving ALL the examples you sent over. Especially the African Rainbow and Typhoon Bordeaux!!!

We went to the granite warehouse today and seems like the African Rainbow is the winner, with River White a close second. I couldn't resist and ventured over to the fantasy brown marble that I have loved for so long and it just didn't look right with our cabinet color. I love the hints of red in the African Rainbow and am so thankful for all the advise to look at warmer tones.

African Rainbow

River White

A friend did recycled glass counters in her kitchen and the results were stunning. Environmentally friendly, easy upkeep and bright. There are lots of colors to choose from, from earthy to vibrant.

robin, I think you have a winner there (Af Rainbow). Your next quest - back splash.

African Rainbow, yes!

Robin, you have a beautiful kitchen. Have you considered soapstone? So much less busy, gorgeous, and not that hard to maintain,

I think the Viatera symphony would look stunning with your cherry cabinets without making it too dark.