Great product call your local fabricators to see who sells it one of my favorites

That marble is beautiful but ugh I'd never put marble in my home again. We have a marble floor in our bathroom and every single little thing stains it. Even things you wouldn't think would stain it actually do stain it.

Jodie, I thought that was a quartz. I have to pass on marble... In a house of boys (hubbie included), it will never hold up. I like the marble backsplash...and even this needs to be wiped as soon as the splatter hits (tho now I have an island stove). If I could have durable marble everything, I would, but its not practical. It is beautiful though!

It is a quartz

It says that it is quarried...

here is a screen shot from that link

http://aureastone.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/caremaintenaceAureaStone.pdf

http://aureastone.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ProductSpecificationsSheet_AUREA_STONE.pdf

Hanstone Tranquility - it's a nice bright white quartz http://hanwhasurfaces.com/site/hanstone/tranquility

What Truey says, That website does state that this is a quarried marble. But, when I google Aurea marble, I get this:

http://aureastone.com/finally-white-marble-for-your-kitchen/

Apparently it's a quartz. But they just have tried to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack.

Wow...this stone sounds amazing. I'm afraid to find out the price? Jodie? :) Any Ideas on what my space would run?

windsorhome, there are a LOT of quartzes out there. They are all the same as far as durability. You should go check them out in person to really see what they look like.

Here's my kitchen granite above... No, it wouldn't be my choice, but I'm trying to work with it. Need advice: Paint perimeter cabs white, do marble backsplash (I think i'm stuck on marble), remove hood for stainless w/ pendants, espresso stain island OR go for new granite (Colonial White or something in white family), keep brown perimeter cabs, paint island white, remove hood w/ pendants. Thanks for your advice!

Also, we could possibly just do the island granite, but I cannot find a cost effective granite that goes with my existing... Any ideas? Yes, I got hit with the quartz cost this weekend. That is a definite no-go for our budget at this point.

If you can search houzz for the horror stories of marble in the kitchen, please do so. Even when it is just the backsplash. I did not realize that quartz was more expensive than marble.

Hi v3ra, I chose marble for our last house (new...ahhh) and didn't have a problem, altho we lived there for only 1 1/2. I'm really trying to like my giallo veneziano granite...just not my taste. Quartz is outrageous...at least in Dallas. I think they up the market here (just my opinion).

Lots of people do marble in the kitchen and do fine with it. As long as you are prepared for it and know the deal, and are ok with that, then go for it. (Even water will etch marble, and that is just too much for me.) As to the cost, normally quartz IS less expensive than than marble. But it really depends on the quality of the marble. Marble can be even higher. Depends on the where you are shopping and the fabricator. windsorhome, did you get pricing from a fabricator? Lowes/Home Depot? Just curious.

Here's a short blog from a homeowner that was trying to decide between the two.

http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/marble-vs-quartz/

Well, if you have experience with it and know how to deal with it, I whole heartedly agree that marble is the most beautiful of the stones. After reading that even steam caused yellowing and cloudiness, I gave up on it and chose quartzite.

I chose marble for my kitchen and bathrooms (Bianco Avian). Still in construction mode (tops have been installed - so beautiful), but have not lived with them yet....we will see how it all goes. I have read just about every article and negative comment about marble...the high maintenance, staining, etching etc. But I took the plunge. I love the look of marble, and nothing comes close.... I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with anything else. I don't care for quartz (it was basically the same price as the marble I chose anyway). I thought of quartzite, which, in my neck of the woods was slightly more expensive then the Bianco Avian, but it just didn't have the look I was going for.
Ha....I thought I would just mosey on down to the stone place and get some Calacata Gold. Well, I could have purchased a small car for what it would have cost to install that in my kitchen (and that didn't even include the island!). It was beautiful, but the prices were CRAZY, so I had to choose a less pricy marble. Where i am located, Carrara and the marble I chose were a bit more reasonable than quartzite, but the more exotic marbles were out of this world expensive.

nidnay, I am sure your marble is going to be gorgeous! I'd love to see pics! In Europe they use it for countertops and learn to love the patina and age. It's a beautiful material...you can't go wrong.

I'm sure I could find a quartz I like, but not for what I was quoted! sticker shock.

Chess, I got the quote from a supplier/fabricator in my area. I went to Lowes & HD to compare, but they don't have nearly the selection and definitely higher prices, in the end. Thank you for sending that link to the blog. What a great blog!

I would stain the perimeter darker as above with new sleek hardware and paint island Dove White with Colonial White granite on perimeter and island OR Paint island white with a remnant in honed black for contrast. OR Colonial White everywhere and white island with white cabinets. Painting the island white and the hood vent same as really depends on your budget and what is most important to you. The darker stained cabinets and white island would be a nice variation of textures, color from floor and mixing in stainless will all compliment each other.

Jodi, How about darker stain on island, darker contrasting granite -- i'd like a gray color (don't know what that would be? ideas?... can't do the $160/sq ft quartz tho) and Colonial, River White, or Bianco Romano on the perimeter counters...we are definitely removing the hood for stainless & pendant lights. I would update the perimeter cab hardware to nickel. We could have the perimeter cabs painted later. Do you think this would lighten the space enough?

Staining the Island a darker color and painting the perimeter white creates a unique component to the island piece which I do like with the right selections of counter tops and materials to harmonize all spaces connected. Have you considered taking the granite up the wall as back splash. Do you have photos of the slabs? Do you have photos yet of hood and pendants. What about a remnant for your island ? You have given three granite choices are you set on these ? Research a bit more of fabricators and options for your counter top choices. I would look into hiring an Interior Designer to best help you with finding the best counter top solutions and not just choosing because of the price. There are options to create the best look on a budget with something that you will be absolutely happy with for years to come..

windsorhome, $160/sf?? Did you try other places? That doesn't sound right. I just paid about $80/sf, and my quarz was one of the pricier ones (which is stupid anyway - they should ALL cost the same!).

Chess.... I think it all depends on what part of the country you're in. In NC, I installed honed Statuarietto Quartz in my laundry room @ $111 per square foot and Bianco Avian marble was only $2 per sq ft more. I was not exaggerating when I said I could have purchased a small car for what Calacatta gold would have cost.

Windsorhome...I will post pics when they get the last top in (waiting for them to install one that broke when they were trying to maneuver it into place).

nidnay, that's insane. These stone companies are making a killing. Maybe we should all go back to laminate!!

Chess....yes, insane. I can't help thinking that I am continually being taken advantage of with some of the prices that are out there. I was just looking into wood tops for my island, and went to a local store to get some pricing. If I purchased from them, it would cost over $4000 (yes, THOUSAND) more for me to get the exact same top made by the exact same man that I could get without them being the middle man . Needless to say, I found out who he is and am working with him directly. He will create the top, do the laser template, and do the install for $4000 less. Blows the mind.

I actually thought the same thing about the laminate, Chess. I looked at a "solid surface" LG product. But, I quickly realized I would probably have difficulty selling the house, when the time comes! The $160/sq ft was quoted for 32 sq ft on my island (since you have to buy the entire jumbo slab)...$4,200, not including removal of existing. Terrible.

Nidnay -- congrats on your new build! Can't wait to see those pics!

Jodi, I think you're right about the Designer. I couldn't locate the one that helped with our last house. Isn't it a little like choosing a therapist? ; ) You need a good recommendation?

I'm not set on those granites, I just know I want white/gray...I hate admitting that, since I know it's the trend (I've always loved gray)

Something to consider when extending the wood flooring to the kitchen (which I think will look much better than the existing tile) is the existing cabinetry with the new floor will make your kitchen feel very dark. A white/bright countertop and backsplash will not be able to help alleviate the dark feeling enough. Because of this, I would look into getting the cabinets professionally painted white.

Here's a quick rendering with all wood flooring, white backsplash/counter, no hood and existing wood cabinets. Still feels too dark:

Would painting the island white or staining it darker provide enough contrast, with the white backsplash (i'm now considering white subway tile) and Dallas white counter? Would the white subway tile even work in my kitchen (w/ the stainless hood updating the look)?

Are you redoing the kitchen shown in the beginning of the post? Wow you must be very wealthy! Why you are discussing this here and not with a designer?

I’ve seen people of all different socioeconomic areas seek advice on this site. So, to each their own.

I am having a designer come out next week (I can hear the clapping!). It is simply not that easy to find a designer when you are new in town. I finally got a recommendation.

The granite (white supreme) was installed. After pulling my hair out over the backsplash (oh, where was that designer!), I went with white brick tiles/warm gray grout. It’s interesting...and not in a good way. Honestly, I wish I chose marble — it would have looked better! I’m pretty sure I’ll be painting the cabs. Just trying to decide on color. I’d like a creamy version of white. My current pantry door and trims are SW neutral ground. I’m worried that any white will turn them yellow, like the picture w/ tile. My walls: neutral ground at 150%.

What about the color palette you posted before? The Chelsea gray?

Don't beat yourself up over the marble. What's done is done. It would have been way expensive and I've seen stories where even steam has eventually discolored it. You can work with the tile you have. It is neutral and just waiting for some new paint on the cabinets!

Actually, the white brick tile was about the same as marble...but nothing I can do at this point. I’ll let you know the future cab color. :)

If you care to, step back and take a picture of the whole space like in the original post. I actually really like the counter / backsplash combo. The backsplash gives the countertop star status rather than getting lost in a bunch of pattern - especially true if you keep some items on the counter.

Ok, will do. Fyi...the original pics were professionally done when the house was listed. So, it lightens everything up, which unfortunately isn' the case, as you can see in my pics.

I like your new counter/backsplash, it really lightens your kitchen up.

Thank you! Ultimately, I had the cab's painted white. I dont regret it for a second. The kitchen is much brighter and I love cooking in it! B/c the space doesnt get natural light, it was just too dark.
Thx for the comment.

I like the new countertop and backsplash. If you paint the cabinets white, be very careful to complement the new elements.
It looks much better already. Love the extended wood floor - worth a week in a hotel.

Thanks RedRyder. Yes, good advice. I had a designer match the white paint for me. Love her...shes amazing and I never would have been able to do it. Whites are so tough with lighting, etc.

It looks great! Unbelievable. So bright and cheerful.

Awe, thanks!! And bright, even when the pic was taken at sundown (little natural light). :)

I just went through your entire post re: kitchen updating. Your final product looks amazing! I was hoping that you’d paint the perimeter cabinets a white shade ! It’s also interesting to see that granite you chose - I had completely dismissed granite as an option for my updating - but now I’m going to look into it. Thanks for posting the updates!

Wait - maybe I shouldn’t be thanking you - now I have even more options to consider. . .

;)

Hey dmac1108, I’m happy it helped...kind of ; )

So many options can be overwhelming. I wanted to stick with granite to keep the cost down. It also works with our house. I simply couldn’t find a quartz that came close to our budget. No regrets with the granite. We love it!

Good luck with your project! You should post before and after — love to see!

I’m posting advice for a mini upgrade on our master bath today. This will be a DIY. Hopefully stepping out of the Tuscan trend, a bit. : )