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rachel_nye4

Countertop Help

8 years ago
Hi! Doing everything backwards but now have decided to get new countertops. Really like Caeserstone's Dreamy Marfil but afraid it will wash out the kitchen. Ordered samples of two other Caeserstones Tuscan Dawn and Urban Safari. The current granite is too busy correct? Are designing trends going in the direction I am? Will post when other two samples arrive. But have access to extra dreamy marfil from brother in law who is a fabricator. Thank you!

Comments (52)

  • 8 years ago
    We just replaced the backsplash and painted cabinets not thinking we would be able to do the countertops for awhile. Sobacksplash is staying. It's a travertine.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Chances are the backsplash will get damaged when you remove the current countertop. Be prepared to have to replace at least the bottom row. I like the dreamy marfil more than the two beige ones.

  • 8 years ago
    thank you! my brother law who just installed backsplash is installing counters. luckily we have extra:)
  • 8 years ago
    I would be really happy with this look:
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Since the backsplash is staying, the key is finding the countertop that looks best with it. From that first picture, the one on the right looks better to me than the one on the left.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Wait, why are you getting new countertops? Your current granite goes MUCH better, pattern-wise, with your backsplash than either of the quartz samples.

  • 8 years ago
    Because it's just so busy.
  • 8 years ago

    I would say that if you are getting a new counter top, I would suggest getting a new back splash too. Find the counters you like first (as they are WAY more expensive and less choice) THEN pick a back splash which is all over the map in price and style.

  • 8 years ago
    Hoping this dreamy marfil goes with the backsplash. My husband will not do glass/tile subway tile. My friend came over and said just add color to the cabinet accents and the dreamy marfil will work.
  • 8 years ago

    You already have subway tile. He can't say that he won't do subway if you actually already have subway tile. Or do you mean the material?

  • 8 years ago
    the material the white subway tile. Oh and I know he wouldn't get new backsplash right now since we just had it put in.
  • 8 years ago

    No, I suppose he wouldn't. LOL It is a design mistake to pick a back splash first..although many do. What happens if the back splash gets ruined when they take the counter out? Or has that been worked out?

  • 8 years ago
    We didn't think we would be able to do the counters but now are able to. The backsplash that was there was a complete mess so had to do sonothing to make it work. Yes, my brother in law is a fabricator/installer and just put the backsplash in so will take care in putting the new counters in.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Hello Rachel,

    I noticed that you mentioned you were worried about "washing-out" the kitchen. I'm not sure if you would be open to a dark counter-top, but lately we have been seeing a high-level contrast (monochrome) in material colors in kitchens. It may also help make your black appliances and cabinet hardware look more cohesive. I have attached a few examples of this trend.

    What you've done so far looks beautiful...so in the end, go with your gut!



  • 8 years ago
    Reagan that first picture is beautiful! My kitchen is smaller but will consider this. Thank you!
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I agree that a dark counter could look great. If you go that route, please consider getting a matte/honed granite. Shiny black = very visible fingerprints & water marks. If you look at the picture you like with the black counter, you will see that it is not polished (the second picture Raegan posted is polished).

  • 8 years ago
    yes fingerprints would drive me crazy. Any experience with quartz? Will fingerprints even show with the lighter one?
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I don't have personal experience with quartz, but my understanding is that lighter counters (quartz or granite or otherwise) have less of an issue than dark, even when they have a high shine/polished finish. Dark granite counters don't have the issue either if they have a matte/honed finish.

  • 8 years ago
    Part of the reason granite is so popular is that it adds color and interest to the kitchen. Your Caesarstone selections are going to the other extreme...no color and no interest and no personality.
    Rethink your plan. I think you are about to make a big mistake.
  • 8 years ago
    that would sure save a lot of money Felizlady
  • 8 years ago
    I didn't put this granite in. It came with the house and would not have been my 1st choice.
  • 8 years ago
    this kitchen has the same backsplash and size as mine
  • 8 years ago

    I would keep the countertop and change the backsplash. The travertine also has a pattern which is just too much with your granite. Subway would look good and be a lot less expensive than ripping out a perfectly good counter.

  • 8 years ago
    The counters came with the house and I do not like them. We just had the backsplash put in and we do really like the backsplash.
  • 8 years ago
    love this
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    If the backsplash tile were set correctly, you'll get the tops out with little or no damage especially if you're not recycling the tops.

  • 8 years ago

    I like the Tuscan dawn sample, it gives a little color and contrast.

  • 8 years ago
    Here's the kitchen I keep coming back to. I don't like the square backsplash tiles, but I like the warmth that the color brings.
  • 8 years ago
    That's really nice JC. I hope the sample is impressive Jamie. I went back to my idea books and this is one of the first kitchens I saved. I would love marble but know it's a hassle so very impressed with Caeserstone's dreamy marfil. It truly matches my marble floors. Here's hoping Tuscan dawn does the same.
  • 8 years ago
    We are doing ceaserstone Quartz and going with ocean foam
  • 8 years ago
    So pretty Alison!
  • 8 years ago
    Rachel, here's another similar kitchen with lighter counters and subway tile shaped backsplash
  • 8 years ago
    very pretty. wish my granite was more like that. I find what I have just too busy for my eyes. My life seems busy enough, need calmness around me.
  • 8 years ago

    found this image of the Tuscan Dawn can't wait to see it in person

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I think that the Dreamy Marfil will work well for you, particularly since you already have it. It will blend nicely with the cabinets and the travertine for a fresh clean look like the pictures you are drawn to. The granite is just too busy. Caesarstone is all around an excellent choice.

  • 8 years ago
    thank you Sanoma!
  • 7 years ago

    Decided on a quartzite

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    That looks beautiful! I am happy you found something that you love. Enjoy your new kitchen!

  • 7 years ago
    thank you!!!!
  • 7 years ago
    I like to use the same granite as the counter for the backsplash. So so SO many people in this forum seem to have huge trouble picking a backsplash which works with their counters that I wonder why using the same material isn’t more common. I even use the counter granite as the backsplash over my ranges (side-by-side 30” freestanding ranges). Yes, I need an extra slab of granite to do it, but I use some of the offcuts for tops for two small tables (one under the wall phone and one for my shopping list pads) and a bigger piece for one end of the island for hot things. Those three pieces get felt feet so the tables don’t get scratches.
  • 7 years ago

    Rachel that turned out so pretty. What a great choice, I know you will enjoy it for many years. It looks so calm and elegant.

  • 7 years ago
    thank you so much Jamie, it definitely creates a calmer feel to the room.
  • 7 years ago

    Rachel, very pretty. Can you tell me the name of the Quartzite? And the color paint you used for cabinets?

  • PRO
    7 years ago


    Rachel Nye I happen to like the Caesarstone Dreamy Marfil ( or the second sample on your first picture) I think it has a little movement but is subtle and I think it would work, I would stay away from dark counter tops since they will show every single foot print and unless you are constantly cleaning it can be an issue

  • 7 years ago

    @san... the paint color is SW Divine White and the Quartzite is Mystery White. we are so happy. thank you!

  • 7 years ago
    Anthony the project has been completed. thank you. I just could not do Quartz.
  • 7 years ago

    It looks beautiful Rachel! Glad you found something you like and are happy with.

  • 7 years ago
    thank you NewEngland Gal!
  • 7 years ago
    Looks great!! I was going to suggest Dreamy Marfil. The counter you picked out is beautiful!! I had a similar counter (i picked it out in 2002) and had to do an unexpected remodel and so happy I went with something less busy!!