If the two sample squares are the choices then the one on the left would be good as counters.

The one on the left is better; too many sparkles in the other one.

O like the one with the gray lines, but you can't go wrong with either. It sounds like you really want the sparkle, it definitely won't be too much.

more pix

I just left the show room and the sparkle looks much better than the sample. the sample. look at the big difference.

I kind of like the sparkles. Adds a little pizzaz but not too much :)

I don't like speckled countertops. But that's just me and my personal preference. You might want to check out MSI Arctic Ice. It's a plain white but as shimmery sheen to it.

Whoever spends the most time in the kitchen should probably have the say. Compromise on accessory color for now. I’d go with the sparkles, the other is being used a ton in new kitchens.

Are these the only options you are considering for some reason?

The sparkle look is what a lot of the old quartz counters looked like, many of the recent patterns have gone away from this moving to a look that is a closer mimic of natural stone (particularly marble). Doesn't make the sparkle a "bad" pick per se, but it is what it is and that dreaded "dated" word could probably be used here (granted in a few years, the same might be said of the marble look quartz).

From what you are showing unless you are planning a flashy backsplash, you kitchen looks very white/grey. I think you could use some feature that is more a "star" than a simple neutral & non offensive pick.

How are you going to feel about sparkles in your countertops in 4-6 years? I say go with the left more classic look.

If you want a kitchen that’s looks like the trend, go with the left. The sparkles......much more unique.

Dawn. are you sayingy the marble is more trend and the sparkle is not?

sweetshome, you stated "The tile you see is for the floor." Some posters here referred to counters. Sorry for my confusion...are you asking about floors or counters? I'm assuming counters with what you're showing. I like the left one.

The marble is the safe choice, old reliable, not at all trendy. The sparkles are not trendy in the way most people think about trends, but they are unique, and maybe not to everyone's taste. If you worry about what other people think, or about resale value, then go with the marble. If you want what makes you happy when you look at it every day, maybe sparkle does that for you and is your best choice.

I prefer the marble look. The sparkle seems to be a 'down grade' of what will be an elegant space.

I would go with the look of quartz, the speckly one. It's not trying to be anything else. Its crisp tone goes better with your cabinets. Leaves you more options with back splash, and counter won't turn out looking muddy. Remember that you won't be looking at it straight up, but horizontal. I've seen the swirl kind in person and it's not close enough to marble (but some others are).

the marble look one is more of a off white tone

Hi Chloe

the gray is the floor tile, the white is the cabinet.. and the squares are the same quartz. but the sparkle sample is nothing like the slab. After I made the initial post, I went to the showroom and the sparkle was more white and less specks. The sample was very dark.

What are the names of these quartz samples? I'm looking at these types of materials well.

Honestly, your speckled sample looks like a different material than the slab. Is it the same name/brand?

Not sure but I know the sample was a big turn off. however seeing the actual slab was a relief. It was totally nicer, whiter; flecks smaller and less crowded.

I have the “sparkle” type quartz in a bathroom, and the grey veined in our vacation house kitchen. Love them both. Certainly depends on what else is in the room. I have read that some of the sparkley inclusions have been reported to pop out in a few brands. Be sure to research that.

I almost went with "sparkles" for our new build (Silestone Blanco Maple) which is an off white with flecks - and was one of my builder's standards. I really liked it, but since it WAS one of their standards saw a little too much of it around and I also felt I needed more contrast with my other selections, and ended up with Caesarstone Bianco Drift which I found out later from their site is "inspired by light granite's and combining delicate vein features". Who knew; when I picked it out I just like the pattern! And I still like it. But I also still however think the sparkle was great and if I had chosen some different selections would have likely gone that route.

I like the sparkle you chose, as I think the grey flecks add interest and depth. You could do a really great glass tile backsplash with it - picking up on one of the colours. But...I admit some bias as I am not fond of most of the "marble look" quartz options.

I also am not one for thinking all materials must be "real" - obviously by my "inspired by light granite" - but there is something lovely and classic about quartz just being quartz.

Go with your gut. You are going to likely be looking at and working on these counters for a long time - which one brings you joy to look at (for me, of those two, it would be the sparkle...the marble look would be the "safe" choice with today's trends but I don't worry about that if I am living with them a long time)

Got it...thanks, sweetshome.

In my area the sparkle on the right is very builder basic. I bet at least 5 people have that exact countertop on my block.

We went for the one on the left. I was out numbered by all in the house.

I personally love the sparkle one, but I'm one to like speckly quartz (gasp). Go with what your heart loves. Yeah, the marble is probably a bit more classic, but I just redid my counters and wished I had gone with what I loved vs the safe choice.

If you want a counter with some sparkle that isn't as speckly, my sister in law put Cambria Summerhill in her new kitchen last year. There's some sparkly pieces but it's not over the top at all. It may be one to look at.

Edit - just saw you went with the marble looking one. It's a pretty choice too.

Where did you get that sample sparkle tile? We have this as our counters now and have been trying to pick a backsplash and would love to have that sample with me to bring in and compare?

What was the name of the one on the left? Love it!

Something like a carrera j can’t remember the name. That’s the one I selected

Thank you!

Its the sparkly for me, so cute

Old post...already chosen.

Which one did you choose sweetshome?

What color are your shaker cabinets? We are going with sparkling white countertops, but having a hard time choosing the shade of white for the cabinets. We can get any shade of Sherwin Williams, but that is so many choices! Thanks!

Can you post a picture of the one you chose after installation?

Can you post a picture of the one you chose after you installed it?

Yes I will do it today

Sweetshome, did you post the pic? If so I don't see it. Thanks.

This was the outcome

is it quartz or laminate?

I love anything that sparkles. Shines.

Going to replace my granite top with quartz.

The sparkle quartz has been around for a long time, wonder if it's "DATED" now?

Will it be hard to pick a backsplash so it doesn't clash?

I put the Sparkling White Quartz in my beach condo kitchen. I love the flecks of sparkle. I don't think the flecks are overdone. I think it will be a timeless look even though it's not a marble countertop. I wanted modern, yet casual beachy. I have white cabinets with slab fronts and 12" SS bar pulls. SS appliances. Sherwin Williams Icicle wall color and Balsam Wilderness LVP floors. My backsplash is a subway textured glass chilcott which also has a silvery sparkle. The wall where the breakfast nook is has been covered in Alaska Gray stacked stone. I am going for a modern beach look. The tile, stone and quartz came from MSI. My place has a light and airy vibe. I will bring in blues in the way of accessories and furniture. I'll post pictures if I can find this thread again. My condo should be done by the end of March.