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Finding a kitchen countertop

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Hello everyone!

I’m currently in the process of completely renovating an 80s but slightly mid century looking home. It’s a very large project and the choices are getting a bit overwhelming. Currently, we’ve got our flooring, backsplash, and colors down but I’m stuck on the countertop.

I think it’s safe to say that our design style is very eccentric. Lots of colors and patterns and I’m leaning into the 80s features of the home. I’ve posted some pictures below of our selections. The rusty/cream floral tile is our kitchen tile, the small wood sample is what our flat paneled cabinets will be, the greenish/creamy tile is our backsplash, the olive green is the wall color, and the photo on the phone is of the acacia wood flooring going one room over.

For countertops, we’re looking for something creamy white with warm veins in it. Very subtle veining, preferably. The second two pictures are our samples next to Silestone Calcutta Gold and Ariel, respectively.

I was really leaning toward Calcutta gold but I read a great, long thread on here that it’s actually very white and the veining is much more gray than brown.

I’m interested in Silestone but I’ll really take any recommendations, because the tones and subtly that we’re looking for are proving difficult to find.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations or pictures!!







Comments (16)

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    The gree wall color does not connect to anything in the space so forget that. The floor tile has to drive the whole color scheme IMO and the counter is the first decision before backspalsh or wall color.I certsinly would not do marble look for counter with that floor look for something very plain or with those blue flecks in it maybe. Not whate at all for any of the choices.

  • 6 years ago

    Dominant element is the floor tile...I like the cabinet color with the floor but wait on countertop and wall color until the main elements are in.

  • 6 years ago

    I'd forget about that acacia wood flooring, it reads too Home Depot. Check out cork floors, they'd be beautiful with your style. Pick up that grey/green color in your tile for the wall color, forget about the green walls, but I would do green in plants and accessories!

  • 6 years ago

    I love your choices, and I love that you have your own style. I think your choices go great together. The acacia doesn't quite match, since it is warmer, but you said it is in another room so it should be fine.


    I will second @Mrs. S that a solid cream would work well - even laminate. You have a lot of pattern in the flooring, so a solid countertop could be a good pair for it.

  • 6 years ago

    Great choices and lovely combinations! Love to see the final result.

    So for your countertop you have two samples. Silestone and Ariel. On my screen, the Silestone turns out very white so I would go for Ariel. But what is it where you' ve put all your choices ( flooring, wall colour, cabinets ) on? That seems to go well with everything


  • 6 years ago

    I agree with Mrs. S. You should check out Corian or other solid surface countertops. White/off-white/cream Corian would look amazing with your wood cabinets, and it fits into your ‘80s/MCM look perfectly. Or you could be daring and go for a bright color!

    Check out Corian’s website, as well as Staron, Hi-Macs, Everform by Formica, and Wilsonart Solid Surface to get an idea of the colors that are offered. I think Formica, Wilsonart, and Staron will send free samples.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Great vision!

    I have a couple of suggestions...

    • Does your floor tile come in a larger scale? The tile is a great size for a backsplash but not for a floor.
    • Your floor and backsplash tile is a warm tone and the countertops are cool. I would look into a warm tone counter to coordinate better with the other elements. Something with a bit more of an almond color base.

    What is the countertop the samples were set on in your first photo? Looks almost exact to your samples but with a tinge of a warmer tone that coordinates best with your floor and backsplash tile.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Corian all the way, baby! Look at the warmer whites like Cameo if you want a solid (which I think would go great with your floor tile) or there are a million cool patterns - rice paper, witch hazel, sand storm. Wait to pick a back splash until the counters you choose are actually installed.

    I love this. If you think your choices are eclectic, you should check out my previous mid-century inspired kitchen - funfetti solid surface on island, teal blue formica on perimeter and a bright orange backsplash/wall. :) Go for it!

  • 6 years ago

    crcollins1_gw your kitchen sounds amazing! where can we see photos?

  • 6 years ago

    There are some great laminate counter top choices. Every time I read about the seam problems etc of quartz and stone, I give my laminate counter top a little pat of affection.

  • 6 years ago

    crcollins, since you've totally hijacked, ha, let me ask, how wide are the pantry pullouts flanking each side of your fridge? And now that you've lived with them a few years, how do you feel about their size and function?

  • 6 years ago

    Consider Linoleum for the floor. It is natural and sustainable. Great for kitchens.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Corian, seems to be a good option for a countertop here.

    French Country Inspired Kitchen · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    I’d use that floor tile for the backsplash and go more neutral on the flooring. This is going to be my backsplash on one focal wall. Silestone Calcutta gold counters.