" I tend to be a real stone type if girl but if I sell my house I'm sure it would raise questions."

Why would this raise "questions"? I've purchased multiple homes and not once was my purchase determined by the countertop material, nor have I ever been asked what my countertop material was by a potential buyer.

You can't go wrong if you choose something that fits the overall aesthetic, it makes you happy every time you see it, and it is within your budget -- real stone or not.

Marble stains and etched easily I've beenntold

The answer to your question is very subjective. I, for one, do not like the plastic appearance of all the fake looking, imitation marble ”quartz” counters, that have become ubiquitous. Give me the real deal, the depth and beauty only found in authentic (sealed) marble…with all the etches that have occurred over time.

@majax, sealed marble will not stain. Yes, marble will etch. After a while, the etches will blend together. Besides, etches show the marble has been used, and loved. Every etch adds history.

I should add, honing marble disguises the etching some. Etches are much less obvious in honed marble tops.

If the cabinets are staying as is, and you are interested in quartz, Silestone has one that looks like soapstone. kculbers has it in her very lovely kitchen.

Darbuka, I for one am tired of your fake plastic comments. Your soapstone counter in your kitchen is not the one size fits all go to answer for everyone.

I had to add Kculbers photos, I know she won’t mind

With your color cabinets, I love Costa Esmeralda.

Virginia Mist is too.

Black granite are still used very often.

ETA I have quartz in my Florida home. Love it there. Up north, granite.

Your house is lovely but a bit bland. Notice how your flower arrangement adds a bit of wow/happy to that spot? I would find a great backsplash pattern that works well with your cabs, and then coordinate a countertop.

Wow ya'll are great! Love these ideas and help!

i would not pick anything with gray or gray undertones. you have a 'warm' kitchen and whatever u pick should have the same warm tones.

if you plan on moving soon, i would spend the least amout as possible and let the new owner update the kitchen.

I would buy what you like and not worry too much about it. agree if moving i certainly wouldn’t spend a lot of money on quartzite - no reason to spend a ton on older cabs. i don’t love the marble look quartz (although obviously it’s a popular choice!) but i’m totally fine with a plain quartz. I love marble but i didn’t want anything that would require any extra care or sealing! choose what eorks for your lifestyle though!

That quartzite is very pretty. I think it would look nice and coordinate with the marble on your buffett

Get the counter you truly want, even if it’s off trend. Unless you plan to sell soon— then maybe just fix the cracked sink vs trying to guess what some buyer may want. Your house is pretty as it is.