I hate fake plastic counters when there are so many beautiful real stones . To see something in someone elses space IMO does nothing to help in your space . Show us your space with what is already there and then see what ideas you get. If this is just arefresh of the space you might get some comments about wasting money on a poor layout or what ever just know that often we speak from experience . My opinion go look at white granites please.

Fake plastic counters? This is an extremely expensive quartz from StoneWorks. They carry quartz, quartzite and marble. I will take a look at white granite as you suggested, and I will show some photos of what we are replacing, but I assure you these are not fake plastic counters @Patricia!

Before anyone comments on the lighting and the tile around the outside of the island, they are both being replaced. The island will have white wainscoting like the nearby wall.

Quartz is plastic fake stone, it should not be used as a bcksplash behind a range because it is plastic and will melt or at best scorch . It matters not how expnsive it is it is plastic resins mixed with ground up stone . BTW I ike all LED lighting in kitchens 4000K is my preference you can just change bulbs . What will happen then is all the colors will stay true so that makes it easier to make a choice and the whole space will be better lit. I think before doing this maybe do the lighting and change and remove the backsplash and see if white whatever counter is the right choice. I think you have granite now that works well with the cabinets and the floor.

There you go Patricia, you said it yourself, Quartz is plastic resin mixed with STONE. So why do you insist on maximizing the resin part of it? When I google the percentages, it is 80% ..., ,93%, ... and above, ground up STONE. But you always insist on calling it plastic!!! Most of us know it is manufactured stone. I have had Cambria quartz in my kitchen for 9 years, it is a work horse, and still looks like the day it was installed. I also very much like granite, corian, laminate, etc and do not denigrate any one of them, they all have a place.

Back to the original question: From my monitor, it looks like that countertop choice is a good one. It’s best to assess it holding it horizontally since that’s how it will be installed.

Are you using it for the backsplash? Or looking for something else after this is finished? It would enhance the soft ivory-ish feel of your kitchen.

"When I google the percentages, it is 80% ..., ,93%, ... and above, ground up STONE."

That is industry pap. Virtually all engineered stone is 66% quartz and 33% resin. The 93% nonsense is by weight, not volume, which is irrelevant.

It's a fine countertop material and clearly superior to many popular natural stones.

Thanks all for your comments. I appreciate it! @RedRyder, the decorator I’m working with has suggested two backsplash options. One is using the same Quartz as a backsplash, the other is to use a mortar washed brick for texture. I also like a very plain white or cream subway tile. I’ve included photos of each option, and would love your thoughts.

Disregard the insulting comments snd you do you! Many people choose quartz because they prefer the look of something a little more uniform in pattern. For others, its a matter of cost, although some of them can get almost as expensive as quartzitetrite.

@iamcyn0925 Thank you! Exactly right. I am looking for a more uniform pattern. I am also looking for a quartz that has the clean look of marble (without the expense of marble). Thanks again!

We have a granite island and quartz countertops. I can testify to the fact that the quartz counters have been less durable and more difficult to maintain. I have several etch marks from things like a lid with moisture that sat on it and dried overnight. (Incidentally it was not inexpensive and was on the higher end of the quartz countertops when we purchased it). Have you considered quartzite? It is a beautiful and durable stone. You may pay a bit more but since this is a substantial investment I think it’s worth it in terms of quality and durability. There are a number of Taj Mahal slabs that have similar veining and tones to the quartz countertops you shared.

I love the Warmth and Cozy Feeling of that Washed Brick. Good Luck with which ever route you take! :)

Re: your backsplash photos - the washed brick is pretty but would be much harder to keep clean (unless it's fake in which case it's a hard 'no' for me). Quartz is pretty too, but isn't suitable for use behind stove/oven (for example: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6321449/quartz-backsplash-burned-by-oven#n=8), so if you want a uniform backsplash throughout, I'd go with the subway tile.

I like the subway tile with your quartz choice. More interesting look- I do not like the brick look.

@spammie Thanks, the subway tile is what I’m leaning toward to.
We looked at real half brick. I loved the texture but am wondering if I’d get tired of it? Thanks again.

That’s exactly what I was thinking. You will tire of it. I think it looks a bit dated too. If you are trying to create a more serene overall vibe, the subway tile is timeless and lovely.

I’m with the subway tile fans. I think it’s classic, can be installed several different ways and is ECONOMICAL. It also comes in tons of color so you have choices (sometimes too many).

I love the countertop material but it won’t work behind the stove, so a tile is still the best idea. There is a white somewhere that is perfect, but if it were my kitchen, I would do a pale, pale gray to pick up the veins in the countertop. Or a pale taupe, or grey green. The white counter, white cabinets and white backsplash look can become too sterile. A whisper of color on the backsplash breaks up the white and gives your eyes a rest. If you like glass subway tiles, those are usually pale looking. But there are so many soft colored subway tiles I would start looking. Remember to not make a decisions until the entire kitchen - plus lighting - is finished. It is very hard to pick a backsplash from pieces of a non-existing kitchen.

Tilebar sells you 5 samples for $5, which is great. Or go to a tile store with a piece of your stone and a door. It’s the only way to know if some tiles are even in the running.

Please ignore posts that don’t address your question. Many of us are happy to stick to the subject.

Perhaps my monitor is playing tricks on me but I can’t tell if the veining is this quartz leans gray or gold. In any event, it certainly works with your cabinets. If you go the subway tile route for the backsplash, be conscious of the veining tone when you choose your grout. If it leans gray, go with a soft gray grout. If gold, go with a soft beige-y tone. Or just go with a white grout that matches the tile.

@Sabrina Alfin Interiors - Thank you! That is an excellent point!
And this quartz leans more gold.

Thanks all! I appreciate your feedback so much!

Let's put a stop to the sweeping generalization that engineered stone can't be used behind an appliance in all circumstances. You must follow the appliance manufacturer's installation instructions for materials and clearances.

You aren't necessarily getting out of a clearance dilemma by switching materials. The factory resin on many natural stones will scorch too. Placing noncombustible tile on a wall does not make that wall noncombustible at least according to the NFPA.

These issues are to be resolved in the design stage of a project.