So, any counter that would go with blue cabinets and wood floors and white shiplap? And maybe act as a backing for a range top (not recommended for quartz, depending on the top). That's.... a lot of possibilities! Like, most of them? Can you narrow it down at all -- do you like marble-look or grainy quartz or a lot of movement or color, or.... ?!?

So hard! So the cabinets are actually a forest green color. Nothing too loud but I would like something with movement. But I also like something simple like a cement color quartz or a black and then have the island and backsplash something with a bit more going on? I'm attaching some looks I like.

Maybe soapstone on the perimeter and marble on the island?

Oh, like your second inspo picture shows. 😛 I think that’s a great look.

Our granite countertops would look great with your green cabinets. It was called Typhoon Green where I got it, but it could be called something else at your stone person.

It’s creamy and gray and greens. It doesn’t photograph in true color, of course.

Love the soapstone suggestion

@Eliza Venn your post reminded me of this one. It turned out fantastic!

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6355552/help-i-really-need-recs-for-a-countertop-pairingt

kitchen · More Info

This is a green/oak...... ( wish I had a better pic )

Counter is quartz MSI "Fantasy". Chosen for the pale, light, feathery, golden veining that picked up the warmth of oak island and flooring - and the fact my client did not want granite or marble or any natural stone for that matter

Tile is behind the cook....

Not saying you can't use a quartz behind the cook - just know you have to consider protecting it from scorch.

We wanted warmth, didn't want a lot of distraction from a view, everywhere.

The bottom pic where the camera see's grayish vein....is actually rather beige: )

Wrapped views · More Info

Wrapped views · More Info

Wrapped views · More Info

I have specific ideas, but I’d stay away from dark tops. Will you have can lights in your kitchen? I don’t see any thus far….that would help a lot with light!

Sorry, I meant NO specific ideas😬

Jan, that is a beautiful space!

@coray why would you stay away from dark tops?

These will be the pendants about the island. And recessed lights will be put in.

Jan, that is stunning!

Thank you Eliza! Would I want "cement" toned tops in your kitchen? Probably not. If only because we see color by comparison. IF you could like a dark top, can you find a soapstone? That could work, is impervious to heat so no issue behind the cook and I would definitely skip the shiplap, and use it ( soapstone all around as splash.

I think when you choose a counter, you consider the whole flavor you're after - no room lives in isolation from others.

The best way to decide? Take a sample of your floor, a drawer face from your cabinetry, and head out to the stone yards. Take your kitchen plan WITH you.

Is there a better method? Nope. There really isn't.

Soapstone and green? Probably dynamite : ) and a more definite tone than a gray tone.

Just above pic....

"pulled off the winning combo on a budget in this Winnipeg, Canada, home by opting for a 6-inch backsplash".

Yes, there is HUGE DIFFERENCE between a taller splash and the standard 4" which looks very skimpy and yawn. But when you elevate? A whole different thing at eight nine....! ( didn't mean to lop off the designer's name! )

Also cool? Run it right up the splash like this upper photo - add a shelf. Handy too!

Eliza, with dark cabs I think (only my personal opinion, of course) the darker tops will make the kitchen very dark. If you like a dark day moody look, go for it; I’d look for something similar to your inspo pic or what Jan showed you….it’ll be beautiful.

@jan LOVE these inspo photos. Definetly gives me something to consider with layout. Wondering why you're against shiplap? I was thinking of doing it vertical. Similar to this photo.

So here's where I'm at. Just went and narrowed down my countertop selection. The darker slab will be used for the parameter. I'm torn with which slab to go with for the island. Everything I was obsessed with was marble (but I have 3 little kids and didn't seem practical for us).

I went with a 6" wide V groove paneling (actually water resistant MDF) in my kitchen, similar to your first inspiration photo, and am doing a leathered grey granite for my countertops. My cabinets there are much lighter, but I think you could do a lighter grey granite and look great with your cabinets. Your kitchen reminds me a bit of English country (think https://www.devolkitchens.com/ ) which was my inspiration.

What type of stone are the two lighter options. The grey slab for the perimeter will be pretty.

Fantasy White, which is a hard marble and doesn't stain/scratch. The lighter one is a Quartz called Winter Creek.

I'm honestly tempted to go all dark and do shiplap around like this photo. We picked Jet Mist Leathered in granite.

Since you are doing three different cabinet colors, going with one countertop color would be a great idea. Otherwise it's going to get awfully busy in there. My vote is the granite above, it will be more durable than "hard marble", which is still softer than granite.

Really appreciate everyone's help here. Helped me through a last minute stressful decision 😆

love the jet mist

Instead of this

Tweak it and bring the granite all the way behind the stove like shown here:

Or, take the granite up a bit higher and only do the shiplap (vertical) on the window wall

better shots of the vertical tongue and groove w/sconces.

also really like what Jan posted here with the marble. in love w/the ledge across the stove

Similar idea, diff kitchen. I think the white marble (but it has to be something w/character) w/the built-in ledge looks so pretty. love the glass doors too. simple vent hood

cool marble piece. (Super White Dolomite would also work)

another one w/a beautiful marble, the black granite around the window

this one is marble subway. while I like the idea, I don't care for this particular tile. there are better options

a zellige type tile would look nice too.

If you fall in love with the marble behind the stove, realize you can usually get remnants from the stoneyard rather than having to buy another slab.

Eliza:

Does your countertop cantilever on the island please? You can cantilever 3cm engineered stone up to 15" according to the manufacturers, however, I'd wouldn't span that long without at least a center support to prevent sagging. You can go 10" with 3cm natural stone without additional support.

I like this with your cabinet color. But it's your opinion that matters.

Look at these granites with interesting movement (Mohs hardness rating of 6 or better)

Houzz app is being obstinate and not posting the photos tonight. Will try to post them tomorrow

I love your kitchen and everyone’s inspo pics can’t wait to see how it turns out!