First off, let me preface this by letting you know that I love dramatic slabs (I’m still trying to decide on Calacatta slabs for my kitchen).

I have to let my fabricator know what to use for my vanity countertop for my master bathroom renovation on Monday.

I have:

- charcoal gray slate tiles (in a herringbone pattern) on the bathroom floors.

- Italian Carrara tile on the shower walls + back of niche + as a 42” high surround for my freestanding tub.

- The shower floor has 2” hexagons - in a mix of marbles (Carrara/Thassos/Bardiglio).

- My vanity is white oak.

Unlike your slate, my tiles are uniform in color (no white veins) - with only a very slight variation in color between different tiles.

I knew a dramatic/bold slab was not an option. I considered Carrara or Super White (dolomite) - because they didn’t have bold veins.

However, I felt that adding another ”star” into the bathroom was a mistake - so, I am going with a solid white countertop (with a thicker mitered edge).

At the beginning of this renovation (which has been ridiculously long due to contractor issues), I never would have imagined that I would wind up selecting a solid white countertop (I’m also using it for my curb/around my niche + shelf inside niche/cap on my pony wall - because I feel like there is enough Carrara in the room already).

Your bathroom has a dramatic floor + busier slate tile + a large dramatic mosaic tree on the shower wall.

Question - is that the final wall color?

Personally, I think both of your slabs are too busy - but if I had to select one, it would be the second one.

Too many “ stars” detracts from look - and causes the room to become chaotic.

While I was deciding on my boring plain solid white countertop, I kept hearing Jan Moyer (very active on Houzz, and a well respected designer - if your unfamiliar with her name) whispering, ”Edit, Edit Edit . . .” into my ear (well, maybe shouting, ”EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!!!”)

I think your bathroom will still have plenty of drama (plus, be very unique) - without a busy countertop. I don’t think it needs another ”star.”

But - I am not a designer - so, maybe I’m wrong!

Neither. Both are too much for the already busy space. You need a very plain light gray quartz. No movement at all.

Way too much going on already so IMO a really plain stone nor sure what the plan is for that space but pretty sure you will learn to dislike it pretty quick. IMO less is always more and for sure in bathrooms

Too busy. I tbought that white thing was light from the window until I looked closer. That’s one detail too far already.

Gorgeous bathroom and I love the tile tree. I agree that the slabs could be very busy and might try to fight your glorious tile. Its tough because when I put it next to each other is actually looks pretty nice. But I wonder if the size of the pattern is big or small may change how it looks.

Have you thought about bright white quartz. It has the practical application like granite but the simplicity to feel clean in the space. Maybe that is too boring for you.

Have you thought about Virginia Jet Mist? The right slab could work with your space. It provides movement and honed it gives a soft feeling. This is also a stone from Virginia so this may be to your liking. Obviously the slab I show below is not the right gray but you may be able to find the right gray to go with your beautiful tile floors and wall.

Solid color Corian has never had an argumemt with a floor or backsplash, has never etched or stained for over 50 years, but he's too boring.

I adore what you are going for in the bathroom, really cool! At this point you have to decide... what is the star of the show? if it is the shower tree then pick a calm counter that compliments the tree and fades into the background is the way to go. If it is the vanity then the titanium granite will steal the show and pick a white curtain to "hide the tile tree until reveal during shower time". let us see the final product! lovely space.

Joseph Corlett - And here I thought I had grown out of my love of bad boys. Guess I'll never learn. I have never cared for Corian, unfortunately, be it ever so well behaved. I have done a lot of practical. For my bathroom, where there will be no kids using it and nobody throwing spaghetti sauce around, I am going to be frivolous.

On my own, I would have picked a nice peaceful white slab, but my husband loves the dramatic ones. He always thinks white slabs are too morgue-like, or else remind him of Iraq, so that's out. The colors are all black/white/gray, the fixtures will be very plain, and the sinks will cover much of the vanity top, so I don't think it will be quite so crazy as everyone is making out. At least the granite will be less likely to stain. And even if it did, how would you know?

@Boxerpal - It is a pretty large pattern. The piece in the picture is the swirliest bit; other parts are a little quieter.

@dani_m08 - your bathroom sounds lovely. There aren't any white streaks in the slate - I think it looks that way in the picture due to the light reflecting on it.

I do appreciate the points people have made (some very kindly!) about having only one star of the show. Perhaps I will find something in a plain gray that will go nicely with the slate.

I like your “biker bad boy” marble. The color seems perfect with your tile, the sinks will break it up like you said and your husband will like it. I’m no expert though, and I never listened to my mother’s advice.

GOOD FOR YOU @Alice

Get what you and your own "bad boy" love. I agree white would be stark but the marble will provide movement and beauty. The size will be perfect. Can't wait to see it all when you post the final results.

Take a look at steel gray granite in a leathered finish. I think it would look lovely in this bath.

There are already too many stars competing. Pick something without any pattern.

So it's has been a while but here's the finished room i definitely did not pick one star, and the whole thing may be a lot for some, but after living with it since June it still pleases me greatly.

thanks to all for the input. Even if I didn’t take all advice it's helpful for figuring out what i actually want; when i find myself mentally arguing with an answer that gives clarity!

Your bathroom is gorgeous! I always play it safe when it comes to design, so I really appreciate and envy those who don’t. And, your final result looks so good!!

Very unique. I love the floor and vanity/counters. I personally am not a fan of the blue walls but as long as you are happy with the outcome, that's all that matters. Enjoy your new space!