You haven't mentioned recycled glass. White with clear glass crystals is quite lovely -- and unusual.

Recycled glass? That a new one for me! I will look it up thanks!

White bgranites can be very simple and honestly close to bullet proof . I have many clients who wanted quartz and I advised granite not one has regretted the choice. I do not think fake plastic stone belongs anywhere where hot pots are the norm. A polished white granite will be beautiful forever and so many to choose from . Go to a good stone yrad that does granite and see the choices please .

Op you can test samples. The plastic content of equartz, which Patricia famously objects to, is what gives it the stain resistance. Warning about the recycled glass, those chips of glass are fragile especially at edges.

I guess testing is key.

light clean countertop that's tough sounds to me like classic Corian (cameo)

We had Cambria quartz in our last kitchen for 9 years, with never a stain (it was a darker color, however).

Currently we have Taj Mahal quartzite (7 months in and LOVE it!), with no staining issues. I haven't left red wine on the counter for extended periods, but blueberries and raspberries have sat for a long time with no problem. I don't think our counters are all that busy, even with the same material as backsplash.

That’s a lovely counter and backsplash. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Get samples of everything you are considering, and test stain resistance for 12+ hour exposure, and then ease of refinishing, as well as chip resistance.

I did that to choose the finish for butcherblock counters - very useful.

Incidentally, I found espresso was more staining than red wine. I'd make some concoction of espresso, soy sauce, red wine, beet juice, etc, to make the most staining stuff you can.

We have Silestone Calacatta Gold quartz - no stain in the 6 years that we've had it. There is one chip near the sink caused by a cast iron pan - didn't happen again as I've gotten used to the 'new" kitchen. The only thing you really need to be careful about is putting hot pots on the surface but this is not a dealbreaker for me. You have to do the same for other surfaces anyway although with my old granite countertops, I could set something straight out of the oven and nothing bad happened (I don't recommend this though as there are YouTube videos where a granite can crack if something hot is put on it).

Recycled glass? That a new one for me! I will look it up thanks!

Do go into some stores and see them for yourself -- I like the low-key sparkle look. They're expensive, but what counter top isn't?

I have many clients who wanted quartz and I advised granite not one has regretted the choice.

That's easy to believe.

Warning about the recycled glass, those chips of glass are fragile especially at edges.

I'd be interested in hearing more about this.

OP, do consider that once you've chosen your material, you still have to choose your edging. Personally, I like edges to be as simple as possible.

I have had quartz for 20+ years and it has never stained.

You’re kind of glossing over the cons of each material. Quartz can scorch and yellow over time. Solid surface (Corian) can be damaged by heat, but repairs are seamless. You can choose a gloss finish if you want it to resemble quartz, although i am partial to matte, and you can have them refinished if they scratch.

The only countertops that are truly bulletproof are brushed stainless steel, but the look can be fairly industrial.

I have the same or similar desires in a countertop. I have been spoiled by my 1980’s tile counters as far as hot pots, knife use, staining, etc and am loathe to give up . No one loves the upkeep of grout however. But after redoing two baths using epoxy grout, which I find totally bombproof and very easy upkeep, I have decided to replace the tiles with large format porcelain tiles. They can be laid with small grout lines and look almost seamless. They aren't as fragile or nearly as expensive as slab porcelain and could be replaced if something happens to a tile. Tho after 40 years, no tiles have been damaged. They are ecologically sound and no plastics (except the tiny amount of grout).

That is interesting, olychick. I like old school tile and if epoxy grout makes a tile counter or backsplash almost as easy to clean as a solid surface . . .

I went the opposite way with my counters, using butcherblock which by reputation is a maintenance hassle.

However, testing found some finishes that make it very stain and water resistant, anything that gets past the finish can be sanded out with an orbital sander in thirty seconds then new finish wiped on, and the entire counter can be replaced for a few hundred dollars. It ends up being quite practical and non-stressful.

I was after the same. Zero speckles, no flecks. Just a solid expanse of white. I looked at EVERYTHING and was surprised to end up with corian.

A fabricator gave me a remnant as a huge sample piece. I let these sit over night: egg yolk, red wine, coffee, tea, vinegar, ball point pen mark, tomato sauce, grease. The wiped up after 12 hours just as easily as if the had been fresh. Zero marks left. I was still concerned that they looked too plastic but I went for it anyway.

Four years later I have no regrets. They have not scratched at all. But, if they do you can supposedly buff the scratches out with a scotch guard pad. (Not sure how that works because you'd think it would leave even more scratches?!)

We have since added corian to a laundry room / kitchenette that is off of my husband's office. He isn't delicate with these counters at all. No problem. They look the same as the day we got them.

In our previous home we had marble. Beautiful, but never again!

Haha. I had a feeling you would weigh in here about the Corian, Jan. I’ve heard you extol its virtues on other threads, which is a big reason I’m considering it.

Kendrah, that’s quite the stain test you did!! Pen ink? Brutal!!!

No true unicorns showing up, so I’m thinking it’s probably down to quartz or Corian.

I certainly appreciate hearing everyone’s thoughts.

Were I you? I'd order a bunch of Corian Samples, and then go quartz shopping. I can predict the result : )

For 18.50 apiece you can get 10" x 10"!

All these are speckle/vein free

Designer white

Cameo white

Modern White

Glacier white

https://coriandesignsamples.colors2u.net/product-category/corian-solid-surface/page/4/

As to quartz

You can do same via Cambria who has White Cliff, White Hall, Minnesota snow

I'd read this for the yeah and the boo

Particularly the "mark" issue which can definitely occur with metal rubbing- as little as a belt buckle. ( tip? Rust Remover quick and big rinse off )

https://sarahjoyblog.com/an-honest-review-of-our-white-quartz-countertops/

I will add, I love the softer gleam of Corian , vs, the higher shine of quartz, but that's personal

https://www.thespruce.com/white-quartz-countertops-7966877

There is no perfect anything in design, and certainly not in a counter top. All have their pros and cons--you do your research and select the one that is the best for your family and budget.

Don't dismiss marble out of hand--Danby marble is denser than some granites. I've had it in my kitchen for 11 years and NO STAINS EVER. Chips and etches yes, but no stains. Not from coffee, tea, wine, tomatoes, berries, ketchup, sauces, etc. etc. And you can't beat the look.

I adore Danby!! But I also think it shines BEST in a more traditional "make me drool " kitchen. More Christopher Peacock than what the OP seems to want.

Something about it always begs me for a softer, less ......whatever !!

"The only countertops that are truly bulletproof are brushed stainless steel, but the look can be fairly industrial."

Stainless steel can be dented and you're not getting the dent out.

Yeah but you can use 14 ga SS which is very hard to dent, or put 1/4" steel sheet under the SS and that will be impossible to dent without a large hammer and violent intent.

“Stainless steel can be dented and you're not getting the dent out.”

True, but stainless steel counters are usually 14 - 16 gauge, so they’re not going to dent as easily as a 24 gauge refrigerator panel.

There are a lot of reasons stainless steel counters are used in commercial kitchens. They are incredibly durable, but you’re not building a commercial kitchen. It’s OK to choose something less perfect but prettier.

Pick your counter material. Get the cabinet paint color custom matched or coordinated to the counter material in the lighting of your space and led lighting. Make sure the cabinetmaker agrees to the tone matching process or choose someone else. Require a sample door and your approval.

Hmmm. Sounds like wallpaper may be the only way to get a unicorn 🦄

I have been spoiled by my 1980’s tile counters

My mom put in tile countertops 31 years ago -- I'm sure because I remember standing in her half-done kitchen telling her that her first grandchild was on the way. It still looks great and is bullet-proof. Grout takes some care but isn't the monster people make it out to be, but I don't love the uneven surface. Tile can be a good choice.

I went the opposite way with my counters, using butcherblock which by reputation is a maintenance hassle.

I love the warm look of butcherblock, and the price is attractive, but -- yeah -- I'm afraid of the maintenance, especially around the sink.
I was after the same. Zero speckles, no flecks. Just a solid expanse of white. I looked at EVERYTHING and was surprised to end up with corian.

I totally get the appeal of Corian. It's simple and looks good with everything.
In our previous home we had marble.

I do not understand marble's popularity.

Recently I delivered a wedding cake to a venue /was directed to place it on the island. The whole thing was covered with towels to protect the marble. WHY would you install a countertop that requires so much care? Who owns whom?

No offense, unless you are prone to ruining your knives? You don't cut on ANY countertop without a cutting board.

Scratches don't come from cutting without cutting boards so much as setting things down /scooting things across. My countertops are 20-year old laminate (we installed it when we moved into this house -- it was all we could afford for this huge kitchen back then), and they're really scratched -- even though I've never once cut ON the countertop.

At some point you will realize "perfect" does not exist.

So true, so true -- and it's true of everything: not just countertops. Choose the negatives with which you can live.

No true unicorns showing up, so I’m thinking it’s probably down to quartz or Corian.

So let's simplify that even further: Essentially you're choosing between pattern vs. solid.

Maybe you can have some Unicorn Wallpapers on your kitchen too:)

Okay, I know the answer to this question: Look into stenciling. It costs a fraction of wallpaper's cost, and the edges don't "roll up" with age. You can use any colors you like. The negative is that it is SLOW to complete.

I'm lucky because I live in a big city and was able to see a showroom with a large corian top that looked very modern and attractive. Most examples you see of it look very 1980's and remind me of assisted living facilities.

Great points Theresa!

No wallpaper for me though, with or without unicorns. Ditto for stencils.

I’m not sure I agree that quartz vs Corian = pattern or solid. I would probably go for solid with either. I don’t know where to begin deciding between the two. For starters, I’m not entirely sure I’ve actually ever seen Corian IRL, or at least not since I’ve been cognizant of all this counter stuff. And also don’t know where I go to look for it. I’m in a large metropolitan area, so I’m sure there are options. I somehow suspect though, that there will be quartz places and corian places (autocorrect just decided I’m looking for herbs and changed that to coriander!!), but will there be a possibility of seeing them side by side? Must investigate….

hmm. Maybe Home Depot, or other big box places might be my best bet of seeing both in one place.

We have polished taj mahal quartzite. Two plus years in, it's been bulletproof. Absolutely no etching, scratches, or stains, and we are not diligent about cleaning things up right away.

Corian ( Dupont ) is the ORIGINAL solid surface. The big advantage is seam matching to as close to invisible as you will get.

The only way to decide is to order the samples from the links above. ( pay for the large size )

It's going to be one or the other if you want a plain top, very light.

The only reason the Original Dupont Corian seemed to disappear? IT WAS OVERTAKEN BY GRANITE, BOLD AND HIDEOUS, yogurt swirl, or cheap speckled/blotched stuff in the grocery store. That's why.

I will guarantee the day is soon coming when the faux bold vein variety, in quartz, will die a death like no other : )

And it can't come soon enough, Jan! I hated that speckly granite when it first appeared, when everyone was oohing and aahing over it. And I despise the fake veining on quartz. I'd take laminate over either of them. We had white laminate in our kitchen from 1987 to 2014 and it looked as good in 2014 as it did when it was first installed.

Remember the corian where they stacked an accent color along the front edge? I had a client where every counter was speckly mauve with an accent of speckly grey or grey with a mauve accent. Yikes. Classic white corian is fantastic but in my market no one fabricates it anymore! It’s so unpopular they’ve all gotten rid of the needed tools. Crazy.

Omg......I do remember @ Hallett

Yes, the fabricators are harder to find. We have one. I think it's a HUGE! mistake....that all of their souls have been sold to quartz. Breathing the quartz silica dust all day is just great too : (

Honestly, if you are going to have faux anything ? Don't let it shout lol. There are sooo many ways to create interest in a kitchen or bath. My Cameo Corian still looks great in there as well. Not a mark on it, and god knows how much gooey stuff it has given up to a rag/ wipe. Same with the chrome Moen faucet, my Blanco kitchen stainless sink....its stainless faucet, ( Moen )

About as forever as you are going to get.

In addition to looking for that elusive unicorn countertop, I'm looking for a kitchen that will feel fairly timeless, (but still modern!) and I definitely hope to avoid things that will look dated in 10 years.

So I will probably stay away from quarz-trying-to-look-like-marble.

Other trendy-ish things to avoid?

I'm thinking waterfall counters, black hardware, black sinks and faucets, two tone cabinetry.

Please share other ideas of those things that may not date well.

And I know someone will say "who cares if it's trendy? Get what you love". So I will add that I have found that there are things that I look at and say "Wow! I LOVE that!!" that 10 years later, I think "Yuck!". I'd rather get something I really like today, and will really like in 10 years, than something I love today, but will be sick and tired of in 10 years.

I still remember the first time I saw linear type mosaic backsplash and thought it was fabulous. Now...not so much.

Vinyl wood-look floors. They are so all-over-everywhere, people will be getting tired of them soon, and the next "thing" will be all the rage. Those vinyl floors will be ripped out and thrown into landfills, and ten years later, the next "thing" will meet a similar fate. I'd rather have a "dated" tile counter or floor, than rip out perfectly good sustainable materials to replace them with synthetics.

Trends that get overblown end up being brutally discarded in a way that is extremely wasteful. It's one thing I really don't like about the concept of fashion in decor.

Design a kitchen that fits the house- that will always be timeless. I would like to banish white shaker cabinets from mcm ranches forever. I think waterfall cabinets will become an option, a great option in modern houses, silly in traditional houses. I saw your favorite linear mosaic used vertically as the entire wall of a sculptural S shaped shower in a modern house- stunning.

Timeless is such a tough thing. Waterfall ends on an island - IMO - won't be timeless since it is hugely popular for the last couple of years and will head out of fashion. Do it because you love it.

I have a Silestone counter and I am a messy cook and not careful. I have one small chip by my sink and often forget it's there. Cambria has recently changed their warranty to include guaranteeing their tops wont stain. They cost a bit more, but that could be worth it!

I have also have experience with Corian - LOVED it. I do use trivets and cutting boards not matter what top I have. I was not a slave to buffing out scratches and it was hardly any work. Different color scotch brite pads are like different grits of sandpaper. Just a quick clean with one of those and it looked good as new all the time! I even sanded out a burn mark once - it was from a cigarette left to burn on the edge. I took some fine sand paper and the scotch brite and it was gone in a couple of minutes. It did leave a little dip in my counter that I could have easily had fixed.

Good luck!

That's a good point Hallett & Co and certainly something to keep in mind. My house has reasonably traditional bones but my aesthetic leans towards modern/MCM, although I like to mix things up enough to keep it reasonably interesting. Maybe I'll post a few pics of my home to give you a sense of it.

A few LR, DR pics

Nice rooms. I see a white solid surface counter, cabinets with slab doors/faces in a - preferably solid - wood consistent with your Danish furniture pieces, a hardwood floor flowing to the other rooms, stainless appliances, sink either SS or counter material, simple backsplash of counter material or white tile or wood or SS or glass. Or maybe no backsplash, just a 4" counter return and painted walls; there is no law that says every kitchen must have a fancy backsplash the selection of which is endlessly agonized over. Faucets and hardware can be changed out in a day, so whatever strikes the mood.

Thanks John!

This tile look is something I've had in an ideabook for years, and I still love it. So considering something like that for a backsplash.

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I have a Cambria Quartz counter. Nothing seems to stain it and I have never put hot pans on a counter without a pad of some sort…like a pot holder—nothing major, but it is there so I don’t know what would happen. It does not have fake veining because big veins in any material are likely soon over. The only thing I could complain about is the hardness —meaning many things you might set down on the corner, like a drinking glass make a clatter. My former counter of Formica in comparison seemed like a much quieter material. Quartz is a workhorse.

I am remodeling a kitchen as we speak. I chose two counter top materials. Fantasy Brown calcite and walnut butcher block. Yes each will require some maintenance. Like me. They will age and develop a patina. Like me. I am ok with that. My house, at 64 years old, is nearly my age , and has a few wrinkle and fine lines. Character counts. Here’s my color scheme. The Wild green table cloth is not part of my design.

Thanks for that summary Lantern

I actually popped by a Home Depot yesterday, and checked out a solid surface counter (although not actual Corian). I found it a bit too plastic-y feeling for my tastes (probably didn’t help that it was a really ugly pattern too!).

So I find myself leaning more to quartz. Whether a plain white or very very subtle pattern, to be yet determined, but I think plain.

You might consider Silestone "Lagoon" or Caesarstone "London Grey." Both are light colored quartz with very subtle patterns. My daughter has had Lagoon in her kitchen for many years and it looks beautiful still. No stains, and she has 3 kids who love to cook.

I'm lucky because I live in a big city and was able to see a showroom with a large corian top that looked very modern and attractive.

Plain, simple white can look right in a wide variety of kitchens -- if you're looking for modern, yes, it'll appear modern to your eye; however, it can also work as CottageCore or whatever.
We have polished taj mahal quartzite.

Taj Mahal has been the "It Product" for a while now, and it is both lovely and functional.

The only reason the Original Dupont Corian seemed to disappear? IT WAS OVERTAKEN BY GRANITE, BOLD AND HIDEOUS, yogurt swirl, or cheap speckled/blotched stuff in the grocery store.

I disagree with the "bold and hideous" part, but it's true that granite killed Corian's popularity.

I will guarantee the day is soon coming when the faux bold vein variety, in quartz, will die a death like no other : )

Well, we only have to remember Harvest Gold and Avocado Green from my childhood, then pink & blue country with ducks to know that this is true. All super-trends die a super death.

We had white laminate in our kitchen from 1987 to 2014 and it looked as good in 2014 as it did when it was first installed.

Eh, I don't agree that laminate is such a bulletproof product. We installed laminate when we moved into this house in 2001, as it's what we could afford in this very large kitchen -- it's scratched up now.

that all of their souls have been sold to quartz.

In part, this is because Quartz is the new kid on the block, and in part it's because people like The Property Brothers (whom I mostly love, though they're wrong on this topic) declare, "And unlike granite, you'll never need to seal it!" They imply that this sealing thing is a chore that must be done once a week, lest your granite disintegrate before your eyes!

Personal opinion: Granite is still king, simple white Corian is second, and Quartz is for weird situations where you can't fit the others into your project for some reason.

And I know someone will say "who cares if it's trendy? Get what you love". So I will add that I have found that there are things that I look at and say "Wow! I LOVE that!!" that 10 years later, I think "Yuck!".

Good point.

None of us are stupid, but when we see something over and over -- presented so nicely in a magazine or on the internet, it's easy to fall for it. It's hard to know "what you really love".

Perhaps a better mantra is, Choose what fits into your house's time period /design.

Last comment on this topic: If you want something to last, KEEP IT SIMPLE. White Corian may not be the height of style, but it's simple /blends into its surroundings, and it won't be "offensive" ten years from now the way Veined Quartz will be.

Timeless is such a tough thing.

Because it doesn't exist.

Or maybe no backsplash, just a 4" counter return and painted walls; there is no law that says every kitchen must have a fancy backsplash the selection of which is endlessly agonized over.

I'll disagree with you on that topic: Those 4" returns make the backsplash area look odd, whereas a countertop-to-cabinet backsplash -- doesn't have to be fancy -- just looks neat and appropriate. Plain paint or beadboard are fine -- doesn't have to be expensive tile.

Went stainless and never looked back. 14 gauge with 1 1/2 marine plywood backer. Yeah, I guess you could dent it if you took a sledge hammer to it. We try not to do that.