Yeah I actually noticed that too, I asked them to rotate the upper right corner like this. Looks more well-transitioned, even though I think the layout pic has much more contrast than the actual slab.

Will post a pic here once installed, fingers crossed!

Were you not able to be there when they laid this out? When we got now counters (also Taj Mahal) last summer, I sat next to the expert (not sure of his title, but the guy who did the layout) at his computer as we worked together on the layout. I had full height backsplash as well, so there were a lot of pieces to deal with. Several times we would make a layout, then walk over to the slabs themselves - so I could say, for example, "I don't like the spot right there, let's see if we can get that area in the sink cutout."

It doesn't look to me like the layouts are even the same slabs you show in your photos?

I was thinking to rotate the upper right piece as you have in your second layout picture. Pretty stone!

It is really difficult to approve the layout when the cut out pieces are a totally different color. It seems like people either (i) are at the fabricator's place of business (like AnnKH above) while the layout of the pieces are being done, or (ii) they have a photo of the full slab with the pieces marked on the slab (each piece designated by a number or letter that corresponds with the same on a drawing of the kitchen layout in order to know where each piece will be installed). I have also seen where an extra computer layout shows the slab on the kitchen layout so seams can be checked.

I would find it difficult to approve what you're working with - although rotating the corner piece is a good idea. I just would want to see what parts of the actual slab are/aren't being used. Not everyone will like the same exact parts of a slab. For example, some people want their countertops to use the "calmer/more uniform" areas of their slab(s) - while others like the parts that have more movement (veining/color shifts/sections with more color/etc.)

I would be nervous to approve what you have above without seeing the pieces marked on the actual slab. I am a bit OCD - makes it difficult for me to hand over control to someone else!

Unfortunately they told me I can't really customize too much because I contracted through home Depot, and they said when I do that they don't really let me fully design the layout.

Also my pieces really snugly fits on one slab so there's not too much choice there besides rotating here and there.

I am nervous as well but I just tell myself that this slab doesnt have that much contrast so it probably wouldn't show up too differently

People, please for God's sake it's natural stone, not Corian. They are fabricators, not magicians.

I'm so glad I retired and don't have to put up with this.