When you look at and take a photo of the sample quartz in your kitchen, cover the counter with white poster board or a sheet, and then place the sample on top. Your current color makes it hard to see any new colors in isolation.

Again that photo should have some floor tile samples laid on the floor too ... you aren't just picking one thing.

You say you plan on replacing the floor. Just the kitchen floor or does this adjoin other spaces that will also be replaced? Have you decided on what type of flooring you'll be using? Tile, wood, lvp?

We will be replacing the tile floor, tile backsplash, wallpaper and paint. We also have all new stainless steel and glass stainless steel appliances. We were told to select a countertop first then go from there.

When I posted this I wanted to know if the color combination went. I appreciate everyone has different tastes, but my cabinets are not pigs that I am putting lipstick on. I have the means to replace everything if I wanted to, but we have lived here over 40 years and and will die here. We love the cabinets and have no plans to change the color. I may have them refinished, but they will be stained the same color. Please be professional and answer my question if you like, but keep your other feelings to yourself.

"We were told to select a countertop first then go from there."

Except all components (cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, hardware, lighting plan) in the space need to work together so changing things without a comprehensive plan/design may likely create a discordant, piece meal result (see chispa's posts for good advice).

Probably best to hire a local design firm (not a cabinet salesperson in a big box store) to assist with this renovation so that all the structural parts are chosen at the same time so that the parts can cohesively relate to each other. The backsplash and wall paint can typically wait until the other features are installed so that the new products are in their correct plane for viewing and in the home's light when you choose tile backsplash samples and paint samples to view in the space.

I wouldn't put Taj Mahal quartzite on raised panel pickled cabinets. If you must pick something for the counters ahead of whatever new flooring, then look to a solid light Corian or another plain laminate which will suit your era cabinets better than a modern trendy stone.

I can find taj mahal with light oak and it looks really nice. i think it would work best with the lightest taj, sample 2. A wood look floor that matches one of the colors in the taj may be a good choice.

If it were me, I’s skip the Taj and just do a simple white quartz counter like Cambria White Cliff, it will look nice with the cabinets and make floor selection really easy

The current light white oak you see in many photos, paired with Taj Mahal, is not a pickled 1980's finish. There is a big difference in the undertones and overall look of the stains.

Those old 80's pink cabinets need a plain white and cheap laminate counter, until you can plan a complete gut and redo of the whole kitchen. Don't waste money and time tryng to "update" something that was only popular for about 5 years, and didn't look good even then.

if you are uneasy about stone top w pattern etc..the shift to simple plain white top has its merits. Leaves room for the beauty of porcelain on the floor..if thats what you desire there.

light wood with simplistic white tops [not your space , but note the effect ]

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A couple muddled thoughts:

- Kudos to you for keeping something that's still in good condition /something you like, though it's no longer cutting edge. Your cabinets are not "pigs" (nor are those dining chairs, which match the cabinets), and the earth cannot afford for us to change perfectly good things on a whim.

- I wholeheartedly reject the term "dated". Chasing the latest trend is flat-out stupid.

- Taj is not just a flash-in-the-pan. It's been on everyone's most-wanted list for at least a decade -- and for good reason. It's lovely, and it blends with so many color choices. Its only real negative is its high cost.

- Having said that, if you're keeping a part of what you have, your new choices must revolve around the existing item -- with a major decision already in place, the world is not your oyster. And as much as I love Taj, I'm not sure it will "be friends" with your existing cabinets -- it's a matter of color or tone. And, of course, I accept that what I see on my screen may not be realistic, and I may be giving bad advice.

- The person who suggests removing one of your cabinet doors /taking it to the slab-yard is the smartest person here. Nothing beats actually seeing your own stuff side-by-side.

- Sales people told you Taj is great with pickled maple. SALES people who stand to make money off of you told you Taj is great with pickled maple. Even if you don't share my suspicious nature, they haven't seen your actual cabinets, so their advice is questionable.

- Another suspicious item: The people at the STONE YARD told you to pick STONE first, then let the other items fall around it. Yeah, if I sold stone and wanted a fat paycheck next week I'd tell you that too! Truthfully, though, it isn't bad advice: Your countertops will be very expensive, and they are what they are -- unlike paint, you can't say, darken it just one touch. Just remember, these people are friendly, but they aren't your friends; their real interest doesn't lie in your eventual happiness with your finished product.

- An option might be to paint the cabinets (not terribly expensive, and you say they're in good condition) and stick with Taj. White or light beige cabinets would look great with Taj.

- Be sure you're being truthful with yourself about the condition of your cabinets. It's 100% true that any stone countertop you put in will "outlive" your current cabinets. Stone is stronger than wood, and your wood is already -- did you say 40 years old? Judge the quality of the boxes and the quality of the doors -- doors don't last as long as boxes.

- If I were forced to choose one of these two slabs, I'd go for the second one. Why? It has fewer striations /fewer lines. Since you have corners (and I do love a U-shaped kitchen), you'll have to "weld together" stones for those corners, and strong veining /lines will come out looking "wrong" at the seams.

- You ask, If not Taj, then what? My first thought is a simple black granite -- you have two windows in the kitchen and light-toned cabinets, so you can afford to bring in some darkness. Black would work well with your cabinets, and it has the advantage of being budget-friendly. Another works-with-everything is Corian SuperWhite. Yes, it's super-simple, but super-simple never clashes, and people who have this stuff are serious fans. I do like granite, so I'd consider Bianco Romaro or Alaskan White -- these are white granites with lots of beige /brown /black inclusions and a bit of sparkle, but no (or small) veining. I think either would work well with your cabinets.

- Something I read long ago: If you're making your own decisions /not using a pro, stick to simple things. Boring has staying power. Boring works together. Boring isn't really boring at all.

- Since you are staying in this house long-term, I would not go with laminate again. I have laminate (because it's what I could afford when I put it in years ago), and it has not held up well over the years.

- I understand saying you'll think about the flooring later -- but you really should choose it now (even if you don't install it now). Again, this is about making everything match. In a perfect world, your countertop and your flooring would "coordinate" -- not necessarily match, but coordinate; thus, it'd be smart to choose it now.

- Off-topic, but once you choose your stone, be prepared for the next question: Your edge. I suggest you stick with a simple unlikely-to-chip edge to your granite; plus, simple will match your cabinets. It'd be smart to google granite edge styles now and be prepared for the question.

-Off-topic again, are you keeping the simple white square tile backsplash? If you're changing it, consider this: You want EITHER your countertop OR your backsplash to be "the star". If one is "fancy", keep the other one simple -- otherwise they'll clash. I bring this up because you'll have a better outcome if you make all your decisions together -- even if you don't install them all right now.

- Off-topic again, but why do you have two microwaves?

- Absolute last off-topic: I strongly suggest you look into a large single-bowl sink. This board is really only united on two topics: Drawers in the kitchen and large single-bowl sinks. You'll be removing this sink anyway to replace the countertops, so it's a natural time to upgrade to something with better function.

Theresa:

Thank you so much for your helpful comments. The cabinets are about 35 years old and are in excellent shape. They were top of the line when we purchased them and have held up very well. The color on some of the doors has yellowed a little over the years. I had the doors removed and refinished at the manufacturer in Massachusetts about 15 years ago. I would do that again, but they are no longer in business and I don't know if anyone does that work anymore. I really don't want to paint the cabinets and cover up the grain. Plus I don't like that the paint will chip and peel and need refinishing again after a few years. I have all new stainless steel and glass stainless steel appliances sitting in a warehouse currently. The microwave on the counter was to use because the above the range one broke. My wife likes bling and wants a polished countertop, glass backsplash tiles and polished 12*24 porcelain floor tiles. She kind of knows which ones she wants, but wants to finalize the countertop selection first. She has been warned by several people about having too much bling and I think she will come around soon. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer good advice.

Regarding the new polished floor tile: make sure it has a high COF for better traction and safety. I would've chosen to extend hardwood into the kitchen if it's in adjacent areas as I vastly prefer one cohesive flooring throughout a visual space. Hardwood in kitchens is the norm where I live so that's what I've had in my three kitchens over 40+years.

Sounds like you could indeed benefit from local design help-a pro that can assist in "editing" down from too much eye-catching bling to a safe, functional kitchen suitable for aging in place.

Glad to be helpful! Thought after reading your comments:

- You are proof that paying for quality cabinets up front is a good move.

- Since your wife likes "bling", I'm going to suggest again Alaskan White Granite. I personally think it'll look better than Taj for your specific space, and I love that it has bitty quartz crystals throughout.

- I think you're right to be concerned about "too much bling" -- but your cabinets are simple "blend in" items. I think once you choose your counter top, you'll be in a better position to "reign it in" to a reasonable balance.

- In a kitchen of that size, I can't see 12x24" porcelain tiles working out well. It seems to me that 12x12 would be the max you'd want in a modest-sized kitchen.

After reading through everything again, I agree that a simple white would be your best bet. Glass backsplash is too modern for the era of your kitchen, IMO. But get the countertops in and installed first and then go from there. Be sure to have your flooring installed under all your appliances before you have your appliances delivered or you'll have problems getting your dishwasher out. Again, this is only my opinion, but this is not a kitchen that should be blingy. It seems to call for more matte finishes.

"My wife likes bling and wants a polished countertop, glass backsplash tiles and polished 12*24 porcelain floor tiles."

What one likes and what actually works in a space can be completely different things!

Sounds like you are both pretty set with your ideas, so not sure you will get much more out of the forum

Just in case you are still open to ideas here are some more photos I found ...

Update with a gray laminate or quartz. Notice they used a short backsplash in same counter materials, because they knew it would be hard to find a good tile to go with the cabinets.

Maria Killam did this pickled wood kitchen update by painting the cabinets.

Theresa:

Thanks again. I will show her the granite selections you mentioned to my wife. The kitchen / dining area is all one area. The tile floor covers the whole area. It is approximately 12' x 20'. We would like as little grout as possible and the 12" * 24" look like it will go well.

Chispa:

Thank you for the comments, but my wife wouldn't like a dark countertop.

HU, Please do the flooring first. I used to have the same pickled oak and they are very pink-toned. stay away from anything yellow, or yellowish-gray. Always take a cabinet door w/you when looking at samples of flooring, tile, countertop. don't rely on pictures.

Taj will not work w/those cabinets. both in color and asthetics.

quartz is a good option if you want an upgrade. (and cheaper)

Even Porcelain could work. they've come a long way. this entire slab was $2300. Prob another 2K for fabrication. cheaper than Taj (unless you have access to pre-fab countertops)

the matte finishes of these quartz options on the bottom (the darker ones) would look really good w/your cabs. don't worry about it being dark. they're matte, won't show spots, and with good lighting and a lighter tile splash, will work fine.

wait, wait wait, before choosing a backsplash tile. it goes in last. (don't get the 4" countertop backsplash if going w/tile)

are you upgrading the lighting in the itchen? I don't know if you have LED lighting, but that should be on the menu too. 3500-4000K temp for the LED bulbs.

Beth:

Thank you for the comments. We started off looking at Cambria quartz before it was suggested we look at quartzite. We had liked a color called Kelvingrove (taupe, creamy, ivory, hint of blue/green and little silver flecks). We do have temperature adjustable led ceiling lights.

Theresa:

I added a picture at the bottom above of a different quartzite my wife loved. It wasn't Taj Mahal it was Naica extra signature and was a creamy taupe color. It is not as desirable as the Taj Mahal but it looked beautiful. Does this go or do we need to keep looking?

The cabinet door that you brought to the stone yard looks much more yellow (instead of pink)

door at stone yard:

Cabinets in kitchen photos:

It makes it difficult to know exactly what color tones are in your existing cabinets.

I know. The pictures were taken at different times of the day (cabinets home night time warm lighting, cabinet door warehouse daytime flourescent lighting). The cabinets look more like the picture of the door you showed at stone yard.

I'm wondering if Costa Esmeralda granite could work.

Have you looked at Cambria Berwyn? the colors would go w/your cab color perfectly. it has subtle blue tones and some light mauve, matches your kitchen

shown here w/Bedrosians Makoto tile in Tatami beige. or the Cloe Tile in the white.

I think a contrasting bronze handle or knob, or the polished nickel handle would upgrade the look

another shot of the countertop.

and here w/gray hardware

make sure to keep kitchen light at a 4000K.

Beth:

Thank you. We saw the Berwyn and the colors were nice, but it was a little too busy for her.

ok. then you're in the right color area. that's what you want. no yellows. no cool overly cool blue/grays. no yellow grays.

anything w/red undertones, pink/mauve/taupe/pastel blues, etc, will be the color family. white is fine if it's a white w/pink undertones. (not yellow)

you obviously know sage and seafoam greens work.

Sea Pearl Quartzite might be nice. have you seen it? It's on par w/Taj (price range and durability)

People like what they like, but you are asking for a trip to the hospital with a broken hip. Plus, you're planning a whole lot of clashing things. You may like wearing a flowered shirt with plaid pants, but a lot of people are going to look at that askance. You could do some changes here, and keep it light and bright, and still have it function well, and not be eye crossing. But you have to not be so rigid in your thinking and refusing to accept professional help.

A plain white counter with maybe a bit of sparkle from mirror glass, like the old Silestone Stellar Snow would work great, and be a nice calm backdrop. I think Cambria has one like that. Then you could do something with a bit of bling in natural stone and glass for the splash, like Czarina Ice. https://www.daltile.com/products/mosaic/regal-pendant/czarina-ice Add under cabinet lighting. And do a non slip matte wood look tile for the floor. Merona from Marazzihas similar pink gray tones, but isn't exactly the same shade. https://www.marazziusa.com/products/wood-look/merona/natural

Of course OP can do whatever they want in their house, but they did ask for opinions here.

If they felt confident with their decisions/ideas then they would have just bought the Taj Mahal slab and not posted here.

Consensus seems to be that Taj Mahal will not work with that cabinet color and that OP needs to look at all the new materials together, by using samples of each, before paying for and being stuck with one, that will then steer the project down an even narrower path that will require even more skill to pull off.

Not much else that can be said.

I do not see where the Taj would not work with their “cabinet color”. And really... the ”consensus” on this board is most often an unmitigated joke.

@freedomplace1, perhaps your decorating/designing sense is lacking.

Pickled cabinets are from a very specific point in time. Unlike some styles and trends, pickling is not likely to ever be back in style. Taj Mahal is a recent trend that has staying power…at least until the supply of the stone is used up. Neither the moderness, or the colors of Taj go with the OP’s pickled cabinets.

@darbuka- I will leave the “trend“ assessments and the “let‘s follow the herd” protocol to you.

From a design perspective- Taj Mahal is a natural stone- whether it is the latest flavor of the week or not. And whether you like the OP’s cabinets or not- they are nice, quality cabinets.

@freedomplace1, the quality or niceness of the cabinets has no relevance in this thread’s discussion. The pickled cabinets and Taj Mahal are not a good combination.

I think the quality and niceness of the cabinets is absolutely ”relevant” in ”this thread’s discussion”- particularly in light of the ”pig” comments...

Good to know that you do not like the combo, @darbuka. It will not be in your house.

For the record, I did not make the ”pig” comment.

Pickled cabinet are PINK. There just isn't a lot that looks good with pink. Taj isn't one of those things. It's too greeny beige to work. Placing it next to the pink will make the pink look pinker, and the green look greener.

What works with pink? More pink. Or burgundy, or terra cotta. Like the Juperana granites that were popular around year 2005. Dakota Red. Tan Brown. etc. Or, WHITE. Plain white goes with pink pretty well. A pink white, even better. It will help disguise the pinkness a bit. Or a whit with pink. Brighton or Highgate by Cambria.

Rainbow, thank you. That's exactly what I posted above

I even posted visual aids so everyone could see the 'Pink' .

HU-2988,,,,

How about Corian? this one is SandStorm. has pink undertones

or Carrara Crema

Even a nice gray w/the right undertones would work.

These are the colors combos you want that work w/your cabs.

Here are similar pickled cabs paired w/a white marble quartz countertop,

and SW Modern Gray on the walls:

Heck, if you're willing to drop $$ for Taj, look into the Cristallo pink quartzite options.

no question that this quartzite would be an ideal match.

have an extra piece cut to use as a top or your dining room table.

Or, here's another option. Have the cabinets PAINTED, and THEN you could get whatever countertop you desire.

@Beth H. :, the OP has already said she doesn’t want to paint her cabinets.

Beth:

Where did you see that pink quartzite that I could have an extra piece added to my dining room table. That is very nice.

First off, I want to thank everyone for their comments. I know everyone is only trying to help me. I also apologize for

the numerous posts. I went to the fabricator today and spoke with a designer. I showed her pictures of my cabinets and I brought in the door shown in front of the slab pictures. She appreciated the condition of my cabinets. She also placed my door in front of numerous colored countertops so I could see how the inherent pink color of the door became more pronounced with certain color counters. I showed her a picture of the slab we were looking at and she didn't think it was an ideal combination. I then came across a picture of slab my wife and I took that we truly liked, but there was a short wide white mark going through a portion of the slab. Because of this we didn't consider the slab. When she saw the picture she thought it was a beautiful slab and the nicest of all the slabs we had taken pictures of. She thought it would go with our cabinets. The slab has a light creamy ivory and beige color to it. She felt the part of the slab we had an issue with could be laid out near the sink and for the most part it could be partially or perhaps fully eliminated. She also suggested if we really like the slab to buy it and install it and see how it goes with our cabinets. Then if we determined it didn't look nice enough we could then address something with the cabinets. I have posted two pictures of the slab above. Do you think this combination still presents issues or does it go well were the backsplash and flooring we choose can pull everything together? Thank you.

The OP’s cabinets are really not reading as bubble gum pink to me... And OP has already stated that the cabinets do not read as pink to them, either.

They have stated that this is a more accurate depiction of their actual cabinet color:

So, I really think all of the pink panic on this thread is over the top- at best...

The pink quartzite is nice and if OP likes it that is great. But I see no reason why they cannot use Taj if they would like to do so- and I don’t think they necessarily need to load their home up with pink.

OP- I posted my comment before I saw that you had posted the new comment regarding slabs, etc. I haven’t read your comment as yet, but I will leave my comment up anyway, in case it helps.

darbuka, I know that. It was merely an option after OP has been faced w/a multitude of issues regarding matching a countertop to the cabs. Personally I don't care one way or the other if they're painted or not, it was merely a suggestion. people do change their minds.

Freedom,-I never implied the cabs were bubblegum pink. Don't even know where that came from. I said they had a pink undertone to them. that's all. and then I posted paint colors for the walls that would go nicely w/the tone of the cabinets.

I came across the Cristallo because it's white w/a pink undertone. That's the only reason I posted THAT suggestion.

No one is having a pink-panic attack except you.

HU298856,,,,,

if this is what you like, then by all means, get it. It's a nice stone. (I do like the saleslady comment about " if you don't like it, you can change the cabinets. lol. hey, as long as she gets her sale....)

"She thought it would go with our cabinets. The slab has a light creamy ivory and beige color to it. She felt the part of the slab we had an issue with could be laid out near the sink and for the most part it could be partially or perhaps fully eliminated. She also suggested if we really like the slab to buy it and install it and see how it goes with our cabinets. Then if we determined it didn't look nice enough we could then address something with the cabinets. "

OP, if you think the ivory/beige tone works w/your cabs, then go ahead and get it. You seem to be drawn to it.

It seems to look good here in the pic. I'd changed out the hardware too. Wayfair has some nice options in gold or rose gold.

BTW, make sure when you do get your slab you ask about how they will be cutting it and seaming it if applicable. they need to show you where the cuts will be on the slab before fabrication starts.

This is Taj shown w/white oak. (and this is usually what color Taj looks like installed).

the seam they did here is very good

compared to this disaster:

do you have any countertop change of directions?

Both of these pics are Taj. The first one, stone match-up isn't the greatest. this needs to be addressed before you cut so there are no surprises.

both of these are joining up diff cut pieces at L's or other change. you'll need to be aware of this

What color floors are you doing? have you decided on that yet?

The floors have to work w/the cabs since they will be next to each other. Personally I'd pick the flooring first, then the countertop. wait until everything is installed, and then choose the backsplash.

As for the table option, fabricators can take the extra (if there is enough) and cut a table top for you (it's a little extra, not much) or even use the extra for a bar top, patio table top, side table, whatever else you need. Make sure you get the leftovers if there are any. some places will keep.

or a little serving tray (add handles to it)

even a window sill w/the leftover

I had them cut the leftover slab for my coffee bar and little entry table by the back door

Thank you for the comments, but my wife wouldn't like a dark countertop.

Too bad 'cause I really think a simple black countertop could work well here -- but it would be a huge change /black countertops would become "the boss of the kitchen".

Glass backsplash is too modern for the era of your kitchen,

I think I agree with that comment.

Be sure to have your flooring installed under all your appliances before you have your appliances delivered or you'll have problems getting your dishwasher out.

That's good advice.

Maria Killam did this pickled wood kitchen update by painting the cabinets.

Anyone who's surprised that Maria K re-did this kitchen with white cabinets is officially required to turn in your internet card. Seriously, though, this looks nice -- in a fancy kind of way. OP, is this your wife's idea of "bling"?
wait, wait wait, before choosing a backsplash tile. it goes in last. (don't get the 4" countertop backsplash if going w/tile)

Agree -- backsplash tile doesn't really serve any functional purpose. I just wiped mine around the light switch and thought to myself, "This has been in almost 20 years, and I've never really needed to clean it." I suggest you have an idea of what you want -- but it off until everything else is done-done-done.

Agree -- if you're going with tile, no to the 4" backsplash. It's already a short space, and the 4" backsplash just makes it look choppy.

door at stone yard .... Cabinets in kitchen photos

Wow. I know -- know in an academic kind of way -- that color varies in pictures, but TO SEE IT side-by-side like this. Yeah, point made.

A plain white counter with maybe a bit of sparkle from mirror glass,

I love recycled glass countertops, but I don't see them working with these countertops

Pickled cabinets are from a very specific point in time. Unlike some styles and trends, pickling is not likely to ever be back in style. Taj Mahal is a recent trend that has staying power…at least until the supply of the stone is used up. Neither the moderness, or the colors of Taj go with the OP’s pickled cabinets.

I said earlier I reject the concept of "dated", but -- yeah -- things have to match. And your logic is sound: Not all products can be friends. What was the "it countertop" when pickled cabinets were in their hey-day? I kinda think it was Corian /granite hadn't yet made the scene, eclipsing Corian.

Heck, if you're willing to drop $$ for Taj, look into the Cristallo pink quartzite options.

I had to Google that -- and the internet showed me some darker pink /some lighter pink stones. I like 'em, though they do come with a big price tag! The darker could work out well with these cabinets, though it would be quite the commitment to the color pink.

I'd love this stone in a bathroom with white cabinets.

I went to the fabricator today and spoke with a designer.

Sounds like this was time well spent.

do you have any countertop change of directions?

Yes, this is what I meant when I said a U-shaped kitchen works better /is easier to "get right" if you avoid countertops with veining -- and a picture is worth 1000 words. Even if your countertop fabricator CAN do it well, you'll almost certainly need to buy extra material so he can choose the cuts carefully.

Love the idea of using your bitty-bits of granite in other areas around the house. Another spot might be the shower niches or shower threshold.

HU,,,,along w/my comment two above this one,

I totally forgot about Almond Mauve granite. back in the 90's I had pickled oak cabs and got this granite for my countertop.

for the backsplash I used 4x4 tumbled botticino crema marble. It all looked very nice

here's a close up.

ou could find a pre-fab countertop in this granite for less than 1K.

another option is river white

sesame white is another option

Beth H:

They are beautiful granites. I will see if they are available in New England. Thank you for your help. It is appreciated.

Carrying one door with you all the time is brilliant.

And if you love a specific slab but it has a “blob” you don’t like, the fabricators can work with your templating to reduce how it looks in your kitchen. Happened to me as well.

You will have a unique, beautiful kitchen!

Does this White Spring granite go well with the kitchen cabinets?

Is this a close up photo from the actual slab? I assume that it isn't.

I pulled up some other photos of White Springs granite - obviously, because it's a natural stone, there will be quite a bit of variation between slabs. Photos of a whole slab show a bit more burgundy + cream/white than the portion of the slab in your photo. You need to click on the photo in order to enlarge it - otherwise, the individual colors don't show up as well.

Is there a place near you that has actual slabs for you to look at + compare your door to? It may be a nice selection.

River White granite might also work with your cabinets. You have to go to see what slabs are available and also ask what they are expecting to come soon.