I'd also be open to any other suggestions that you may like to give. I know that my decor is "safe" and I would love to make some changes!

To easily try out a new look, buy a couple rolls of peel and stick removable Contact-type paper in a stone pattern. Apply to the countertop but not near the stove. Patterns include granites, terrazzo, marble and plain colors.

What a stunning view!

Thanks! I'm in Canada, so the lake is still frozen solid but I'm counting down the days to spring.

You can certainly move away from black. I like what you have on your island, by the way.

I'd suggest looking at granite or quartzite slabs for ideas. Of course there is also Quartz (manmade) and there are endless choices for colours and patterns available.

Silestone and Caesarstone are major brands and both have a visualizer tool on their site so you can upload a photo of your space and see what their products will look like. Nothing beats seeing the real thing in person. The big box stores carry both Caesarstone and Silestone (Home Depot) but they both have showrooms as well.

Porcelain is also an option to look at. Another manmade product and available in some truly beautiful designs - some that look like marble or other natural stones.

Something that might work for you and work well with your current decor including cabinet hardware is Superwhite Quartzite.

Here is a picture of a slab.

Here is a picture of a kitchen with Superwhite as both counter and backsplash. It will depend on the slab - some have much more white background than this photo shows - some are more grey.

I see you are in Canada. If you are in the Toronto area I can recommend some places to look at slabs.

Love your current kitchen and the view. Can't wait for winter to be over and the lakes to thaw again.

@M V I'm not in Toronto, but I could easily make a day trip to either there or Ottawa. I love the picture that you provided but it highlights the issue that I have with moving away from black (although I really want to). I don't think that I want to go with grey tones, and all the slabs that I've seen have had grey veining. I also didn't like how shiny the slabs were - but that might be because the concrete that I've been living with is very matte.

A trip to a few stone yards will give you so many ideas. There are plenty of stones that don't have gray veining. None of my granites have any gray at all as I was looking for warmer colors. Your wood countertop is stunning by the way, as is your view. If a polished finished is not to your liking, look into a honed finish.

Taj Mahal quartzite would look good instead of the black.

To do a slab backsplash you will most likely have to change your window trim. Try to mock it up with something that is 2 cm or 3 cm thick. Will depend on the thickness of slabs available in your area.

https://www.msisurfaces.com/toronto-countertop-showroom-distribution/

Many slabs, both real stone and quartz come in a honed or leathered finish (sometimes called suede as well). You certainly don't need to go with shiny options.

You could choose a light colour with some taupe tones instead of grey. That would likely work well with the wood counters on the island.

Or maybe Taj Mahal Quartzite would appeal to you. Creams and beiges, taupes. Its very popular currently. Here is a kitchen with Taj for counter and backsplash and dark wood - maybe you can imagine it with your island counters.

Taj Mahal Kitchen countertops · More Info

Recently I posted this message for another Canadian looking for counters.

Stone places in the Toronto area..... The biggest is likely Ciot (Ciot Vaughan).
Olympia Tile has a slab division (Olympia Slab Division) - Yorkdale area.
I recently went to Marble Trend (Marble Trend - Oakdale) off the 400 north of the 401. Its not as large as the Ciot warehouse but they had a lot of really lovely choices and were very helpful.

There are quite a few slab places in Mississauga and Brampton as well. If you have a fabricator lined up already -ask them to suggest places to go. Fabricator options are many - we've used Marble and Marble (https://marbleandmarble.com/) and Latitude (https://latitudecountertops.com/vendor-showrooms/) and had wonderful service from both.

You can also go to the Caesarstone or Silestone (Cosentino) showrooms to see their slabs.

Lots of choice available. Have a look on some of the websites so you've got an idea of colour and options (Granite, marble, Quartzite, Quartz, Porcelain....)

So many really beautiful options out there. Around the Yorkdale Mall area - that's decorator heaven - tiles, slabs, fabrics, lighting, furniture - all in that area. Something for everyone.

Masterpiece Granite (link) is in Ottawa. I'm not familiar with it but I've looked at their website before and they seem to have lots of choice for both natural stone and quartz, sintered stone, etc..

@chispa - thanks so much for the mention of my window sill. That is something that I didn't even think of and will now know to take note. I'll also plan to visit a bigger store with more slabs, as cream, beige and taupe is exactly what I'd like!

MSI makes a quartz that looks like Taj Mahal. Cashmere Taj (link)

Also Luma Taj - MSI Lumataj (link)

Solitaj - MSI (link)

No quartz will look as good as the natural stone - but Taj Mahal Quartzite is pricey. I haven't priced it recently - but I think you'll find the Quartzite is going to be more expensive than Quartz. It doesn't look like you need a lot for that span of counters shown in your pictures. Ask some of the places if they have small slabs or even remnants that might give the amount you would need to replace.

Latitude Counters has a remnant site (others will have this too or sometimes you have to visit the warehouse in person). You never know what you will find that would work.

Latitude offcuts (Link). - There is a lot to choose from on their site - scroll through - some very nice options that might work for you.

https://offcuts.latitudecountertops.com/product/034897 - Here is a remnant of Taj Mahal Porcelain

https://offcuts.latitudecountertops.com/product/034666 - Here is a remnant of Taj Mahal Quartzite (85 X 26 - don't know if that's enough for your space) But oh my....this is very pretty and a great price at $542 - Start the car!!!

https://offcuts.latitudecountertops.com/product/017768

This is a Taj Mahal remnant 81 X 61. You can get two runs out of this piece for $1216.

I hope you can find something that will work from the remnants sections - I'm amazed at the pricing.

@M V - Super white is not a quartzite - it's dolomite = it's more durable than marble slabs - but less durable than granite (and quartzite).

It is often mislabeled - maybe unintentionally at times - however, it also seems like slab sellers/fabricators will refer to it as a granite or quartzite because many people will not install marble countertops due to the higher maintenance requirements + less durability (it etches/stains - sealers can help provide a little extra time to clean up spills in order avoid stains - however, sealers do not prevent etching).

@michiemeh - if you are interested in cream/beige/taupe slabs, Taj Mahal quartzite is something that you should consider. It has become VERY popular over the last few years - it's durable + beautiful. Chispa has Taj Mahal countertops - they are stunning!

i love your space 🤩 another quartzite to keep an eye out for is madre perla - lots of whites, creams and beiges - we’ve had it for 15 yrs and it’s been bulletproof

Your home is stunning. Don't degrade it by calling it safe. I'd call it harmonious. I love that your kitchen feels like pieces of furniture - the cabinets, the wood top. It doesn't feel as harshly kitchen-ish as most other kitchens. I think part of what contributes to that is the lack of backsplash. I wouldn't run stone up the wall as a splash. I'd keep your new material just on the counters.

Your current top is very cohesive with the stone wall on the other side of your table. It also provides so much continuity with your black chairs, and is a nice rich pairing with your wood. Search for a long time until you find a new stone that hits all of those marks. Really pay attention to the "conversation" between your new stone, the striped effect of the wood top, and your fireplace stone wall. These items are truly in concert with one another.

Would you consider a new black granite top with a honed finish? No pitting, etching, nor reflection? I get that you want a change. It's just hard when you've already nailed it.

I agree with Kendrah. I especially love the photo of your sink in the wood countertop looking at the fireplace. I'd be inclined to go with a leathered granite like jet mist or steel gray (very dark). I wouldn't advise selecting a stone with much pattern or veining.

I absolutely love everything about your home. You definitely are a very accomplished decorator. It makes me want too see your whole home

Kendrah nailed it, your kitchen is beautiful. I would consider soapstone, if you don’t oil it, it would be lighter than what you have but still on the darker side. You could even use it as a backsplash and run it behind your stove instead of the stainless steel. It’s not shiny and you may be able to find something on the lighter side.

I’m with @CC. Take a look at soapstone as well. The best way to shop is to keep one door or drawer front in your car. You need to exact color of your cabinets when countertop shopping.
There are many stones with a light base and warmer veins. Gray isn’t the only option. Keep looking. The right stone is out there.
I also think a simple tile with matching grout will be a better backsplash than the stone.

Your kitchen is lovely. You can keep the black. It all looks very warm and welcoming.

Thanks for the kind comments. I think that it's correct to say that because I am spending money, I feel like I need to go with something different. But at the same time, my kitchen is 10 years old this summer and I don't think that she's showing her age yet, so maybe sticking with the black is the right move. I like the sound of soapstone - my original dream was to have marble which always looks so gorgeous in photos, but I know that I am not a good candidate after living with the concrete.

I'm grateful for all the suggestions and will definitely take off a door front and go shopping in a bigger city at the stores that @M V has thoughtfully provided!

I do have a pantry dilemma that I'd love to get some opinions on. Is it proper etiquette to start a new topic or to use this existing one? Thanks again!

If you think of this thread as kitchen-related, it makes sense to keep it all here. If you think of it as counter-related, it makes sense to start a new thread. Whichever you choose, someone is likely to have An Opinion about it.

If you do start a new thread, adding a link to this thread might be helpful for those who want to refer to this one before commenting.

If you want no maintenance no shine I’d suggest Jet Mist granite. It’s got the look of soapstone but much harder and denser

No maintenance, no shine is definitely on my wishlist so I will check it out. Thanks!

you have a long counter at the beverage area. no need to centre a bar sink over window. also go with a countertop (whatever material you choose)with a vein that picks up on your bronze hardware. i would stay away from gray tones as, imo, the cool tones will clash with the warm butcherblock island countertop. be careful going with matte finish if you go with manmade material. it stains easier and shows extra rubbing and scratching much more than a shinier surface

If soapstone interests you....

Greensville Soapstone - Burlington (link)

You'll need to make an appointment to visit their showroom. Its right off the QEW highway - quite easy to get to.

We were very impressed with the showroom and the estimate they prepared. Their supplier is M Teixera - so you can view slabs on their website and he can bring them in from New Jersey.

We ended up moving away from soapstone for our kitchen reno but I really do hope to use it someday - the look and feel are so gorgeous.

Have you considered replacing the concrete countertop with another material like quartz or granite, or are you mainly looking for something easier to maintain?

I definitely want to change it to something that isn't going to etch and pit, so from reading above, it looks like I'm going to choose either a natural stone like granite or soapstone.

As for the pantry, I'm going to keep the butcher block in there as it's still going strong and it should be fairly easy to cut an opening for a sink.

For your kitchen (and with your darker stone fireplace) I don’t think a light counter makes sense (for all the reasons others have stated). Soapstone would be lovely or a honed dark granite…Definitely do not use it on the backsplash. Lovely home - I wouldn’t change anything other than that concrete :)

As for the pantry sink - are you planning to shuffle the cabinets and coolers?

FYI honed stone shows oil stains they do eventually disappear but look ugly in the meantime . I love polished granit it is almost bullet ptoof and lasts forever. Soapstone aslo a great choice .

@thinkdesignlive - yes. We're willing to redesign that whole run of cabinets in the panty in order to fit in the sink. It'll be a good opportunity to change to all drawers. Do you have a suggestion as to where it would be best placed?

@Patricia Colwell Consulting - thank you for noting the oil stain issue. My concrete does that and it drives me nuts, so that is something that I'll have to think about. I'm guessing that soapstone doesn't do that? Maybe they will give me a piece and I can try it out for myself. I do understand that polished granite would give me the least hassles, especially since my house gets a ton of traffic.

I personally like the sink centered on the window OR the wall in the pantry.

you have a long counter at the beverage area. no need to centre a bar sink over window. also go with a countertop whatever material you choose with a vein that picks up on your bronze hardware. i would stay away from gray tones as imo, the cool tones will clash with the warm butcherblock island countertopgranite does pit. so if you ho with granite choose a pattern that disguises the pitting

you have a long counter at the beverage area. no need to centre a bar sink over window. also go with a countertop whatever material you choose with a vein that picks up on your bronze hardware. i would stay away from gray tones as imo, the cool tones will clash with the warm butcherblock island countertop

If I were you I would center the sink under the right pane of the window, then you might not have to change the cabinets at all. Of course, that’s assuming you will be using a small bar sink.

After looking again, if you did this ⬆️ you would probably want to move the pendant over to center it over the sink.

Good point about the pendant - that makes me want to say sink centered there under the window. Also moving the beverage fridge down seems to be a good move regardless based on the swing of its door. I think then the art wall makes more sense with just countertop below it (no sink)….maybe you can swing for a picture light over a central art piece just to highlight/light that area.

@thinkdesignlive - Do you mean the section of the pantry wall that currently has the three little pieces of art? That again was a place holder as I had originally envisioned some open shelving and some sort of wall treatment like tile or wallpaper, but didn't know if that would be too fancy for what is basically a utility room.

I agree that I need better lighting in there are well, but am stumped. I think that I had much better vision when I was dealing with a blank slate. Since my house was "finished" I've been paralized to make any changes - even to furniture (which is badly needed too).

What size sink do you intend to use in the pantry? If placing under the window you need a large is sink. A small bar or prep sized sink is going to look dinky and a little silly there.

I'd use a smaller sink and place it on the wall. This space will retain more of a pantry / bar feel that way. A larger sink beneath the window gets you into that confusing territory that I distain of the skullery kitchen.

I'm confused about the current soapstone conversation as I thought you didn't want anything in the grey or black family for your new countertop. Have you changed you mind on that?

Yes, bring your cabinet door with you when shopping for the countertop. But also bring a sample of it home so you can hold it up against your stone fireplace wall. Remember, that fireplace is the fourth wall in your kitchen. They are all in the same room, same view, and need to make sense together.

@Kendrah - I just need a bar sized sink for filling the appliances. You are totally right that such a small sink will look ridiculous centered on the window (I just went and measured), I'm embarrassed that I didn't think of that myself!

Although I have the white farmhouse sink in the kitchen, I'd really prefer stainless in the pantry if that won't look too weird. Something like this which is 16 x 18 x 8:

https://cdn.blanco.com/assets/derivateOPK/blanco_1134x1050/hlr-system/png/921/100921.png

As for moving away from the light coloured stone, I think that I did. I know that the black looks good, flows well with the rest of my choices and it's classic. I should probably stick with that rather than getting something new and shiny just for the sake of it. I'm also afraid that changing to a light coloured stone may trigger renovation creep, and I'll want to start making changes all over the place to make my house more modern :)

Call me odd gal out but I don’t think that sink would look out of scale under the window…either way, do you need the open shelf? I like your art wall! And I like the way it keeps the space more visually open and with the visual interest of the glass cabinets I wonder if the shelves will just look cluttered?