So the designer isn't answering these Q's? i also would like to hear about the countertop and backsplash.

Take a look at USA-made Cambria Quartz in "Wentwood." We just had our kitchen island countertop done in it, and the color & shading is quite similar. but less "streaky." We are hugely pleased with the look AND the very low maintenance required. Hope this helps! P.S. We chose very rounded corners to mirror the former laminate countertop, and had the perimeter outside corners rounded too. Makes for far fewer hip bruises and other inadvertent "ouches," especially welcome since this is an AIP reno and we now have blood-thinners in the mix. :)