My photo shows Caesarstone Buttermilk, but it's the same color as Botticino. We had to pull the Buttermilk counters because of damage on install, and then we got Botticino instead. We've just never taken updated photos since getting Botticino because we are waiting to do our backsplash. The pattern is slightly different than Botticino, but as you know, it's very subtle and won't show in a photo. I thought the pic of the peninsula would give you the closest idea of how it will look on a vanity. We almost used our leftover pieces for a dark-stained cherry vanity, but we decided to do granite for something different. We really love our counters.

I have them. They are from a company called Vicostone and Pental just puts their name on it. Pental is originally a granite company out of Seattle and Portland but they've expanded into other markets in the last three years. Their quartz used to be called Chroma but they changed it to Pentalquartz when they expanded. It's made in Vietnam with Breton technology, so they are the same as Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone, etc.

cand1781, I have Pental Tobacco quartz in my white cabinet (similar to SW Alabaster) and white Rittenhouse Daltile subway tile backsplash kitchen. I also have white appliances and was concerned with all the whites, there may be some clashing. There isn't, they all work beautifully together. Some of the colors in Akoya are similar in both Pental quartzes, the taupe/caramel swirls and some of the vanilla/cream background. I haven't seen Akoya in person, because I don't remember seeing it in 2013 when we picked out the Tobacco. I do think it is more of a white base than the Tobacco. It is less busy than the Tobacco with its black/grey veining and garnet flecks. What ever you decide, if you go with Akoya be sure to personally pick out your slab. When we went to pick out ours we got a little resistance because they were "man made and all look the same" . They don't, so look at a few slabs be sure to pick out the one you like best. Durability wise, in these 3 years they have performed beautifully! No staining and no chips what so ever. Easy to clean and maintain. I'm very happy with them and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Pental (Vicostone) to anyone.

I am SO glad I found this post. Thank you Amy for starting it! I love soapstone but for many reasons it's not practical for our kitchen. The cabinet shop showed me the PentalQuartz in Sorona in Honed and Polished and I immediately liked the honed. Thank you for all of your insights and experiences. We have chosen similar cabinet design/color so it's super helpful to see your finished kitchen! Thanks again!