While it is true that cabinets like yours are usually paired with a solid counter, I don't think you can make a mistake with THAT granite! You would of course do a simple backsplash.
If you chose a solid counter than you could play around with a multi backsplash.
But, what's not to love about that slab?

Magnificent choice.

I think that quartzite can create a nice balance of pattern in a kitchen with a lot of wood, especially if the overall lines of the kitchen are simple - the organic patterns of the materials aren't competing with ornate moldings and door styles. Here is our kitchen - cherry cabinets, maple floor and Azul do Mar quartzite:

Your kitchen looks great so far. I think that beautiful quartzite would nicely complement your other materials. It is organic, which adds a warmth that engineered quartz does not, but the pattern is simple and so goes well in a modern space where a busier stone would not look right.

Wow, thanks so much for the feedback! Cloud_swift, I love the space and light in your kitchen and see exactly what you're talking about.

Ellendi, yes, very simple backsplash. As for what's not to like, the price is astronomical!!

For my relatively modest 60 sq ft, I'm getting quotes around $6k for quartz and $10k for quartzite. Gulp. In the big picture, given the cost of the entire project, it's not a huge delta but I'm at the point that each and every dollar over budget puts me deeper into "numb" mode.

Thoughts? I expect to be in the house a long time, and don't expect to be doing any remodeling for at least 20 years!

TIA

That's a beautiful stone, and your cabs are equally as visually pleasing. I think they'll make a nice pairing.

As to the cost, it's really your decision. I can say that I overspent in my kitchen for my neighborhood for both appliances and counters. I live in modest neighborhood where most kitchens are still the original late 60's-early 70's, with some having gotten new laminate or painted their dark cabs lighter over the years. This is my forever house. I cook every meal, every day. I really enjoy cooking, baking, and experimenting with new foods. For me, all of that added up to buying the best cooking equipment (appliances) I could afford with the features I want for better function. For form, I opted for expensive Carrara counters. They are stunning, IMHO. Everyday I love to stare and them and run my hands over them. Breaking the cost down over 30+ years makes it totally worth it to me. I'd do exactly the same thing again if given the chance. HTH!

Yes, the quartzite slabs can be expensive. Our slabs (raw material, not including fabrication) were $54/square foot. We also expect to be in our house a long long time (the kitchen remodel was 6 years ago). We were able to afford it and we have no regrets about the cost. We still love it every day - the looks and that it is so easy to care for and so practical for our kitchen.

We recently used some of the remnants for the surround for our new family room fireplace.

Oh that is beautiful! I'd look no further.
It's perfect with the walnut.

I think the stone and your cabinets are beautiful and look perfect together.

I think that quartzite goes great with your cabinets. I spent a lot ($200sq/ft) for my white macuba quartzite island counter but it was well worth it. It looks great and the wear and tear is terrific. It is a big price difference but in the grand scheme of things you hopefully will only do this once.

Both the stone and your cabinets are beautiful. Will your lower cabs also be vertical grain?

I have walnut, white and quartzite as well. My walnut cabs are bookmatched horizontal, very linear. Your walnut isn't so linear, and I think the walnut on your tall wall will be fine with that stone. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!