honestly, i think it would look like a cost saving tactic, or at the very least somewhat confused. the two are too different to meld and too close to look different. sounds like a costly mistake.

I agree. If you are going to mix things, they have to be different enough to look like you wanted them really different and each one has a reason, not like you ran out (of material or money) and figure they were close enough to look the same.

I would not mix these two different marble counters in this way.

Perhaps you could go back to your original idea of black granite on the perimeter and then really showcase the marble on your island? I know that you said you decided you wanted a very white kitchen, so perhaps you don't want to go back to that idea. But it is a classic look.

My counters will be Carrara, mostly. I'm considering making the island a contrast. AB is too dark for me, but I found some dark charcoal-ish gray granites that look nice with it. Steel Gray or Antique Black Satin look nice with my marble and read as a solid color from a distance.

Or would a wood or stainless top work with your white vision?

I agree not to mix the marbles - have you considered Caesarstone or (less expensive Qortstone) in white for the perimeter?

Yes, the Mick De Giulio kitchen shows that with lots of money, lots of talent, and a spacious kitchen, the look can work. Mick De Giulio is a master at mixing different counters, including marble and granite, in his kitchens. His kitchens are often "manor-house" large kitchens in the ritzy Northern suburbs -- Highland Park, Glencoe, Kenilworth -- of Chicago. But elements of his design have filtered down to inspire many of our more humble kitchens as well.

I can see how in DeGiulio's design the carrara was a "quiet" variety and on the light side, where the calacutta has large distinct veining that is meant to be "noticed" as a focal wall. Those slabs were chosen very carefully for that precise effect, and only used at that end of the room. I don't know if I would do that myself, but in that space it works beautifully. What an amazing idea of pocket spice storage though, right?!?!

Chikdoc -

I am not anti-mixing marble, but I think it is tricky.

I think it depends on the slabs you choose, that they compliment each other and there is consideration to the "tone" of the white. Say you have a calcutta island that is white with some bold large scale gold and gray veining and the perimeters are primarily white or with some small scale gray veining -- it could work.

I just would want to avoid the veining on the two counters competing with one another, or overall "color" or tone of the counters that don't look good together. It is hard to guess what would look good together without looking at individual slabs.

Ideally, you should look at the combo and feel that you actually perfer it to having all the counters as the more expensive marble - that the different counters compliment each other.

And maybe give a wood island a second thought - I think it is classic and warm a light, white kitchen. Then you could use the marble you love on the perimeter and possibly a backsplash.

Or wood island, carrera perimeter and calcutta backsplash. Amazing...you would have the calcutta where you see it at eye level instead of on the counter... You could use a slab for the BS in one area (or all) and tile in others - great drama.

Keep in mind that the slabs in that photo were not only carefully chosen to work together, they were also installed with different orientations. Having one horizontal and one flat, and it appears one polished and one honed, gives a texture, a difference in light reflection and a visual transition you wouldn't seeing them both across an aisle.

Thank you all so much for the advice. That's exactly the kind of input I was looking for. TG for GW!! Currently, I am still shopping for countertops:

Choice 1: bite the bullet and do all calcutta
Choice 2: calcutta island and another calm, light marble for the perimeter (hard time finding)
Choice 3: wood island and carrera perimeter
Choice 4: calcutta island with dark granite or soapstone perimeter.

In the end, I think I will follow my heart. When I see a stone that makes me swoon, that'll be the one.

Thanks again.

I have the biggest kitchen crush ever on Mick De Giulio.

Agree that it would be very VERY tricky to mix Carrara and Calacatta. That kitchen should have the same warning as the car ads: "Marble mixing shown was done by professionals. Do not try this at home."

Take a look at Vermont Danby Marble. There are several whites. The lightest, Olympian White, might go pretty well with Montclair, or another one with lots of gorgeous veining. They come from the same quarry, in Vermont.

They are also less porous than Calacatta and Carrara, making them more suitable for a real, working kitchen. Honed, not shiny, will enable etching to blend and lots of sealer will prevent staining, so I've been told.

I prefer the bright white of Vermont Danby Olympian. I'm getting that.

Go to 'vermontquarries.com' to learn of the advantages and see examples. The website also describes each different kind of Danby, with photos. GW members like Danby.

So it's more durable and brighter white. One of the Danby compares to Thassos, in Danby's opinion. Good luck.

Westsider

Has anyone used carrera marble countertop vanity in a calcutta bathroom?