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WWYD? Please help with countertop/backsplash decision!

10 years ago

I am in analysis paralysis over my island counter material. I am going for a contemporary (but not modern) style, with white shaker perimeter cabs with Caesarstone Pebble (med gray), and a brownish/gray stained island. My original intent was to use Blizzard caesarstone (which I have in my kids bath and still looks brand new after 3 years, so I know it will wear well), but I have also been to about 30 slab yards all over the Bay Area looking for something more interesting on the island. The only thing I can really afford is marble since I only need a smaller slab, and I have two young boys who are messy, even though my husband and I are not so I'm wondering if I'm crazy to even think of doing this.

For my backsplash I have fallen in love with AKDOs heavy rain, which is marble and does have pattern and a bit of color. So part of me thinks doing the Blizzard will be fine, and the other part of me wants something more interesting, but still in the white family.
I have also purchased Frosty Carrina and London Grey samples and I just like the real feeling of marble over the Caesarstone if I'm going for a marble look, even though it is a great look a like.
I'm posting a pick of the backsplash. They show it with marble, but it would be next to the Caesarstone pebble.

Will a marble island will be "too much" with the backsplash? Should I stick with the safe and easy (and much cheaper) Blizzard?

What would you chose? I have waited a long time for this remodel, and I won't be doing my counters over again.
Any thoughts are appreciated!

{{!gwi}}

Comments (5)

sanjuangirl
10 years ago
Your photo did not post! I think if you really want marble for the island, then you should have marble! We went to a La Cross party for the boys HS team recently and they had a gorgeous marble island. They have 2 teenaged boys and a younger daughter and they've had the marble for 5 years and it looked beautiful! She said she had never regretted it. I didn't notice any problems although it was covered with lots of dishes. There really is nothing quite like the look of beautiful marble.

Good luck!
jmaurry
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is the photo of the backsplash
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First, take a deep breath. This problem comes up here a few times a month! Step back and look at how the over all color "reads"in your kitchen. The reason why Laurie's looks so good is that it not only blends with the St Cecilla but it also blends with the cream in her cabinets. What color are your cabinets? If your cabinets are white and the counters read more grey, I would try to find a white tile with a grey undertone. Or a very light grey. Can you post your kitchen? It is funny that you mentioned no backsplashes shown with your granite. When I was having difficulty finding a backsplash, I went back to see my inspiration kitchen pictures. (They were white kitchen) Not one had a backsplash! I was so involved in the style and the color of the cabinets, I did not think ahead about the vision of my backsplash. There are a few directions that you can go in, but if you post a picture it is easier for us to help you.
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I think all the bits and pieces you posted look really nice together! The only thing you didn't post was the grey tile. I would pick a warm grey (no blue in it).
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You need to choose your "diva". So far, your counters are the star. If you want a wow backsplash, then go with a solid counter. The glass mosaic is trendy and probably on it's way out. Also it plays better with a contemporary kitchen. You have traditional style cabinets. For fun, look at trends in your area. Go to Zillow or Trulia and look at upscale homes. For example, in my area, these homes all have white kitchens and marble. Not saying that you would do that, but it gives you an idea of what is happening in your area. I would be hard pressed to find a glass mosaic backsplash in a recent build.
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First, cool hanging light fixture :) What do you think of white Shaker cabinetry with concrete counters. I think the copper sink may be hard to decorate around; I can't really tell from the pics how dark the copper is, but if it's deep brown, then I think it'll go with the concrete. As for backsplash, glass subway tile is a nice contemporary look if you'd like to pull in a contemporary element. You could also go with white or pale gray tiles in something like 3 x 12 stack set. Then grout in white. Under cabinet lighting will make the glass tile sparkle if you opt for that. I'd stay away from marble, as much as I love it, because it may be too much of different stone types with the slate floor.
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berardmr
10 years ago
Obviously, the marble would work well with your backsplash (which I love, by the way). Likewise, it would work with your Pebble.

I would avoid a quartz marble-like counter with the natural marble backsplash.

Please keep us posted with photos. I adore your backsplash!
Gooster
10 years ago
The backsplash will contrast nicely with your Pebble. I have just installed a marble backsplash with CS Piatra Grey and it works well, as the medium grey pulls out accents from the backsplash.

I have a bit of bianco carrara in a ledge area and in a table. The island, however, is the same material as the perimeter.

How big is your island? One thing to consider is remnants. I think there is one place in San Jose and Planet Granite (with an online search engine) out in Sac that are slabyards that specialize in remnants. Some of the prefab suppliers also sell island sized pieces, with and without a finished edges.
jmaurry
Original Author
10 years ago
My island will be 72x38, but then I need about 5 extra inches for a 2" mitered edge. So I need a fairly large remnant, most people are telling me that is more like a small slab. Final size I need would be 77x44 ish.

I agree that the marble backsplashes look great with the caesarstone to add some interest and pull out the gray of the counter, so thanks for validating my thoughts there.

It's just this dang island material that is driving me crazy.

I will look into those places you mentioned.

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