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Marble color advice please

14 years ago

I can't decide on (many many things including but not limited to) marble. And I'm not even at the specifics yet--I'm having trouble with white or green. Here is the approximate floorplan for the uninitiated:

The cabinets are white, the main countertops are stainless steel, and the area labeled #3 in the lower diagram is the counter material in question. It's a lower height baking area and we're considering white (Carrara, Calacatta, etc.) or dark green serpentine (Verde Guatemala type). A chunk will also go as a full backsplash on the stove wall and stubby 'splash on the sink wall (but the baking counter spills into the window and doesn't have a backsplash at all).

The floor, pending spousal not-hating-it is dark slightly mottled grey (yes, I am chickening out on the crazy floor choices) and the walls a nice light pistachio green. Or similar.

So, is it OK to have white on white on a small bit of odd-height counter? Or will it look like a big white box? Do I need the contrast of the green? And would the dark green be too dark for all that backsplash (all 83 inches of it!)? Or do I need to go look at less intense serpentines? Or non-white marbles?

Any advice is, as always, appreciated. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

marthavila
14 years ago
Hi Fori,

I think it's totally fine to have white on white for the baking counter, especially if you're looking to use that same material for the backsplash behind the stove and sink. And, just to add a bit more grist for the decision mill -- have you considered Danby marble? Especially when honed, it has the rep for being one of the best marbles for kitchen use; supposedly has a lower absorption rate than most granites. Plus, it's a home product -- comes right out of Vermont! Check out the link below for images of white Danby marbles that have either gray or green veining . . . or both!

Here is a link that might be useful: Danby Marble
rubyfig
14 years ago
Just a note that etches on white marble will show less than etches on dark marble. Not an issue on the backsplash, but something to consider for the countertop.
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Fori
Original Author
14 years ago
Aww gee Martha! You know they have that nice serpentine on that page too!

I'll certainly look into the Danby stuff if I can find it out here. Some very nice options, although I'm going to put it in the "white" category at the moment. I should confess I'm nervous about matching a stone with a white body to white cabinets. I assume you want it different, but not off, but...um...I'm not sure I'm capable of that sort of matching.

Good advice on the etching, Ruby. The serpentine doesn't etch, but it does scratch--I should try to get a honed sample and see how scratches show on that. Marble would definitely need to be honed--we are pretty hard on things and a head start on the patina would be helpful.
marthavila
14 years ago
Yeah, Fori, I knew that serpentine would likely get your attention! :-) Just so you know, I saw 2 different kitchens on a house tour last year that had white cabs with white marble c-tops and stainless appliances. As soon as I saw them, I swooned. Next, I had momentary regrets for not having chosen white marble for my tops instead of soapstone. Gorgeous combo! I figured I could satisfy some of my white marble envy by installing a honed Imperial Danby marble top for my little bistro table. Well, I love it! And, I'm pretty hard on things too. I've had my table top for about 2 months or so by now. There are no stains, and if I've etched it, I have yet to see the evidence.
rhome410
14 years ago
I vote for the white...So nice with the white cabs and the stainless counters. Classy and a lovely blend with the rest, and I'd prefer not to have the dark chunks and short backsplash strip in your smallish room. The white lets you do whatever you want with accent colors or accessories, as it has personality, but not a demanding one.

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