I used Bracho Marble & Granite in Newark. I got 3 estimates and they were the cheapest by a fair amount and also Da Vinci Marble, where I got my marble, recommended them. But I will say this, if you want to specify how to template the slab, make sure they mark front and back. One of my pieces ended up backwards, which I actually liked better, but still, be very specific how you want it laid out. Oh, also, Henry got me a discount on the stone even though I had chosen and had a deposit on it already. I can't remember how much I paid, I will find out tomorrow and let you know. Marble install was one of the most exciting days of my life, ok, well, you know, you get a little TKO when you spend any time here on GW.

After re-reading...yes, your fabricator is at fault too if they did not give any $ to the stone yard to hold it or have it delivered sooner and hold it for you at their shop. You might want to find another fabricator as well, unless they really make amends and go out of their way. Another word of caution we learned the hard way....if there is any leftover stone you may want to use in a powder room, etc....keep it in your garage! Our fabricator sold our remnant from the kitchen we were planning to use in the powder room. They came out, measured, everything...about 2 hours before I was going to OK the template..they called that they couldnt find it..even though they had previously said they had it. Fortunately we found a remnant at another fabricator's, which was sheer luck because I don't think it is a common stone.

I think the granite looks great: very classic and a big improvement over the tile! I'd definitely look into undercabinet lights. Before, the white counters reflected the ceiling light back up under the cabinets. The dark granite holds onto the light and makes the undercabinet areas a little cave-like. Lighting will make a big difference. I think the previous suggestions are excellent: painting the wall in the kitchen, along with finding some colorful accessories. I had a small galley kitchen similar to this one, and I was amazed at the difference a bright blue rag rug and a few blue dishtowels over the stove handle made.

I agree you should check out Sea Pearl, Costa Esmerelda, or Taj Mahal. Also Madre Perle. Be sure to go look at a stoneyard, and remember different lots of stone can look quite different. You might also see something that really knocks your socks off. You can't really tell from the little samples, you need to see the slabs. Remember that you will probably see the slabs vertical, but that the pattern is a little different when it's horizontal. Good luck hunting.