Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question. Will you be in this house for a long time? You will be spending a lot of time staring at your granite. Break down the extra cost as a per-day cost for the time you plan to be in the house. Is it the same as a McDonald's dinner every day.....a soft drink from a machine.....etc. $1.00 a day for 10 years is $3650. You may find it really easy to justify the extra cost when you look at it that way. For me....the extra cost is worth it if the budget permits. It's like natural art on your counter tops.

I'm going for it on a soapstone I love so please know I'm not a woman of restraint. That said... GO FOR IT!

Thanks ccoombs1. I agree that only I can justify the extra cost.

I guess what I want to know is what other people think of the granite and whether it will look good in a "Tuscan" kitchen.

I forgot to mention something important - it has a Brushed finish.

It's beautiful - it reminds me of a galaxy. I think the metal backsplash is perfect with it too. I am still in the planning stages and probably won't use granite due to cost restraints, but I think it is well worth the cost if you can make it work within your budget.

It's beautiful, and so very different--if you love it, can swing it, and it won't break the bank, I say go for it. Our granite still makes us smile when we walk into our kitchen 3 1/2 yrs post-reno.

I don't like dark countertops or a Tuscan theme, so take my opinion for what it's worth to you. I wouldn't like it in my kitchen. But I'm looking at granite myself and considering spending more than I wanted to on Bianco Antico because everytime I see it my heart skips a beat.

If YOU like it and can fit it in the budget, then do it!

I think it is gorgeous and very unique - galaxy describes it well. However when you say 'Tuscan' I think you should make sure this countertop fits in with your overall finished vision.

I have something quite similar and really like it. In my new home, I will have soapstone, but in this one I needed something to go with the cabinets I had, and mine worked perfectly. It hides a lot, but I do have to wipe it down after I go over it with a wet rag to clean. Not a big deal in my book.

Is this the last element you are choosing? If so, and your budget will survive, then go for it.
If it will force other choices due to lack of money, then you may want to rethink it. "Thousands" more is not a minor number.
I don't know your financial situation, but only you would know if not getting it or getting it would be a bigger regret.

How much do you like your next in line choice? Did you ask if they ever have anything similar that costs less? Have you shopped out other prices? I'd try negotiating the price down some. Explain how much you like it, but that it is just a bit out of reach. You may find the price can be adjusted. You can also try if paying in cash makes any difference.

If you have done all your homework and this still is the one, then you can proceed without another thought. We all have our splurges and hopefully those are balanced by money saved here and there. Just see if there is somewhere else you can trim as that is the safest way to justify.

Onscreen it reads as much more formal and modern in feeling than casual or Tuscan. Although, glazed white cabinets aren't really Tuscan either, for what that's worth. If you redefine your mission statement as streamlined traditional, which is what your pictured choices fall towards, and omit the cabinet glaze, I think the granite could work well as long as the door style isn't overly ornate. If your mission statement is still Tuscan, you need to reevaluate your other design elements with that in mind.

Live wire oak - Thanks for your design help. I guess I'm a little confused about what is and isn't Tuscan.... I want to have some Italian art (wine, olives, etc) and I love tumbled tile backsplashes. I have been wavering between whether to have my cabinets glazed or not. My doors are raised panel trim doors. Not ornate, but not shaker style either. What do you recommend for a countertop if I stay with a Tuscan theme?

Hmmmm. When someone says 'Tuscan', I get the mental image of a warm palate of colors.

Seeing this slab does not evoke warm, sienna, gold-colored hills at sunset in the Tuscany region...which I've had the good fortune of seeing with my own eyes - not just in a picture.

But with that said, this looks to be a beautiful slab and it is probably more so in person.

Fiscally, I think it is wise to set a budget and stick with it. If you want to make this slab your focal point of the kitchen, then find other areas that you can cut-back on but easily upgrade at a later date when finances permit.

I ditto Dianalo's comments also.

Pepper
~ Life is a balance between the heart and head. : )