Well, there are several that try, although none of them really look like marble. They're nice patterns, though, if you can accept them on their own terms. Caesarstone Misty Carrera, Silestone Bianco River, and there's a new Cambria called Torquay that looks promising, although I don't know anyone who's seen a real sample of that yet.

I have a Restoration Hardware vanity with their honed carrera marble top. So far, no stains, but I do not use much of any products in there that might stain. The crate said that the top has been sealed. You definitely want to seal marble. I would imagine that some more harsh products (like hair color, etc) would certain stain marble. You also need to worry about etching, which is (as I understand) caused by products that are not pH balanced (certain cleaners, etc). As a result, I specifically selected some hand soap that is pH balanced. When installing a new mirror a few weeks back, I was wearing a new pair of dark denim shorts. Leaning over the vanity, I ended up rubbing off a LOT of blue dye onto the marble top. I was very concerned that the stain might be permanent, but it wiped off with just water on a rag. Overall I am really pleased with the look of the vanity and have not had any problems (with staining or etching). The vanity is stunning, especially the marble top. I intend to continue to be careful with the marble and hope for the best, although I know at some point I will likely get a stain or etching.

Thanks so much for the comments everyone. We are still about a month out from starting but I will definitely post pics of the finished project. A local tile store (apex in parsipanny nj) loaned me a sample to keep at home for a bit. We contemplated doing a marble island but with two young boys just decided it wasn't a smart option for us. Although I know a backsplash can also stain (we will seal it) I'm ok with taking that risk. Thanks for raising the point about installation. I will definitely check with my contractor. Thanks again for all the great feedback!

I saw this episode too, and was wondering about the process. I noticed she chose a polished finish, and I would only have chosen a matte finish for that beautiful marble. As EAM44 said, the process will prevent staining, not etching, and the polished finish will show etching more. Having said that, I loved the comment from the professional chef Michael Symon. This same episode showed his home kitchen space that was empty and mocked-up with his planned cabinets and layout. He is installing Carrera marble in his kitchen (and a 60" Bluestar range BTW). He said he loved the lived-in look of marble he saw in kitchens in Italy with stains and marks and chips, and welcomed them for the marble in his own home. Great point of view! As to the comments about the homeowner's kitchen budget in this episode - I would bet she received a discount on the marble because the fabricator will get its name on the show which is fantastic advertising.