We have LivingStone counters in the "Volcanic Ash" color and an integrated Corian brand sink (LS doesn't offer a single bowl sink so we went w/Corian in order to have a single bowl sink). LS feels identical to Corian and I understand it to be an identical product with a good warranty and identical care but far fewer color options. Our counters/sink are only a little over a year old but I LOVE them--nothing has stained (at least nothing that a little bleach won't take care of) and they feel/look great. Integrated sink is the most wonderful design ever. LS counters are great, low maintenance counters with what we felt were the most pros (all counter options have pros and cons and you have to make a decision that will suit you and your lifestyle the best).

We are still waiting for the sink we ordered, unfortunately (one that we found thanks to the people on this forum) :-( I totally understand that the splurge comment. If we were doing everything at once we wouldn't be able to do this, but this project has been in the works for many years! I told my husband that it has to completed this year, or else, lol. You will love your beautiful piece of Fusion no matter what you decide. Bye the way, we have been living with a mix of real stone and Formica for several years, and no one has ever noticed or commented on it.

I’ve seen the Silestone Calacatta Gold in several “I hate my quartz” threads, and I agree. It’s not attractive installed. It looks like a child’s drawing of marble, lots of huge fake veins that never line up and look stripy. There’s an active thread on this right now, I believe. The Viatera Muse and Minuet I have heard less about, meaning there may be fewer complaint threads on them. They certainly look more subtle. The key to choosing the right backsplash for these types of counters depends a bit on the color of your cabinets. Are they white or wood?

It shouldn't be necessary. Microwaves have been used on countertops since they were invented. I have mine on a lacquered wood shelf (part of the cabinet, basically) and there is no damage. I could see using something under it to contain messes if you are in a messy household.