I think white would be a nice contrast. I've attached a link to a GW member's (kellienoelle) kitchen that used Delicatus granite & a classic white backsplash. Here is a link that might be useful: Kellienoelle's Dark Cherry & Delicatus Reveal This post was edited by romy718 on Fri, Mar 14, 14 at 21:46

I think Stephanie brings up a good point. She LOVES grey. If you love gray (and I mean not because it's the in color right now but you've always been drawn to shades of gray) then I say go for it. Especially if you have no plans of moving in the next 10 years. However if you are choosing the gray because it's what is being seen all around (like in RH which started the trend), and you've become "accustomed" to it, sort of like in the 60's we became accustomed to nehru suits and avocado green appliances, then I'd say go instead with something more neutral and bring in the grays in the other areas. Also, it may be the photo, but Stephanie's floors have a hint of gray but look more like a natural floor than one that was stained with gray. Beautiful kitchen btw!

Heatheron40, very nice. I asked a question about doing a tile countertop in our guest cabin recently as I feel like the look would complement the cabin aesthetic. Also I’m dying to learn to tile and thought it would be a fun place to start as it’s not an everyday space and I could take my time. Most of the responses were against. Basically stating the grout would make me crazy. The guy at the said what you’re saying I think, he said that modern grouts are more resistant to staining and such, and also to go with a tinted grout of some sort. I love your use of pattern to give it interest and intention!

I just saw this quartzite the other day at the stone yard. Looks like this is the same one. If you get this for the island, then do the perimeter as well. I think if you try and do something different, but still white, it's going to look off. (unless you do a plain white quartz) . Do a quartz that looks like marble, is not going to work, IMO. They are just two different looks. Do them all the same, or do a dark, solid contrast. Now, if you wanted to do a soapstone, I'd say fine. that would actually look nice. look at this pic to get an idea (different island, but same premise). it's not going to make things look dark if you went w/a soapstone or even a honed Jet Mist granite. Cielo is a quartzite that you may want to consider as well. this one is leathered.