cpartist...curious, why do you say don't mix the 2 stones?

And I just read an article claiming that natural stone is the next big trend. You can find articles that claim just about everything is "in" or "out," and you'll make yourself crazy trying to listen to them all.

I wouldn’t worry about the blue in the Tempest dictating your color scheme. It basically has the same colors as the stone (at least from what I see in the pictures). The warm is predominant in the stone and the blue in the Tempest. There may be a few colors you wouldn’t want as main ones for decorating (thinking orange or red maybe), but those wouldn’t necessarily blend well with the fireplace stone either.

cpartist...curious, why do you say don't mix the 2 stones?

Because that I believe would be too much with your other choices. This way you have the stone of the fireplace and the stone on the counter. Plus with the metal on the fireplace that will truly be your star. Your counters will be the supporting actor.

I recently read an article re: granite beng dated and too busy.. especially for people under 40...so I worry about dating my house! I know, I know ... I shouldn't concern myself with such things! I do know that these stones will mellow horizontally, but in comparison to what seems to be in favor these days, they seem busy!

Well then that makes my kitchen dated.

In reality, if you make your house a cohesive whole so it works together, then it won't be dated.

I don't know if you saw the thread I started two weeks ago about trends? In that thread lots of folks posted their gorgeous kitchens. One person has had the same kitchen for over 15 years now and it looks as fresh today as it probably did 15 years ago. The reason is she didn't try and do what was trendy. she did what she liked and what worked for HER house.

You guys are so helpful and wise with your words! I can't thank you enough! Hoping Beth H weighs in further on this discussion as well!

Tempest!!

Filipe Custom Woodwork - Tempest over Perla, which was your earlier choice? Take a peek at this poll posting that I did - shows more of the space that I am working with...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5740346/kitchen-countertop-saga-continues-tell-me-which-one-you-like

Jeri, Both tempest and perla would look nice. To choose?

Ask yourself why you might prefer one's FUNCTION over the other (+ versus -)

Tempest - a busy pattern and will camouflage food spillage that occurs with meal prep (splashes/ drips / chopped bits).

Perla- has a subdued pattern. It is less busy and will enable you to see what needs wiping--up.

Now from a personal observation, I hate sticky countertops. I want to see where a spill is, so it can be clearned quickly and easily. My preference is for a counter top that is less busy that allows me to see where spot cleaning is needed.

Now to address the notion that a pattern will be less busy when it is horizontal--- lol

It doesn't matter if it is horizontal or vertical, as it is the same pattern and you will see the pattern as you look down onto the countertop.

Yes. In this new version you have I prefer Tempest in color and pattern.

The Perla is nice too and now my second choice.

I love the pattern on both and think they will not compete with the cabinets.

Based on what I have seen in your Medium Brown cabinets they are distressed creating a busier door pattern. The two I like look unique versus the Azul whose pattern is a little more common in my opinion. I love veining.

Thank you for your thoughts, Filipe. I love veining as well, just want whatever I close to stand the test of time! Famous last words! As for the cabinets, I actually removed the distressing that is on that sample. My door style is also a bit more simple. Wanted a clean aesthetic.

You found amazingly beautiful stones! I don't think you could go wrong. I really love the Perla Venata, but the Tempest may be my favorite for your space, and the Nero is quite cool as well.

You'll never be able to choose if you keep finding such beautiful options! Still partial to the Azul because it conjures up mountains for me, but I love all your choices for different reasons.

I'd love to read the thread on trends that was mentioned above by cpartist, but can't find it :(

catlisel...lol, I know! Too many stones, too little time! Thx for your input, means a lot!

I, too, couldn't find the post on trends that she mentioned, would love too see it!

You welcome, but my opinion is the same with the simpler door and standard finish on your cabinetry. Honestly everything dates. It is when you choose material that matches the period of your home and neutrals that you have a little more mileage over time. Overall I love the look so far..

cpartist’s thread:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5717017/why-do-all-the-kitchens-look-the-same#n=619

D N .... thanks!!

When it was Azul vs. Perla, Perla was my first choice. But now Tempest is my first choice! You have to stop now; no more stone yards for you! I love how the orangy-brown veining of the Tempest goes with the orangy-brown stone in your fireplace surround. And, the bluish-grey colors in Tempest goes with the grey colors in your fireplace surround. Only you can tell if it's too blue or too busy, but I don't think it's either. On my monitor it looks more French grey which is really beautiful. That blue-grey color looks so pretty with stained wood like you are planning. That color combination reminds me of some of the beautiful Colorado pottery my parents, and we have collected over the years that have such nice blue and brown glazes.

I am totally biased because my favorite colors are orange and blue, combined with neutral elements such as greige/leaning beige paint, greige/leaning grey and cream or brown leather upholstery, and area rugs that help tie the rooms together. Blue and orange are on opposite sides of the color wheel, and work very well together. If you use bright versions of orange and blue, it looks like a child's room or a pool house, but if you use more subdued tones, these colors combine very nicely.

I think you found the one, IMHO.

AJCN ... thank you again for your thoughtful look into what I am doing. I can drive myself nuts.. a perfectionist and overthinker, such a waste of time! That Tempest knows how to cast a spell on people.... she's a clever one! you are correct....more of a stormy blue grey for sure.

AJCN ... Did you see my poll posting here:
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5740346/kitchen-countertop-saga-continues-tell-me-which-one-you-like

Do yourself a favor. Choose one. Now after you've chosen it, are you regretting not choosing the other one? That will tell you which is the one for you.

cpartist.... oooph!

Ha! I'm not even going to open that poll.

If you can pull the trigger, you will feel so much better. All this angst will be behind you and you can move on with the rest of your choices.

AJCN...LOL! Come on...it'll be fun! ;^)

Don't make me fly to Denver, rent a car, drive to your house and force you to pick a slab!

LMAO! My husband would kindly pay for your trip and thank you profusely!

I'll be there in September, November, March, June, and August. So if you ssstttiiilll haven't picked a slab by then, I'll come pick a Tempest slab for you. And then you can leave all this angst behind you and move on to the rest of you choices.

I'm not a pro, but I did completely handle the remodel of my Dad's Breckenridge house. Gotta pick the "hard" surfaces first such as stone countertops, fireplace stone, floors. Everything else follows.

I'll let you know.... Bahaha!
We are are Winter Park. Lived in Breckenridge many many years ago, out in Blue River.
If I get the Tempest and hate it, I'll bring it to your Dad's house!

Agreed

Holy cow, the Tempest is GORGEOUS! It goes well with the fire place stone, your cabinets, floors, and will really compliment the surrounding mountains/trees/natural granite of the area.

Jeri,,the Tempest will be perfect. it won't be too blue and the golds will play off the wood and other stone. Remember, it will be lying flat, and cut. plus, you can always do warm lighting to throw some yellow on it if you think it's too blue. (but it won't be. It's perfect) stop looking! I mean, look at this! why would you look for anything else? It's stunning next to your cabinet doors. (please let me help you choose a backsplash once it's in!)

only pic I could find of it on a countertop.

I had never seen this stone until you posted, so I looked it up. omg. it's so beautiful. many different variations, but wow!

just out of curiosity, what's the approx sq footage cost? over $100 a sq ft?

these first two are called Tempest Crystal. I think they're in your area too (Fort Collins?)

It's Tuesday. I have 4 kids. They've got wrestling, cross county practice, swimming, SAT courses. Come on. I don't want to leave them, but I will drive to Winter Park and pick Tempest for you. Don't over-think this. Just pick. All of the rest of your choices will be easier after you finalize this choice. Your home is going to be so beautful if you will just trust your gut and jump off that cliff.

Hi Beth, was hoping to hear from you! Thx for popping in on the conversation again. It is stunning isn't it! I have seen some called Tempest Blue but not Tempest Gold. Love that you found a couple images online. Where in Ft Collins did you see those stones you posted? As for backsplash...deal! Obviously I need a lot of help!!

Beth...I don't have a cost yet, yikes, eh? BUT it is a level 6 at a place that goes up to 7, exotic, and super exotic. I will for sure be on top of the cuts....I'm a touch anal, lol.

this is the place I saw one of the slabs. they're in denver, fort collins and grand junction

http://www.graniteimports.net/products/quartzite-slabs

don't feel bad. I just purchased this Calacatta slab. even w/my good guy pricing, I still gasped

Oooo, that's a great slab too...for you or client? Splurge here, skrimp there! Whatever it takes!

Focus

Hilarious!

You have the answer right in front of you.

So I hear! Funny thing is, that is not the slab I have on hold! That is 16, I have 18-21 held, going to view actuals on Thursday...how different can they be?!?... Isn't it midnight in Houston!?!

I'm going to need therapy after this. OP, the answer is right in front of you. Pick the stone you like best and move on with your other choices.

AJCN

I love the slabs you are looking at. Beth is great at this and has very good taste and knows her color schemes!

I too like the tempest with the stone and cabinet choice but it has what you like best. Just because we all think it looks great does not mean you love it. Maybe you do need to look at more. Look at all of Beth's beautiful pictures. You want to be sure and you should LOVE your choice. I just went through this myself and this house we are building will most likely be my last (scary thought) so I understand where you are coming from. Get the stone that you jump at immediately and love.

Maybe Beth and AJCN can fly out and come with you :)

Can't wait to see the final product. I love all of your choices! Good luck with your TEMPEST selection!!

Jeri, its for me! I'm in the middle of a total kitchen remodel, so I feel your pain!

mine was slab#9 (out of 20 or something). I made him take out one from the middle of that pack, and the last one. so I could compare. He said they were all sliced from the same block, so there shouldn't be that much of a difference. Yours might be the same. Now I have to go pick another number!

TEMPEST ALL THE WAY!!!! blows the other competitors out of the water....!!!!!!

seriously, i don't think you can make a better selection... matches beautifully with everything you are doing.... gives a perfect contrast to the FP stone, looks great with cabs.... GO FOR IT!!!!!

Any update and pics of the end result? we are putting in tempest this winter and still looking for backsplash tiles.

@HU-864925622

You can view almost final picture in this thread... It's a long one but there are a lot of pictures at the end. In the end, I absolutely LOVE my kitchen and this stone!

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5868444/help-new-cabinets-and-quartzite-look-terrible-together

@HU-864925622

You can view almost final picture in this thread... It's a long one but there are a lot of pictures at the end. In the end, I absolutely LOVE my kitchen and this stone!

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5868444/help-new-cabinets-and-quartzite-look-terrible-together

@HU-864925622

You can view almost final picture in this thread... It's a long one but there are a lot of pictures at the end. In the end, I absolutely LOVE my kitchen and this stone!

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5868444/help-new-cabinets-and-quartzite-look-terrible-together