Quartz and stone could not be more different. That you are considering both tells me you don’t have inspiration images! You want a “timeless” classic white kitchen. Google them and see what looks you like. Consider soapstone and Danby marble.

Material aside, go with the lighter color.

Thank you for the info! I have been looking and seem to keep going back to the white countertops, but I love that dark gray piece as well. Two completely different looks! LOL

Jenny Black Sotelo

Do you have a small countertop unconnected -- totally apart -- from the rest of your kitchen cabinets that you are going to use for food prep?

A countertop space you will use for something other than food prep? Perhaps something between kitchen and dining?

Perhaps for a built in buffet in your dining area?

Perhaps as a place for your coffee maker -- maybe ith shelves overhead and with hooks hanging from the bottom of the shelves for cups?

Perhaps a place for your microwave above it?

Do you have an old cabinet or table that needs a replacement top?

Such places could have a totally different countertop.

Good idea! My kitchen is very small

Makes sense! Thank you!!

White is "timeless" -- black may become timeless but, no, seems to be more of a fad (at least to me ... but I'm not a pro.).

If you're not set on choosing stone (granite, marble), consider Corian for your countertops.

My current countertops are formica so major upgrade for me. I really want quartz but will check out corian.

I don't think any counter is truly timeless; choosing something neutral that coordinates with cabinets you like is a good way to go. I like solid white counters, or black soapstone, those are somewhat timeless. Of your two options, I think the bottom (granite) is more appealing to me, partly I just don't care for that very popular white/gray marbling look -- it seems like a trendy thing to me. I don't love or hate granite in general, but I do like some more than others. My concern for your granite is that it really doesn't have a warm element to it. It's pretty, but might grow tiresome and feel cold. Also I find granite looks kind of busy already and I prefer a kitchen with a calm quiet feeling...but that again a personal choice rather than a "timeless" one.

I found my OWN version of timeless by looking at old kitchens/interiors from decades ago and identifying which elements I could tolerate if I had to live with them today. IDK if that actually translates to true timeless. At our house, I think the POs remodeled to a kitchen they loved and it lasted them the rest of their lives. But to me it's very dated looking. It's highly functional, but I wouldn't consider it timeless.

It seems like you're taking your kitchen from a very warm-toned space to something pretty opposite. Does a middle ground exist? Maybe the counter could fill that role.

I'd consider these options to offer a reasonably timeless overall appeal:

https://www.cambriausa.com/quartz-colors/#!/design/White%20Cliff

https://www.cambriausa.com/quartz-colors/#!/design/Carrick

https://www.cambriausa.com/quartz-colors/#!/design/Kentucky%20Coal

https://www.cambriausa.com/quartz-colors/#!/design/Blackpool%20Matte

Timeless? Marble - been used for thousands of years. Quartz is a new-ish sort of plastic/stone blend - no idea if it will stand the test of time.

@melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/ Your comment seems to really hit the nail on the head for me! Pretty much exactly how I feel. I am afraid of the "fad" of the gray marble look, but also afraid the dark will grow cold to me over time. Thanks for all of your input, I really appreciate it! I do feel like I am leaning towards a white countertop vs a dark :)

I think there are kitchens where the marble does look timeless and seem appropriate, but there are many MORE times where it's used and just seems trendy or ostentatious. Good luck with your decision!

eam44 suggested that you look for kitchens you like and notice the counter choices to help you decide. I think that's great advice! eam44 has given me great advice about some of the issues in my kitchen as well, which was spot on.

Marble isn’t really “timeless“—that is, in the way it’s used in kitchens today. While marble has been used in cooking areas “for a thousand years” to paraphrase a comment above, it was used in small blocks, like the size needed to roll out dough, or break down a chicken or other butchering. The rest of the kitchens’ counters for centuries have been tiled and/or wood. The acres of marble seen in today’s kitchens are quite new.

Timeless is soapstone or butcher block. Get those if you are sincere in your request for timeless. I personally love my granite counters. They are easy-care (which is priceless) and beautiful. The granite colors and patterns seen today are not the speckled ones of 20 years ago. And if mine goes out of style in 20 years, shrug. I am sure my cabinets and most certainly my appliances will have seen their day even sooner.

Pick something you love. I agree that white will be on it's way out soon.

My counter tops make me smile every time I look at them. That is what you should aim for.

The nice thing about small kitchens (and yours looks very pleasant) is that you can afford a bit better quality for the counters and cabinets. I think white cabinets _are_ timeless combined with real stone - eam’s suggestion of soapstone or Danby marble would look beautiful. You could set those materials aside as probable choices and concentrate on what you want for the cabinet layout. I suspect the lack of a feeling of timelessness in kitchens is dependent on two parts 1) use of artificial materials that place the room in a particular decade ( I’m guessing that will happen with quartz) and 2) the lack of any custom fitting. If you go with all standard cabinet dimensions the kitchen will feel like a contractor’s special. Consider designing some of the cabinets to serve your particular needs - baking, preserving, etc. If you can focus on having a kitchen tailor fit for you the end result will be satisfying, and it will feel timeless because it will really serve you. That said, I’m going to say that functionally I don’t love microwaves over stoves because their fans are usually terrible. Could it find a different home in your new kitchen?

@jad2design Thank you for the ideas! I haven't really thought about moving things around in the kitchen, that is something to think about!!

I am also gutting my 25 year old kitchen for a new "timeless" one. I'm getting white cabinets and Danby Marble. I also love Soapstone. In my opinion, quartz is a "trend" that will be out in the next 10 years. Corian was in when I did my kitchen. While still in use, I wouldn't use it again. I think almost all the quartz that looks like marble has a very fake look to it. It has no depth. Carrara marble is actually less expensive than quartz, but you do have to deal with the etching (which doesn't bother me). If I wasn't getting marble, I'd get soapstone.

@Design Girl Thank you! I had never heard of soapstone lol. So I am looking into it now :)

ive had the same Corian Glacier White coutertiary now fir over 35 years. I consider them “timeless” the way a great white shirt is, I still love them and they still look great!

I like Corian, and do you know that Corian makes a lot of "whites" now?

You might think about too too much white though. All white cabinets and all white counters and all white paint might be a bit too much white, unless you want to paint your island and have some nice colored accessories or natural accents like beautiful cutting boards, baskets, etc.

Soapstone is marvelous too, and you can get a piece with more or less veining according to your preference.

And did you know that soapstone comes in green?

@loobab Thanks! I will look into corian! I've thought about painting the island for a pop of color! I like the idea of the natural accents!!

@suezbell I love the idea of extending the island! It is so small!! Thank you!!