Hey, barncatz: Every word of consolation and support helps. I'm trying not to rush the BS decision, but I know I'll feel much better about the countertop experience once I'm not staring at these sliver add-ons. One of my very early inspirations was Majra's kitchen. She, just like pipdog, used the mosaics for a lovely effect. And this is why I spent so much time last year looking at mosaics. But the mosaics seem a bit too busy (for me) up close. The rest of my kitchen is a work in progress. Lotsa 9-1/2' walls that will need to be painted again (probably a cool white -- the next challenge!), and a ton of natural light coming in. Baseboards, pantry door and trim are all semi-gloss white, and ceiling is white. Kitchen is open to the family room: taupe walls with a white fireplace/mantel -- white trim throughout the entire house. pippiep: Matching grout it is, then! One decision down. :) I've marked out the areas that will require BS tile. As you can see, it's not very expansive, and each one not very large. So, I need to find the correct scale/dimension tile that will look right in these spaces. I think using larger (3x6) tiles in a herringbone pattern will leave me with a bunch of chopped up squares in the bartop and cutout window areas. At least with the newest elongated hex pattern, most of the hexes will be retained.

Hello again everyone! I was so appreciative of everyone’s advice and wanted to circle back to provide an update. We decided to take a chance and replace the quartzite- and we are so much happier with the new result. They cut two pieces instead of three and did them in order from one slab (per the plan- pretty clear they were trying to only use two of our three slabs). I will say the one seam does drive me nuts, but thanks to all of you, I know it is necessary. Lucky, thanks so much for the advice about using something to hide a seam. Again, thank you so very much for all of the responses.

@ericval Hi, I've had mine for a year now and it still looks new. It doesn't stain, no rings, etc. It is a very durable stone. I used a matte white rectangle tile set on the diagonal. However, I tried it with many gray tiles, but we went with white because of the hood I chose. Here is an old, bad, photo, but you can't really make out the backsplash. I'll try to take another later today which shows the backsplash and the quartzite better.

Additionally, the counters are leathered, I have 3 kids, I cook all the time no issues until this!