Usually a slab backsplash will be from the same material as the perimeter counters. Using the marble as a backsplash with quartz counters isn't a cohesive look, plus there's too much disparity in the whites so it's a definite miss in color and luminosity of the stones. Have you considered soapstone on the island since you mention black hardware and the marble on the perimeter plus backsplash? Or make it simpler for yourself and do one countertop and splash material for all.

Agree above unless a lot more disparity in color. And i would stick to natural materials, or man made. Not both.

What is the concern with all marble. Other than a scorch behind the cook?

I feel like I've seen it here before and it's gorgeous - I just think that your particular quartz is too creamy compared to the marble (which is stunning). I'd find a whiter quartz.

For a nice plain white quartz look at Cambria White Cliff.

Big no.

No, I dont think that would be a good look. Would look like you did the kitchen two times, and couldnt match the ones you had. All countertops alike.

One or the other ( but personally, I wouldn’t do marble, based uopn my experience, but many are okay with it’s inevitable imperfections ). It’s beautiful though.

Thanks to all for the comments! It looks like the consensus is to go with one or the other, not both.

Soapstone is gorgeous, but I think it will bring a darker/moodier look then I already have (though I do like dark and moody!)

I'll definitely check out the Cambria White Cliff Quartz, thanks for the recommendation!

I'm not hesitant about marble, but my husband is, and with all the naysaing, I thought I'd at least consider trying to be a little more practical, but it looks like I'm veering off the tracks of design sense :p

I'm fairly easy-going, and I'm in the camp that views etching, staining and chipping as patina - though oxidation not so much, but I think I can handle sealing twice a year (am I crazy to be so casual, or maybe I'm missing something? Let me know!)

At the end of the day, the marble options made my heart flutter, and then seeing the quartz afterwards was underwhelming, though quartz is by no means off the table - it might still be the best option to bring in the light and brightness our kitchen needs.

We also looked at Quartzite, which is beautiful, but still not the way marble is, and then seeing that White Carrara is on the lower end costwise (lower then some of the Quartz options) and Quartzite being higher ...

The cost of Calacatta Gold is so outrageous I almost regret asking, but I appreciate them entertaining the dream! So Calacatta Miele is the sweet spot, though I may have to forego the backsplash (adding the dilemma of what tile to pair it with). But I suppose there's also the question of whether an affordable marble will pair with warm wood cabinets. I may need to start a new post, but since we're here ;)

Marble (Blue Undertone) Paired with Warm Wood Cabinets (Orange) - Yay or Nay?

Oh, and I think I may have found an example of a marble island w/ matching backsplash with white quartz countertops that I think looks quite nice, albeit, it's defo not the kitchen I'm working with (I won't be subjecting anyone to a pic of mine anytime soon!)

Anyway, I appreciate the honest feedback, even in opposition to my own thoughts/opinions - many thanks!

@mgd6on - I am getting marble installed - I'm SO tired of everyone saying I'm crazy for doing it but I love it and just couldn't let it go.Quartz felt soulless to me. I chose an Olympian White Danby Marble from Vermont. How much are your marbles? I love what you picked with the walnut. I'm doing white perimeter cabinets (my kitchen gets v little light) with walnut accents - walnut floating shelves, walnut back of the only upper cabinet, etc.

Never seen a scorched marble backsplash in any house we have visited in Italy and all have marble for counters and backsplash . I never like a mix of fake plastic stone and real stone

So is it a terrible idea to have Carrara Marble (honed) or Calacatta Miele installed for the kitchen island and full backsplash, with white Quartz for the perimeters (given that the "whites" are not the same)?

Yes, terrible idea.

- I don't personally like the mismatched trend, as it looks like you bought part of your kitchen from a Habitat for Humanity resale store, but it is a trend that a lot of people like.

- If you disagree and want mismatched items, the colors you choose need to be "far apart" enough that they look like they were intentional. Two too-similar colors (in this case two whites) will look like you tried to match the items and failed.

- If you want mismatched items, the pieces all need to be of equal quality. Marble and quartz just don't look alike; the quartz will come out looking cheap-o.

acm, I love your cabinets and what you've done to complement them - it looks beautiful! Thanks for the inspirational photos!

I'm on board with Sally T. - there's something so special about marble - I say go for it! The Calacatta Miele was quoted for $150 per sqft., but the White Carrara is $85 per sqft. Arctic White Quartz is $75 per sqft, and the Calacatta Gold was quoted at $315 per sqft (!) Of note, I live in a metropolitan area, so it could be a factor in pricing.

Theresa, I'm conceding to the guidance that I need to pick one or the other, and as Patricia pointed out, there's marble throughout Italy (and Europe), and it's managed to survive centuries ... I know there's such a strong response for marble being a bad idea, but it doesn't add up for me - I'm definitely leaning in the direction of going with the marble for all of it. Again, thanks to everyone for the feedback!

@mgd6on - that seems like a *great* price for White Carrara (Italy?). I'm paying $110/sq ft for my Olympian White Danby Marble. I'm in metro Boston area.

The thing about marble is that if it gets stained etc. you *can* reseal it! I really can't wait. My install is about 6 weeks away but I can post pics for you - or you can DM me.

The White Carrara seems to be readily available, maybe their pushing to unload, but they recommended I can visit their vendors if I was looking for a different slab. The slab they quoted is posted above, and I'm assuming it's from Italy, but I did wonder if it's busier than a more premium slab. I don't know my marbles too well, so much research left to be done. 6 weeks will be right around the corner, I'm excited for you - can't wait to see the pics!

@mgd6on - my friend has Carrara and your slab looks very similar. It is beautiful!!!

Here is my slab which has just as much veining

Here is my slab which has just as much veining

Oh wow, that is gorgeous! Yours has just enough white - I’m hoping to find something similar!