I've had Hi-Macs countertops for about a decade. I bought it because I liked the pattern (dark with speckles). It gets these milky-white stains that I can't get rid of (have tried every chemical suggested for Hi-Macs) and nothing gets rid of it. I have tried contacting the manufacturer: I think they're out of business. I have not been able to get a callback from anybody who says they refinish countertops. Ideas?

Karen, accessible beige would look awesome. Would love to see it finished if you do end up using the Prado. Prado absolutely has the warmth and brown in the vein, with some gray too. Plus, the Prado looks way more natural IMO to all the other Quartz. If you like the look of the Prado, you should also look into Vadara Quartz if it’s available near you. Vadara will be a little more $ probably. But they’re my fav manufacturer, about 75% of their colors are also extremely natural looking. Not so much of that stark artificial white, but more of a milky marble looking style. Look up Sereno Gold or Calacatta Oro. Those would also look fantastic with the beige paint. 😊

I was having issues posting from my phone so now I'm on my laptop and for some reason under a different user name. Anyway, thank you all for your input. I was able to get a rendering from my KD with the saddle stain. The countertop is not that color though - we will be going with Calacatta Miraggio Gold quartz which is much whiter and should brighten it up more. Haven't made the final decisions on backsplash but will definitely be in the white variety. We're also putting in four recessed LED lights and most likely a pendant over the sink - still thinking on that part, but there will be light over the sink. Below is a better picture of the floor sample with Saddle and Barley. I'm still thinking Saddle is the obvious choice, but what about Barley for the uppers? I'd still leave the base cabinets and the cabinets surrounding the oven and refrigerator saddle since they meet with the floor. If not Barley, maybe Shortbread? I don't have a sample, but below is from Kraftmaid's site. I've also posted the Saddle and Barley for reference since colors can look different in different light. I've never been a fan of the two-tone in the past, but I think that is because most of them are white on top and to me it just looks a little unfinished. No judgement against anyone who has done this - I'm the same way about white cars. I have issues, I know. Anyway, the two-tone is growing on me - probably from seeing so much of it on this site. I don't know anyone personally who has done the two tone so it's a newer concept to me. I've tried searching this site for inspiration photos, but most of them are a mix of painted and stained cabinets or have just the island a different stain. My kitchen is small and we do not have an island. Does the two-tone work better with larger kitchens? Or does it not work well with two kinds of stain? If anyone has any pictures of a kitchen with dark wood stained lowers and and a light wood stained uppers would you mind posting? I'd like to get an idea how it would look in real life. I know I can ask my KD to re-color the rendering, but real life pictures are always better IMO. Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated - even if you think I'm off my rocker for even considering this!

I have Silestone Eternal and really like it. The marble look quartz from reputable companies hold up well. be very careful w/chinese knock-offs as they often use more resin. check out MSI Calacatta Laza. it's a very nice looking quartz that works in all sorts of kitchens. Mitered edge: The mirragio is very 'bland' compared to the laza. If you want to do a patterned backsplash or something besides white cabs and white subway tile, then go w/this one. white on white on white. pretty but so overdone. This is what a chinese-made knockoff looks like