Yesterday I shared the current state of our kitchen. Today I want to share with you our initial plans for the updates {prior to actually having any bids on supplies/product/labor so things are bound to change} and some Carrara marble alternatives.
First off, I want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone that took the time to comment on this post. I read all of the links and opinions provided and they are all so appreciated! It is definitely helping me to narrow down what I am looking for.
Over the weekend, we did a little countertop shopping. I originally said I wanted a Carrara marble alternative. However, much of what we found that was a close look-alike had a much grayer-toned background than what I had initially envisioned {I don’t think I realized just how gray the marble was in real life}. And for those of you that assume Carrara alternatives are more cost effective than the real-deal: think again. Quartz {which is the majority of alternatives out there} is actually more expensive that the real thing – BUT you get to avoid the etching, staining, etc. that comes with natural marble.
I’m leaning towards a Carrara-like surface with more white {but similar movement and gray veining like Carrara if that makes sense}. Hunting down Carrara alternatives in Omaha also proved challenging because many of these products are newer in these colors, and haven’t yet hit our market. However, after a long day of searching, we found the following options at Midland Marble & Granite.
We limited our selection down to these two options – Silestone Bianco River and Caesarstone Frosty Carrina {these are samples photographed in our kitchen, with our current island color in the background – you can see just how creamy our counters are currently}:
We are leaning towards the Caesarstone Frosty Carrina at this point. I like the whitish background and the more natural, flowy gray veining throughout {it is a little more pronounced in real life than this photo suggests}. We’re waiting on bids for the two above surfaces for us to make our final decision.
As far as the island goes, we’re wanting to take it from black to gray. I haven’t decided if I want a deeper gray or a lighter gray. A part of me even wants it to go white along with the other cabinets {but my husband is adamant he wants a gray island}. Here are some inspiration photos for kitchens and island colors I love:
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Going with a Carrara alternative for countertops, I’ve determined the backsplash will be white {I feel like Carrara might make the countertops look like an obvious fake}. I think I’ve narrowed it down to a beveled subway {regular size}, non-beveled smaller subway, small Moroccan pattern {like we had in our last kitchen} or a larger Moroccan pattern. I also liked options with a herringbone pattern but my husband vetoed those immediately. The grout will be a light gray regardless of the tile options selected – I prefer less contrast on the grout lines. These are all tile samples from Lowe’s in the photo below. Once we pick an option, I will need to shop around for the “correct” white based on what looks best with the counters and gray and white paint colors we pick. I also included the countertop samples {the Frosty Carrina in the upper left, the Bianco River mid-right}. I didn’t take this photo until last night, so the differences in white seem to be more obvious with the lighting.
Which backsplash is your favorite? We’re kind of leaning towards what we had before – because we love it and its different. But I have also always loved subways and they are a true classic.
Lots of decisions to make and bids to receive. Hopefully if all goes according to plan we can get started later this spring!
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cant wait to see what you decide 🙂 btw…we used London Gray in our recent reno and LOVE it. we also used 3 x 6 white subway tile by Daltile in a herringbone pattern for the backsplash. definitely look at overstock for tile…I’ve seen some pretty and affordable marble tiles and also the morrocan looking tiles like in your picture above…
Beautiful choices, it will all look fabulous. Hugs, Marty
There are so many alternatives to carrara now 🙂 Nice options! xo Kristin
Love everything you have picked out. It is going to look so pretty!
I like the idea of a light gray island. I think it will tie in nicely to the grout too. I prefer the traditional/timeless subway tile. Although the quatrefoil-like tile is a neat option as well, maybe just a little more trendy. You have great taste though, so trust your gut
I’m in the middle of a kitchen facelift. Cabinets are all primed and color will start going on tomorrow. I’m going with a white on the uppers and dark gray on the lowers. I originally wanted a lighter gray like in many of your pics, but it didn’t look quite right in my kitchen. Anyway! i was going to say I picked up all the same backsplash choices you did. I wanted so bad for the Moroccan to work but it was just a bit too busy with my granite (which I can’t change). I ended up choosing the smaller subway tile, but I think any of the ones you have chosen will look wonderful with the white!
Read Maria Killam’s blog “Colour Me Happy” about exactly what you are doing and thus believe Subway Tile will be the best choice. I like the lighter gray. Good luck!
i’m going for the same look with my kitchen countertops. another to consider might be silestone lagoon. and a very new option from lg viatera is minuet. i was too scared to pick that one because i couldn’t find any pictures of it used in real kitchens. i think it is being released in march.
Girl, I’m going through the same thing! I picked out a fake Carrera too for my kitchen reno and I have some of those same inspiration photos! Great picks.
Hugs,
Jamie
Love, love, love it all! Literally all of the design ideas I have for our kitchen remodel this year! And looks like we have the same dining room chairs, so I’m feeling really good about my style right now. 😉 I was also leaning towards a herringbone back splash but kind of worried it’ll seem like a fad 20 years from now so maybe your hubs is right (but don’t tell him!). I think you can’t go wrong with the subway or Moroccan tiles, but there’s something so feminine and dramatic about the Moroccan tile lines! I think that’s the way to go. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you go with!
I went with the London gray on island and counters with SW Dove white cabinets. I used a subway pale gray Ann Sacks. I love the whole look it’s so classic. Subway is just timeless
HI!
Can you tell me what the two types of arabesque tiles are? I like that they’re simpler than most. -Melissa
The were both from Lowe’s – so I don’t have any other info. But I do believe they still carry them in stock. I hope that helps!