Adding Concrete-Look Style With Porcelain Worktops
Ah, the eternal dilemma of kitchen renovations – natural stone or engineered quartz? It’s a debate that can drive even the most seasoned DIYer mad. I recently found myself smack in the middle of this very conundrum while helping my brother Ken and sister-in-law Katie design their dream kitchen for their new custom home in Portland.
You see, Ken and Katie were initially leaning towards engineered quartz, citing their previous frustrations with the etchings and stains that plagued their Carrara marble countertops in their previous traditional-style home. They wanted something durable, easy to maintain, and neutral enough to suit their more contemporary aesthetic. Fair enough, I thought. Quartz is a popular choice for good reason – it’s essentially indestructible and comes in a wide array of modern-looking designs.
But as I dove deeper into the research, I realized there was a whole other, perhaps even more stunning option that could work beautifully in their new “River House” – natural stone. Specifically, a luscious green quartzite that felt as if it had been plucked straight from the nearby forest.
You see, I have this theory (which I’ve held firm on for years) that natural stone is the way to go in more traditional or vintage-inspired homes, while quartz shines in more contemporary abodes. There’s just something about the patina and organic movement of real stone that pairs so seamlessly with the aged charm of an older home. But in a brand new custom build like Ken and Katie’s? I figured quartz would be the safer bet.
Until I saw those emerald green quartzite slabs, that is. Suddenly, I was questioning everything. This kitchen needed a bold design statement, not the safe, neutral look we had originally landed on. And this stunning stone, with its captivating veining and rich, earthy tones, felt like the perfect way to make that statement.
Choosing the Right Stone
After much deliberation (and a few sleepless nights on my part), Ken, Katie, and I decided to take the plunge and go with the quartzite. We headed to the local stone yards, Bedrosian and EleMar, to see the slabs in person and make our final selection.
As I discussed in a previous post, I strongly believe that seeing the actual stone slabs in person is crucial. Those small samples you get at the showroom can be deceiving – the color, movement, and overall vibe of the stone can look vastly different in person.
At the stone yards, we pored over slab after slab, debating the merits of various patterns and tones. Some were too busy, others too muted. But then we laid eyes on those luscious emerald green quartzite slabs, and it was love at first sight. The rich, organic veining felt so perfectly in tune with the “River House” aesthetic we were going for, and the bold color provided just the punch of personality the kitchen needed.
Ken and Katie were initially hesitant about natural stone, but once they saw these beauties in person, they were smitten. The wood tones of the cabinets would complement the stone beautifully, creating a warm, earthy vibe. And the matte, “leathered” finish we opted for would give it an even more rustic, handcrafted feel.
The Benefits of Leathered Quartzite
Speaking of that leathered finish, let’s talk about why we chose to go that route. Quartzite, like many natural stones, can be finished in a few different ways – polished, honed, or leathered.
Polished quartzite offers a shiny, mirror-like surface that’s undeniably glamorous. But it also shows every single water spot, fingerprint, and smudge. Not ideal for a busy kitchen. Honed quartzite, on the other hand, has a more matte appearance and is a bit more forgiving of those types of blemishes.
But we ultimately landed on the leathered finish because it combines the best of both worlds. The textured, soft-to-the-touch surface hides a multitude of sins, while still maintaining that gorgeous, natural stone look and feel. Caesarstone describes their leathered finish as “a natural, soft and velvety appearance” – and that’s exactly the vibe we were going for.
Plus, the leathered finish is incredibly durable. It’s essentially a result of sandblasting the stone, which creates a highly scratch-resistant surface. Our stone fabricator assured us that the leathered quartzite would be essentially impervious to etching and staining, even with our family’s notorious cooking habits.
Embracing the Patina
Of course, one of the main reasons Ken and Katie were hesitant about natural stone in the first place was their experience with the Carrara marble in their previous home. They loved the look, but hated the way it showed every single little mark and discoloration.
But here’s the thing about natural stone – the patina is part of the charm. As I mentioned in my ultimate countertop guide, I actually prefer the aged, lived-in look of natural stone in more traditional or vintage-inspired homes. It just feels so much more authentic and charming to me than the pristine, flawless finish of engineered quartz.
And let’s be real – no matter what material you choose, your kitchen countertops are going to show some signs of wear and tear over time. Even our beloved quartz in the mountain house has a few dings and scratches here and there. The key is embracing that patina and imperfection rather than fighting it.
Plus, with the leathered finish, those small blemishes and discolorations will be far less noticeable than on a polished surface. It’s the best of both worlds – the natural beauty and movement of quartzite, with a finish that’s incredibly durable and forgiving.
The Unexpected Twist
Now, I have to admit – this whole saga wasn’t without its fair share of twists and turns. Just when we thought we had everything figured out, a new design dilemma presented itself.
You see, earlier in the process, we had selected a simple white backsplash tile that we all loved. But as the kitchen design continued to evolve, I started to worry that the combination of the white tile, the white oak cabinets, and the gray/black engineered stone we had originally chosen was just…too neutral. The kitchen needed a bit more oomph, a touch of unexpected color to really make it sing.
Enter the emerald green quartzite. Once we landed on that stunning stone, I knew it was exactly what the kitchen needed to tie everything together and give it that “wow” factor. But it also meant we had to rethink the backsplash. The simple white tile we had selected just wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
After much debate (and a few more sleepless nights on my part), we ultimately decided to scrap the original backsplash plan and go with a more textured, artisanal tile that would complement the quartzite beautifully. It was a big, bold move, but I firmly believe it was the right call. The green stone is the true showstopper, and the backsplash simply serves to enhance its natural beauty.
The Final Result
And let me tell you, the end result is nothing short of stunning. That leathered quartzite absolutely steals the show, with its rich, earthy tones and captivating veining. It’s the perfect marriage of organic and industrial, seamlessly blending the “River House” aesthetic with the more modern bones of the home.
The wood cabinets provide a warm, grounding contrast, while the textured backsplash tile adds another layer of visual interest. It’s a kitchen that feels simultaneously timeless and completely fresh, a space that will only grow more beautiful with time and use.
I’m so thrilled we took the leap and went with natural stone for this abc-home.co.uk kitchen. Sure, it may require a bit more maintenance than engineered quartz, but the payoff in terms of sheer beauty and authenticity is more than worth it. And with the leathered finish, I have no doubt this quartzite will hold up beautifully for years to come.
So if you’re torn between natural and engineered stone for your own kitchen renovation, I’d encourage you to follow your heart. Visit those local stone yards, see the slabs in person, and see if a stunning natural stone like quartzite doesn’t just steal your breath away. It may require a bit more care, but the rewards are truly unmatched.
