Which Quartz - choosing between 2

[ComfortFoodCorner]

Hi,

Which Quartz for light Cashmere kitchen? Attached 2 pictures..I applied Kashmiri chilly powder and Turmeric, the worst staining masala, and they both came off after 12 hours (with baking soda and vinegar).

My flooring would be white Carrara Gold tiling, and brilliant white walls.. the granite pattern looked good instead of the plain white quartz with tiny nerves here and there. But I couldn't find good image in internet to see how the final look would be. I don't want it to be too overpowering, as the kitchen countertop(peninsula model) will be used for dining as well. On the other hand, going for the plain design, I'm not sure if it all look too dull.... What do you think?

White marble effect with small broken nerves

Granite effect quartz, white base.

Have you got a picture of your flooring? I prefer the plainer one

I prefer the first one, which is very similar to what we have. The second one is a bit busy and swirly.

The first one is like ours and I think it looks crisp and clean. The other is a bit busy for my taste. I can also confirm it doesn't stain.

@minipie thank you for your response.

Attached picture of the flooring(big tile), both the quartz cutting, and the smallest piece is the cashmere gloss kitchen cabinet.

Hmm with marble look floor and marble look worktop that’s a lot of marble look!! Will be dazzling in the sun.

Personally I would choose the marble look quartz but change the floor to something more neutral, will be a lot easier to keep looking clean and also less bathroomy

I originally loved this Sensa granite, high polished. The whole time I had this in mind and as it has the slight pinkish tone, it would go well with the cashmere kitchen. But after going to the quartz shop, I was talked down from it like "it's granite, so not as stain resistant as quartz... And water would seep through it etc". But with the high gloss effect, I can't imagine water getting into, plus, don't think it would be harder to clean. It's few hundred pounds costlier than the quartz but this look and feel I loved the best.

Are granites really hard to maintain? Could you share your thoughts please...

Personally I prefer the consistency and simplicity of the first worktop with the tile but I really suck at visualisation, although not wildly dissimilar to a picture I've attached. The second picture has a more concrete effect tile so not sure how useful it will be. Is it a dark or light space?

I am also trying to decide between quartz worktops, and I'm between the 3 calacatta Silestone ranges (wish it wasn't branded but can't find a cheaper non brand that is quite so sharp looking), one of which is the picture shared by @LittleOverWhelmed

Be warned though, if you move from Cararra style marble to Calacatta style the price jumps considerably. It is Silestones most expensive price group.

I used to have black granite worktops and they were absolutely bomb proof. Certainly no water seeping through!! I don’t know about staining though as they were dark so guess any stains wouldn’t have shown up.

I would say go with what you love. We chose marble over quartz, even though it’s high maintenance, because we love it. No regrets.

I don’t think that sensa granite will go with the marble look floor though...

Of the two you originally posted I prefer the first. The second one is nice, but too busy for me.

We had black granite (unpolished) it showed every single speck of anything. Even water. Never Ever Again.

I prefer the first too. The second is too dark and could overpower the whole kitchen I think.

Can I ask what the first one is please?

@muststopeating Classic Quartz do a cheaper calacatta gold than Silestone

I much prefer the plainer carrara, the granite is too much of a distracting swirly of a pattern to my eyes

Muststopeating

May I ask which Silestone worktop you chose in the end. Trying to choose for my new kitchen.

@LindaDawn We finally went for calacatta style Quartz, similar to the pic shared by LittleOverWhelmed. Silestone went too over the budget for us. I will share the pic once I figure out how to reduce the file size of it.

Thanks. I have still to choose. Will go with a Silestone quartz as that is what Howden sells. I understand there are new shades being offered shortly.

I think you are drawn to more interest - your favourite granite is quite bold. The first one is the "sensible" choice...but I think you should go for one of the others.

I've had granite, it was absolutely fine.

We've just fitted a white sparkle quartz - but it's paired with a purple kitchen. Go for what you love and what inspires you.

Attached pic of the calacatta quartz we went for finally ..