Ooo have a look at this [article[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/how-much-does-a-kitchen-benchtop-cost-stsetivw-vs~53547096), but I like the "Frosty Carrina" - nice subtle colour flecks.

Thanks taeganerin, that was a useful article. I definitely want to go for an engineered quartz benchtop weighing up all the factors, I did want to go for a porcelain one, but I couldn't find good colours that I liked. Yes, the Frosty Carrina is appealing, but I was actually wondering whether the markings were so subtle that it could just look a little "dirty"! Anyway, I am sure any 3 of them would like good when installed!

They are all great choices, but there appears to be more definition of vein in the smartstone and caesarstone options. The smartstone version carrara is perhaps more defined in its veining and may contrast better with the black appliances and with other added elements, such as timber or copper. Smartstone is used a lot by the leading kitchen manufacturers and I have personally used it and it is easy to look after. Can the companies do a 3D render to show you how it will look in your kitchen design? I would also think about what sort of pendant lights or linear lighting you will be having above the island before making any stone choices. If the splashback is mirrored that will add to the visible pattern potentially through reflection. The island is quite long and it will make a statement just by its size, but if you want to have more black accents in bar stools etc, then it may help you decide on how subtle or not so subtle a pattern you need. I know I haven't answered the question for you, but these are other things that need consideration ie lighting, furniture choices, paint colours, sofa colours and textures ie the whole scheme look will help you decide on individual elements.

Thanks Clipboard designs, that is very helpful. I think I am leaning towards the Smartstone Carrara, just trying to track down a couple more showrooms displaying it, very useful tips re the lighting and splashback too - thanks

Hi rebjmoore75, glad I could help and best of luck with it all. Great shortlist you have and enjoy your new kitchen too!

Hi rebjmoore75, may I asked which stone you selected in the end? Many thanks

Hi Criz2181, I actually ended up going with the Quantum Quartz Carrara. I finally got the Smartstone sample (they have just changed their Carrara) and glad I waited before ordering because it was a bit grey based for what we wanted. The Frosty Carrina was close however they were a bit more $ to start with and then while we deciding they put up their prices another 10%. Quantum Quartz is a nice look and also saved a bit of $, always nice!

Hi Catherine, our cupboards are white "Dulux Lexicon". I actually don't particularly like that white now but it seemed to go best with the benchtop and black accents (taps, sink etc) at the time that I had to choose. I think grey would look good as long as it matched the greys in your stone. I have a whole wall of cabinetry including overhead cupboards so thought a colour might be too much. Good luck!

ReBJmoore75 do you have photos of your kitchen you would mind sharing? It sounds lovely and I too am planning black taps, a carrara looking counter and white cabinets. Thanks so much!

Thank you so much rebjmoore75 it looks beautiful!!!! I prefer the subtlety of the carrara compared to other "marble" looks. I have had a hard time finding many examples of QQ Carrara, so thank you. And Lexicon keeps coming up as an option for cabinets so it is nice to see the two together. Your sink and faucet are gorgeous! We too have picked a black faucet but have a stainless steel sink selected (although now I want to change and find a black one too!). Thanks again :)

Oh excellent, thank you, it looks lovely! I have been to many of the suppliers but QQ is too far away for me with a screaming baby in the car and they won't mail me samples! Once I choose a stone mason I will view them in person because I hear even with Quartz each slab can be a little different. I was thinking maybe Lexicon quarter...warmed up a bit...but I'm not sure. Thanks for the warning, I do have time on my side so I might go get some sample pots and see what actually looks ok with our lighting.

Thank you!

love the frosty carrara

Hi rebjmoore75 I love you cupboards! Could you tell me how wide the shaker border is? Is it 50mm? Many thanks :)

This thread has been very helpful to me, especially the photos from rebjmoore75 as we are in the process of renovating our kitchen and our favourite choices are the exact ones you were choosing from and we're having a hard time choosing colours for the backsplash, cupboards and floor tiles. We have a small (squarish) kitchen so we need to stay light, I think. I was thinking of a very light grey for the cupboards/drawers.