Honed will definately give you a softer, lower contrast look. Since you have honed marble in your kitchen, I am sure that you are aware of the upkeep. This upkeep is true for both honed and polished marbles. They both need to be sealed approximately once a year, and they both can be stained somewhat easily. You should not let spilled make-up, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc sit on the surface for a lengthy amount of time. You run the risk of the marble staining, AND, if you go with a polished finish, etching, too. Etching is when the polish comes off, creating a dull spot on the countertop. Generally, we hone our marbles so that etching is not even a concern.

I am not sure of these colours and where they are from but I have got a sample here in the images. You don't say how big the area this will be... I would tend to go with a light colour up against the jarrah floors...it looks stunning....dark...will tend to close the room in. Romano or Icelandia would be my choice. Romano you can pick up a colour from this and accessorise with it and Icelandia will go with anything...Hope this helps...take care..Robyn

A home I worked on recently had travertine tiles everywhere! It looked amazing and they complimented it with cedar wood doors. It's not the same as your dilemma but it confirms that the timber look and travertine work well together. I don't have professional pictures at this stage because the house is in furnishing. But I know that it looks amazing!

Hi nancynik, While polished concrete is right on trend now, amongst other things, you should consider; 1. Your styling aesthetic - whether concrete suits how you plan to furnish and decorate. 2. Your future in the home - is it a long term home and if so will polished concrete suit your taste in the future? 3. The style of your new home and the rest of the finishes both inside and outside your home. 4. Where you live and your lifestyle. There's many more points that need to be considered prior to making a decision this big. You might consider getting advice for the entire finishes selections. The right person will ask the right questions to provide you with a cohesive scheme for your new home. Hope this helps. Enjoy your new home!