The 8 Most Popular Warm-Toned Quartz & Quartzite Countertops
While white quartz countertops are still in style for many of today’s homeowners, a new wave of countertops is on the horizon.
That’s right, with paint trends leaning warmer, I’m also seeing a LOT of demand for countertops that lean to the WARM side of things vs. the white and gray trend of the last 5-10 years.
And if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – you do you. If you aren’t concerned with trends or resale, pick whatever floats yer lil boat. However, if you’re hankering for something WARMER and potentially even more FLEXIBLE than the top countertops of previous years, I’ve got some beauties for you.
A FEW IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS…
Before we get this party started, there are a few important things to remember…
- The countertops listed below are for inspirational purposes. Please remember to visit your local supplier to see what the slabs look like in person.
- Whereas quartz is more consistent, there can be QUITE a bit of variation in quartzite slabs as they’re a NATURAL product (and MUST be sealed/maintained).
- I love sharing approachable designs, so I only use photos from my E-Design clients and local projects.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARTZ & QUARTZITE?
When looking for a new countertop, the choice is often between NATURAL and HUMAN-MADE. And this is the big difference between quartzite and quartz – quartzite is natural, whereas quartz is a MIX of natural (approx. 90-95%) and human-made (5-10%).
Natural products like quartzite (and marble/granite) require a degree of maintenance, whereas a quality quartz countertop requires none.
As it relates to looks, quartz offers a more predictable, more planned-out pattern. On the other hand, because quartzite is natural, every slab is unique, although most have similar colorways.
Remember, because quartzite is a natural product, there WILL be variation between slabs. Please, apply the tips and ideas below as general guidance to your chosen slab to see what works best!
1. TAJ MAHAL QUARTZITE
Taj Mahal is one of my FAVOURITE quartzite countertops. While it has a beautiful warm base, it’s not OVERLY beige or tan. It also has a moderate amount of veining – not too boring, but not overwhelming either.
As with ANY natural product, you will find variations between slabs. And while some Taj Mahal slabs can politely nod at a soft white cabinet color, many prefer a slightly darker, more off-white color partner.
As shown below, the Taj Mahal is also gorgeous with natural wood cabinets…
If you’re looking for a countertop that’s a bit friendlier towards white cabinets, keep on reading.
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR TAJ MAHAL
- SOFT MUTED WARM WHITES, although they can be a bit more of a stretch depending on the depth of your slab
- SOME VERY MUTED TAN paint colors, depending on the slab
- SOME MUTED BEIGE paint colors, again, slab dependent (no strong orange-pink undertones)
- VERY MUTED CREAM/TAN hybrids
- DARKER GREIGE paint colors
2. BRITTANICA WARM by CAMBRIA
I love Brittanica Warm so much that I chose it for the kitchen countertop for our home!
In my search for the perfect quartz countertop, I wanted a flexible one – suiting today’s trends while flexing towards future trends.
How does Brittanica Warm do this?
Brittanica Warm has a soft, warm, off-white base, warm gray veining, and even a bit of taupe-beige mixed in. In short, a countertop like this is likely to withstand trends as it can flex towards the slightly warmer or stormier, cooler end as well.
See the WHOLE SPACE HERE
And while there is Brittanica Gold, which has MORE warmth in it, it’s not as popular with the masses due to its HEAVY, higher-contrast veining.
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH BRITTANICA WARM
- SOFT SUBTLE warm whites
- WARM GRAY paint colors with a subtle green undertone
- DARKER GREIGE paint colors
- LIGHT GREIGE/TAUPE paint colors
- some OFF-WHITE BEIGE paint colors
3. SILESTONE CALACATTA GOLD
While Calacatta Gold parks itself in the ‘white quartz with gray veining’ category (i.e., intended to look like marble), because it has a gorgeous rusty orange veining it, it has a bit more flexibility than some of its slightly cooler cousins. This is true, ESPECIALLY as it relates to coordinating with some of the finishes from the early 2000s (Tuscan trend).
Along with that veining, you’ll find a warm gray with a violet undertone and a softer taupe with a violet-pink undertone. I know these undertones can sound scary, but they’re quite normal and beautiful for a countertop like this (a lot of people just see them as ‘gray’ veins, I’m just breaking it down a bit more for you).
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH CALACATTA GOLD
- SOFT, NOT OVERLY WARM WHITES
- WARM GRAY paint colors with a violet undertone
- TAUPE PAINT COLOURS
- maybe the odd, subtle SHADE OF BEIGE
4. TAJ ROYALE by CAESARSTONE
Taj Royal is bound to be a popular quartz in the coming years. With a soft, muted, warm base and more subtle veining compared to Taj Mahal and Perla Venata, it offers an interesting but more CONSISTENT look.
Comparing Taj Royal to Taj Mahal, Taj Royal will be more stain resistant because it’s not a natural product – it’s quartz. Being quartzite and natural, Taj Mahal is more likely to stain. Also, because Taj Royal is a small percentage of human-made, the pattern is more consistent/reliable.
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR TAJ ROYAL
- SOFT MUTED BEIGE paint colors, although it can humor some of the slightly more saturated ones
- DARKER GREIGE paint colors
- warm whites are often a bit too yellow to be partnered directly with Taj Royal
5. WHITE MACAUBUS QUARTZITE
Ooooo, this one is a stunner. White Macaubus is a quartzite countertop that bridges the warm and cool worlds, committing more to the ‘greige/taupe’ end of things.
You can find a considerable difference between slabs, with some leaning into a softer off-white backdrop like this one below, while others pick up on a soft white with gray/greige veining.
Island colour: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR WHITE MACAUBUS
- SOFT & SUBTLE GREIGE paint colors in the lighter range (VERY minimal green undertone; borderline taupe)
- DARK GREIGE paint colors
- SOFT WHITES that aren’t overly yellow/creamy
6. PERLA VENATA QUARTZITE
Perla Venata has a relatively WIDE range of neutrals, ranging from soft off-white ivory to greige, tan, beige, and gray. Depending on the slab you choose, your countertop might favor beige (warmth) or greige/tan, or even pick up some ivory/cream hues.
If you’re worried that Taj Mahal or Taj Royal won’t humor your warm white cabinets, Perla Venata tends to have more flexibility towards the whiter, brighter end of things.
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR PERLA VENATA
You’ll find that Perla Venata is LESS inclined to humor shades of gray and happier in the following worlds…
- WARM OFF-WHITES
- MUTED & MORE MODERN LOOKIN BEIGES & TANS (depending on your slab)
- CONSIDERABLY WARM SHADES OF GREIGE (very mild green undertone)
- SOME WARM WHITES
7. IRONSBRIDGE BY CAMBRIA
Ironsbridge is DEFINITELY one of my favorite warmer-toned quartz countertops. With a more subtle approach compared to the likes of Taj Mahal and Perla Venta, Ironsbridge is a great way to get visual interest without it dominating the room.
HOWEVER, while it has a subtle, soft warmth, it’s LESS inclined towards beige, tan, and cream and more friendly towards soft greige/taupe paint colors.
See the FULL HOME REMODEL & COLOUR DETAILS
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR IRONSBRIDGE
Ironsbridge is a warm quartz countertop that’s not AS inclined towards beige (or cream). Here are some of its preferred colors…
- OFF-WHITES in the greige/taupe end of things
- SOME WARM WHITES, as long as they aren’t overly yellow/cream
- light depth GREIGE/TAUPE paint colors
Is Beige BACK? Is Beige TRENDY?
8. MONTEREY BY OMNIA
Monterey is another favorite of mine, which is why I chose it for our new lake home. I was looking for a versatile quartz with a soft white base and warm greige and beige veining. A countertop like this can nod politely at the warm gray end of things (especially with a green undertone) while humoring the coming warm trends.
Walls: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White, Trim: Sherwin Williams Pure White
THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH MONTEREY
- WARM SOFT WHITES
- considerably MUTED BEIGE paint colors
- some EARTH-TONES such as gray-blue blends
A FEW MORE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS WORTH CHECKING OUT
- DOLCE by VIATERA (Pinterest image HERE as the website photo is a hot mess)
- ETHEREAL GLOW by SILESTONE (Pinterest image HERE)
- CALACATTA MIRAGGIO GOLD by MSI (HERE)
PEOPLE ALSO ASK…
And, of course, there are questions I get asked all the time, some of which I can answer right here for you!
WHAT’S MORE EXPENSIVE, QUARTZ OR QUARTZITE?
While it can depend on the brand of quartz countertop you buy, with Cambria being one of the more expensive brands, quartzite is generally more expensive than quartz.
WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR QUARTZITE COUNTERTOP?
Taj Mahal is known to be one of the top quartzite countertops due to its subtle warmth and versatility.
WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR QUARTZ COUNTERTOP?
Calacatta Maximus is a HUGELY popular quartz countertop, intending to mimic marble with a white base and gray veining. Next year, ask this same question, and we could look at something warmer!
WHAT’S TRENDING IN QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?
Quartz countertops that mimic the look of marble are still popular. These countertops primarily have a white background with gray veining.
In my Online Consulting work, I’m seeing a slow shift to some of these warmer countertops, as some homeowners are tiring of the white-on-white-on-white kitchen.
ARE GRAY QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS IN STYLE?
While gray quartz has been reasonably trendy in previous years, there’s a subtle shift into warmer palettes, including soft off-white quartz and warmer quartzite countertops like Taj Mahal.
READ MORE
Quartz vs. Granite – What’s The Best Countertop for YOUR Home?
The Best Bougie Laminate Countertops: Budget-Friendly & Beautiful!
6 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets White
How to Jazz Up a Subway Tile Backsplash
The 5 Types of White Paint Colours
How to Update Older Style Granite Countertops
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Chat soon,
