White kitchens always look fresh, bright, and stylish, whether you prefer a classic or modern design. A great way to create this clean and timeless look is by choosing a white countertop. It works beautifully no matter how much white you use in the rest of the space.

Traditionally, many people chose to use white marble for their kitchens. This is problematic, however, as white marble has a tendency to stain and show etch marks. White granite also shows similar results. Therefore, the best way to achieve the look and style of a white kitchen is to use white quartz countertops instead.

WHY QUARTZ

Many kitchen design magazines and Pinterest pages show off beautiful kitchens with white marble counters. They often feature Bianco Carrara, a traditional Italian marble, that has a soft white/gray background and deeper gray vein that calls luxury, wealth, and high fashion to mind.

But marble is a soft, metamorphic stone made primarily of calcite. The surface of the marble is made of up thousands of tiny holes that render the stone porous, even when it’s been polished to a high sheen. It can absorb liquids such as spilled wine or grease from a pizza, leaving permanent stains that will stand out against the white background. Calcite can also be harmed by acids, such as spilled lemon juice or a dropped tomato, resulting in dull spots on the surface of the counter.

Quartz countertops are available in many of the same colors and vein patterns of marble but without the excessive upkeep. Quartz countertops are made of roughly 90 – 93% quartz mixed with a resin. This means that they’re non-porous and won’t absorb liquids that can stain. They’re also impervious to acids and won’t etch or dull over time.

THE MANY STYLES OF QUARTZ

There are many types of white marbles and granites to choose from, each with its own unique look. Some are bright white, like Thassos, while others have beautiful gold veins, like Calacatta. White quartz countertops also come in a variety of white shades and patterns, offering the same elegant look but with the added benefits of durability and easier maintenance.

For contemporary kitchens, a true, bright white like Royale Blanc can give you a clean, minimalist appearance for your home. This pure white quartz has a very sleek surface appearance, so whether you pair with white cabinets or with one of the newer, bold-colored cabinets, there’s no veining or secondary color to distract from your design.

Traditional kitchens need a softer look to really look their best. Whites that have a slightly grayer background or that aren’t quite as bright can give you the look you’re after, without competing with the rest of the room’s design. Consider a counter like Campina, which has a softer look and a more subtle vein that is just discernible from the background. This softer-colored stone will look beautiful paired with a deep, mahogany colored cabinet to lighten the room, or with a white, painted cabinet to create a more monochromatic look.

WHITE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS DESIGN IDEAS

White quartz countertops are as versatile as they are beautiful. They can be used in numerous styles of kitchens or bathrooms, and in many areas of the home. Check out these 7 design ideas for inspiration.

1. White Quartz Countertops With White Cabinets

Islands add function and space to a room. They also automatically become the focal point in any room they’re added to. In this room, the white quartz counter complements the clean white cabinets, while the gray vein picks up the color of the island for a cohesive look.

2. Waterfall Statement

Slab countertops offer many design possibilities, like adding a waterfall counter to the island. In this kitchen, the white quartz countertop contrasts beautifully with the dark espresso-colored cabinets. This creates a striking look, making the island stand out and giving the space a modern feel.

3. White Stone Countertops

The only color in this kitchen design comes from the blue island the warmth of the wood floor. This white on white makes those two colors stand out while creating a clean, sleek look. The gray veins in the counter add just enough color to keep the room from becoming too sterile.

4. Clean White Sink Top

The beauty of a white quartz counter isn’t just reserved for the kitchen; it can make an elegant statement in the bathroom as well. White bathrooms have always been in style, and a white slab counter with white porcelain sinks will always have appeal.

5. Classic Appeal
In a classic kitchen, white marble is often chosen for its elegant look. This white quartz countertop, with its subtle grey veins, offers a similar style. The veins in the quartz match the kitchen island and complement the colors in the rest of the room, creating a seamless flow of color between spaces.

 6. Brilliantly Light

It’s becoming increasingly common to add a small counter area for entertaining in many kitchens. This one simultaneously blends in and stands out with a white counter surrounded by white cabinets and backsplash. The under cabinet lighting makes the counter shine, which draws the eye.

7. Texture Contrast

The grain of these cabinets creates many horizontal lines that are picked up by the backsplash and the direction of the wood floor. This many linear marks makes the kitchen too severe on their own. The soft, varied veining of the white quartz countertop softens the entire look. Now the kitchen feels more approachable, as well as beautiful.

UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN WITH WHITE QUARTZ

White quartz countertops come in a wide range of different styles, shades, and vein patterns. They can be bright white or soft, have sparkle, or a taupe undertone. And no matter which color you choose for your kitchen, they are all durable, low maintenance, and much easier to care for long-term than either marble or granite.