Choosing the Right Countertops: Real-Life Inspiration from 3 Stunning Projects Using MSI Surfaces

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, countertops are one of the most impactful decisions you'll make. They take up significant visual real estate, need to withstand daily wear and tear, and can set the tone for your entire space. But let’s be honest—browsing samples online or looking at a small swatch in a showroom can only go so far. The best way to get a feel for a material? See it in real-life installations.

That’s why today, we’re highlighting three of our recent kitchen projects that showcase some of our favorite countertop surfaces from MSI Surfaces. Each of these materials brings something unique to the table (literally), and we’ve chosen them time and time again for their beauty, durability, and versatility.

Let’s dive into the details:

Taj Mahal Quartzite island and extended up the backsplash add elegance and warmth to this kitchen

Taj Mahal Quartzite – Natural Beauty, Subtle Drama, Serious Strength

Quartzite might be one of the most underrated countertop materials out there, and Taj Mahal Quartzite proves exactly why it deserves more love.

This natural stone features a soft white background with delicate golden-beige veining that adds just the right amount of movement and warmth. It’s a perfect match for neutral, earthy kitchens or those going for a soft luxury feel.

What makes Taj Mahal stand out (besides its good looks) is its strength. As a natural quartzite, it’s harder than granite and incredibly resistant to scratches and heat. It's ideal for busy households who don’t want to compromise on style or durability. We love using it in kitchens where natural light can highlight the gentle veining—it absolutely glows in the right lighting.

Extending the countertop material up the backsplash, while often pricier than some backsplash options, makes such a huge impact in the overall impact of the kitchen

Calacatta Idillio Quartz island and countertops complimented by Portmore White 4x4 Glossy Ceramic Tile from Tile Bar

Calacatta Idillio™ Quartz – A Modern Classic with Warm & Cool Balance

If you're dreaming of a countertop that captures the drama of natural marble without the upkeep, Calacatta Idillio™ Quartz is a showstopper.

In this project, we used Idillio to create a kitchen that feels both modern and timeless. The slab features thick, cool gray veining with rich, warm brown accents that trace the perimeter of the pattern. It’s the kind of detail that creates movement and interest—without feeling too busy. One of the things we love most is its ability to bring balance to a space, seamlessly tying together warm wood tones and cooler cabinetry or hardware.

The interplay of thick and thin veins gives the countertop a natural, organic look that adds elegance without overpowering the design. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants the visual impact of marble with all the practical perks of quartz.

Calacatta Laza waterfall island, countertops, and extended up as the backsplash

Calacatta Laza Quartz – Bold, Bright, and Beautifully Versatile

If we had to name one quartz that clients fall in love with again and again, it would be Calacatta Laza. This surface brings the luxe, high-end look of natural marble—complete with flowing veins and soft movement—without the maintenance headaches.

With its crisp white background and soft grey veining, Calacatta Laza works beautifully in both modern and traditional spaces. In a recent project, we used it for a waterfall island that became the centerpiece of the entire kitchen. It added a sense of lightness and openness to the space, while still feeling grounded and rich in texture.

Because it's a quartz surface, it’s also non-porous, easy to clean, and resistant to staining—making it as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're refreshing a small kitchen or designing a statement space from scratch, Laza adds instant elegance.

Which Countertop is Right for You?

Each of these surfaces offers a different aesthetic and set of advantages. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Material	Look	Durability	Best For
Calacatta Idillio Quartz	Marble-like with warm + cool veining	Very high	Modern kitchens, mixed-tone palettes
Taj Mahal Quartzite	Natural stone with soft gold veining	Extremely high	Elegant, earthy designs
Calacatta Laza Quartz	Bold marble-look quartz	Very high	Waterfall islands, bright/airy kitchens

Final Thoughts

Choosing a countertop isn’t just about trends—it’s about how a material functions in your daily life and how it makes you feel when you walk into the room. These three MSI Surfaces have quickly become staples in our designs for good reason: they’re gorgeous, practical, and incredibly versatile.

If you're still deciding, we always recommend seeing materials in real-life projects like these to get a true sense of how they look and feel in a space. Interested in one of these for your own kitchen? We’d love to help you design something beautiful.

Need help bringing your vision to life? Let’s talk! Whether you're just starting the design process or need help choosing the perfect finish, we're here to guide you every step of the way.