Quartz counter surfaces have come a long way from that pebbly look that many people know. Now you can have quartz counters that look just like marble or granite. Silestone by Cosentino is one of the reputable quartz manufacturers that have developed some amazing natural looking colors. Calypso is also available in Silestone’s suede finish—a matte finish that is great for hiding fingerprints. Silestone has formulated a handful of colors that have the larger repeat to attract even more consumers to the quartz arena, who may not have been crazy about colors with more uniform veins. These colors are for practical households that require a bit of style with functional properties. This is quartz, so no need to worry about etching or staining, like real marble. Remember that quartz is not indestructible: it’s still possible to damage it. The Helix has the same coloring as the Lyra, but with a more spaced repeating pattern. Silestone offers several colors with this new larger pattern—a great innovation from the largest quartz company. Silestone Zirix is from the Stonium Series. This is a color that imitates granite for people looking for a more traditional color. The blueish chunks are nice with the soft background of beige and browns. Arctic is from Silestone’s Ocean Series, which takes inspiration from the ocean. The Arctic has natural granite-looking veins and light color. It makes you want to grab your parka and cuddle up to the fire. Not all quartz brands are considered equal quality, so know what you are buying before you commit. You can’t go wrong with Silestone.
