I think the marble naysayers have jumped on the bandwagon without really living with the stone. I have statuary in my bathrooms and love it. Most stains can be removed with a simple baking soda and water poultice. Acid etching is harder to deal with since it removes the polished surface, but its part of having a living stone in your home. If it becomes too bad, you can have it repolished. With a darker stone, you won't have as many issues as a white marble. In order to really know if you can live with it, I suggest you get a small sample of the stone and do some tests. Here is an example. http://www.dohiy.com/2013/04/21/marble-countertops-the-post-acid-test/ Please note that she used bleach and oxyclean to clean the stone after her test. Stay away from both since they can etch the stone just as much as an acidic food. Instead, clean with a ph neutral cleaner like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and for heavy stains, the baking soda poultice mentioned above. You have to remember that marble has been used for centuries as flooring, table tops, countertops, etc. throughout the world and most of these installations are still here and aren't stained and etched to the point that it has been ripped out and replaced. Just think about all of he luxury hotels in Europe and how many times they have been exposed to Hangover type guests without any damage.

Thanks!!! That looks lovely...!! Unfortunately the white counter wont work for the kitchen im planning - abundant turmeric in Indian cooking precludes any soft colour.. Went out today and got myself a black countertop with white veins (I HATE granite), and am now planning white shutters to go with it instead of the grey... Any other thoughts? Am not mulling over the backsplash...

Hi, Rajendra, there are three way of doing, firstly what you have chosen is go minimalist with all white, here you will have to add colors by decorating wall or adding a symbolic decor or art mural/painting which will bring you a joy while working. but if you neglect the importance of art work, the kitchen will be boring to use after 6 months of use. as we enjoy spices in our food , so do our eyes enjoy a sense of catchy colors too. second will be adding a contrast in with back splash with a back painted tempered glass or corian, this woks wonders. third, with the color of your choice, which will be permanent in the cabinate, but gives you a fresh sense to the whole kitchen, little color here and there will attract your eye and you'll appreciate your own choice/selection again and again.

I am not sure if this project is over, But try zinc sheet it looks great and gives you an industrial look.