Why Brittannica Quartz Countertops are the Talk of the Town

The kitchen of the lodge style house would be the most important space in the new build. The homeowner wanted it to be SPECIAL. Unique. A modern farmhouse kitchen – bright and cheery, but sophisticated as well.

brittannica quartz in a modern farmhouse kitchen

 

My homeowner knew she wanted painted shaker style cabinetry, but she was concerned about ending up with a BORING kitchen. So, she began talking about an antiqued glazed finish for the cabinets and a quartz countertop she thought would make it more interesting:

glazed cabinets

 

seagrove

 

Two problems here:

  1. Antiqued or glazed cabinetry is too trendy and will soon look dated. It would also read yellow with the white trim planned for the rest of the home.
  2. Small samples of countertop material can be deceiving, and because I had seen this particular countertop installed, I knew it would be WAYYYYY too busy.

 

THIS is what this quartz countertop looks like installed:

seagrove quartz

too busy!!!

I explained to my client that unless she wanted dirty-looking cabinets and black snakes slithering all over her work surface, I would go another direction that would make the kitchen SPECIAL in the best of ways.

She agreed that white shaker style cabinets would give her a lodge/farmhouse feel while keeping things clean and bright. I don’t think she was initially convinced about the quartz countertop I suggested. It’s one of my favorites in the Cambria line:

britannica quartz sample

Brittannica quartz

 

The biggest problem? It’s hard to spell. But seriously, my client did warm to the idea, although she still feared it would be too boring. Here’s the slab right after it was installed:

britannica slab

beautiful veining in Cambria’s Brittannica quartz countertops

Just gorgeous. We chose a classic subway tile in a beautiful dark blue, and it’s not even close to boring!!! And here is the dark metal bars we decided upon for the cabinet hardware:

kitchen cabinetry hardware

 

And the resulting kitchen in this modern farmhouse is the talk of the town! I’ll explain in a minute – first let’s take a look at the finished kitchen.

britannica in a modern farmhouse kitchen

The Decorologist

 

britannica quartz by the decorologist

Brittannica quartz countertops

 

lodge style kitchen

 

modern farmhouse kitchen

 

cambria brittannica quartz

 

modern farmhouse

 

A week after the homeowners moved in, News Channel 5’s Talk of the Town came over to tape some segments where I shared design tips for viewers. Here I am with the lovely host, Meryll Rose, as we discuss how I developed the color palette throughout this space.

meryll rose and the decorologist

 

modern farmhouse design

Make sure to tune into WTVF’s Talk of the Town at 11:00 on Monday and Tuesday to hear my advice for choosing light fixtures in an open concept floorplan, and for establishing an interesting color palette to create a cohesive flow in your own space. You’ll get to see more of this beautiful home!

And if you can’t get enough of design, maybe it’s time to consider launching a career in the field. I can help you with that! My next Expert Psychological Staging certification course takes place March 14-16. The course is already half-full, so reserve your spot and change your future forever!

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I’d love to hear your thoughts on my take on the modern farmhouse kitchen. Have you ever seen or used Cambria Brittannica quartz countertops?

61 Comments

  1. Elizabeth Scruggs

    Stunning as usual my dear friend:) So proud of all you do!

    Reply
  2. Laura P.

    The quartz countertop is lovely! What a great tip regarding the size of a small sample vs a full slab, and how busy a pattern can be! Love the white cabinets; is the paint color your favorite Benjamin Moore Dove White?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Thanks, Laura – it’s Benjamin Moore White Dove, not to be confused with Dove White (which is a Porter color). White Dove all the way!

      Reply
  3. Sylvia

    Beautiful!!!! Love it!!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Kathy

    Beautiful! What color is the island?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      It’s a custom color to match the blue tiles, Kathy!

      Reply
  5. Dominique

    Kristie, I really enjoyed reading this article. You always do such amazing work! Your way of helping clients choose timeless finishes to put together a great space is remarkable.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Oh thank you so much, Dominique! I hope you are doing well!!!

      Reply
  6. Joanne

    Absolutely beautiful! ps: Happy Mother’s Day ?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Thank you, Joanne! And Happy Mother’s Day to you, as well! I’m spending a lovely day with my daughters 🙂

      Reply
  7. LW

    Kristie this is beautiful!! I love Brittannica. I’m currently considering using Cambria Torquay for a remodel – Brittannica’s scale won’t work in this space. I’m wondering if you’ve used Torquay. I love it but I’m worried it will read solid white. Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Torquay is lovely! I’ve used it as well. It’s more white, but it’s great. Not as much movement as Brittannica, but it’s a classic!

      Reply
      • LW

        Thank you Kristie!!

        Reply
  8. Jessie

    I am currently adding a new kitchen to my home. I had my heart set on antiqued glazed cabinetry, now I’m second guessing my decision. 🙁 Do you really think they will look out dated in a couple years? Also will the white not show finger prints and dirt worse?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Jessie,
      I typically advise against the antique glazing now. It’s been a trend for quite awhile now, so you’d be on the backside of the trend. That being said, if you have your heart set on it and you don’t intend on moving in the next 10 years, then you should go for it! However, if you may need to put it on the market to sell before then, it isn’t the wisest choice because it won’t appeal to a wide range of buyers (especially a few years from now). As for the white showing dirt – I think that if my cabinets were truly dirty I would want to know, it’s easy enough to wipe them down and much more hygienic than choosing a finish that actually hides grime. That can actually be the problem with antiqued cabinets – that they can end up looking kinda dirty when they aren’t!

      Reply
      • Jessie

        Thank you so much for your advise! I agree I want to know if they are dirty. I have been going back and forth between antique glazed or white and now I think white might be a smarter choice along with setting up a color consult with you! ?

        Reply
  9. Beth L

    That first countertop is horrible! Thank goodness you saved her!

    Reply
  10. Elena Espy

    love the countertops and the whole design! hope you had a great mother’s day, kristie!

    Reply
  11. Melanie G.

    When you’re right, you’re right! Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Melanie

    Where did you find the dark metal hardware please

    Reply
  13. Raeann

    Beautiful Kitchen! Thanks for all your inspiration. My husband and I are getting ready to rehab and country home and I have been debating putting my cooktop in the island. In the past I have had the stove placed as it is in the kitchen above. The downside is anytime there is a lot of steam the cabinets get very wet and overtime it does damage, even with the best hood ventilation. What are you thought on this topic? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Raeann,
      I’m not sure I have an opinion here – I’m certainly no chef, but I haven’t ever had that issue. I don’t think your cabinets should be getting so wet – and if they are, a quick wipedown with a kitchen towel would prevent any damage I would think. Maybe it’s more a ventilation issue??

      Reply
  14. Sheena

    Love this Kristie. Just purchased your paint tool kit. Looking forward to using it in my Real Estate/Home Staging business.

    Reply
  15. Karen

    Hi, Kristie – followed a Pinterest link to this page. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the light fixtures, over the island and the sink. Could you please share mfg and style?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Sorry, Karen – those light fixtures are only available to the trade, but I’m sure you can find similar fixtures in retail outlets!

      Reply
  16. Maureen

    I am using the britticana quartz for my kitchen do over!! I am struggling with what to use as a backsplash. I had planned a traditional white subway with a gray grout or a gray glass subway with white grout. Which way would you lean? Please advise!! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Maureen,
      I think either of those choices would be lovely! You’re going to love your new countertops 🙂

      Reply
  17. dee lambert

    Receiving conflicting info re thickness quartz countertops. Who to trust? 2 cm v. 3 cm? Want sleek, modern look, not chunky, but need to ensure safety & durability. What do U recommend? Using light color, shade of white. Thanks.

    Reply
  18. Rachel

    I’m thinking of using the Cambria Britannica on grey kitchen island and another color on main counter tops – a light quartz with less movement…can you suggest a good pairing to the Britannica? I will have white upper and lower cabinets on perimeter with the grey island. I’m trying to decide if I should do a shaker cabinet or one with a little more detail but not heavy detail – we have a 1932 Colonial. And can you suggest a back splash to go with that combo? Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Rachel,

      If you don’t want Britannica on your perimeter counters, I’d advise you choose something like a medium gray that ties in with the veining in Britannica. If you choose another light off-white quartz, it may be impossible to get the right match for Britannica’s background color. Although you’d need to check out the samples against each other, you might consider something like Caesarstone Concrete or Raven. I don’t have samples with me to see if those work, but they are both more solid in color which is what you’d need if you don’t go all Britannica. I think shaker cabinets are a good choice. I wrote a blogpost about kitchen trends about a week ago with some images of a couple of backsplashes in black or near-black that may be helpful: https://thedecorologist.com/2017-kitchen-trends/

      Good luck with your kitchen remodel, Rachel!

      Reply
  19. Carolyn Larkin

    I’m thinking of having the brittannica quartz in my new kitchen redo with chocolate cabinets and white subway tiles set in a herringbone design. What are your thoughts on that?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Carolyn,
      Do you mean stained cabinets, or painted cabinets? If stained, I think that sounds good – you may want to do a light gray grout in your backsplash tile to tie in with the gray in the countertop. I would NOT advise painting cabinets in a chocolate color – it will just look like you are trying to copy the look of wood and will come off cheap. Instead, I’d advise a nice warm white or off-white that pairs well with the countertops.

      Reply
  20. Naila hemraj

    Hi
    We are getting our kitchen done and are so confused Thinking of cabinets in White Dove and Cambria countertop Summerhill. The island only in a dark brow/grey colour with the same countertop. Will Summerhill look cold with the cabinets. Can you suggest a pattern from Cambria that would work well? I like to have beige and gray in my counter. Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Naila,
      BM White Dove is the perfect complement for Summerhill! Painting that island out in BM Amherst Gray would be perfect for it, too – that’s what I’d suggest!!!

      Reply
      • Naila

        Thank you so much! Okay, we are going for Summerhill for the island with Amherst Gray! Can you please suggest a good pairing for the main kitchen ( u shaped perimeter). Looking for a solid or less busy design . Due to the type of pattern, I not sure if I will end up with
        more of the grey white or the taupe part of the Quartz in the island. I called Cambria store and was informed that they cannot guarantee the final piece . I Just want to make sure that the perimeter colour ends up matching with the island. Thank you again for helping.

        Reply
  21. Amira

    Hi

    Considering Cambria Berwyn for the island (5′ 3″) with Torquay for the perimeter. Please let me know what you think of the combination. Thank you so much

    Reply
  22. Amira

    Looking forward to your response

    Reply
  23. Gail Collins

    How was the seam when you used Brittanica in the kitchen? With such a large pattern of movement, I would think the 90 degree on the perimeter would be noticeable?

    Reply
  24. Gail Collins

    How was the seam when you used Brittanica in the kitchen?

    Reply
  25. Cyn

    How do you feel about Quarter sewn red oak finished in cashew stain. It’s a beigey grey color. I had my heart set in Danby Imperial countertops but my wallet is crying. Do you know of a comparable option?

    Reply
  26. Joanna

    I’m also curious to see how the seam in the corner looks. My biggest fear in my kitchen with using something like Britannica would be how the two corners in my kitchen would look.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      This would largely have to do with the quality of the install/installer. Be sure to use a reputable company and have them do a computer rendering of the slab and how the pattern will meet at that seam.

      Reply
  27. Kat

    So…..if I already have the white/cream cabinets with the antique glaze (probably a trendy mistake), how do you recommend I decorate the kitchen to keep it less trendy and more timeless? The floors are 60 year old light oak hardwood and the countertop is white macaubus quartzite. I am currently looking for subway tile and statement lighting to finish the kitchen. My instincts tell me I should go with a cream (lightly crackled) 3X4 subway tile. What a great article! I only wish I had discovered it prior to making my kitchen cabinet decisions! I’ve thought about having them painted, but they are only 3 years old.

    Reply
  28. Jacki Block

    Beautiful design! Can I use White Dove for my Cabinets if my crown moulding is also White Dove? I was looking at doing China White because a painter said I shouldn’t do the same color, but when I tested it, it looked a little too white next to the Cambria Brittanica counters (which I just had installed and LOVE)! White Dove seems like a nice warm white, as you mention. So can I just have cabinets and moulding/trim all Dove White? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Jacki,
      You absolutely should always do the cabinets and trim the same white if possible. I can’t figure out why anyone would recommend two different whites – seeing them next to one another makes one (or the other) look dirty. White Dove all the way! Best of luck on your kitchen project.

      Reply
      • Jacki Block

        Thank you so much for your expert advice! I’m now feeling confident with White Dove. You are so nice to help me- and so quickly!

        Reply
  29. Leslie Morris

    I love the blue subway tiles on the backsplash. Can you tell me what kind they are and how to get them? We’re putting in Cambria Swanbridge, and painting the cabinets white. Hard to figure out what to do for the backsplash.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Leslie, the blue subway tiles were from a small retailer in Lebanon, TN. I shopped with my client and chose them with her, but because I did not purchase them myself I don’t know the name/vendor of that particular tile, sorry!

      Reply
  30. Katie W

    Can u tell me what brand and color you used for the Subway tile with your Brittannica Quartz countertops?? I am updating my kitchen and that backsplash looks like it would match perfectly!

    Reply
  31. Traci LaMance

    We are currently building a house and I’m curious what your thought is on using the Torquay on the perimeter countertops with Britannica on the island. The cabinets are white, but the island is painted light gray. Thanks for any advice!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      As long as the background off-white of Torquay and Brittanica, that would work. Unfortunately, I don’t currently have samples sitting in front of me, but I’m thinking Torquay may have a whiter background than Brittanica, so be sure to check!

      Reply
  32. Carol Staton

    Could you please tell me the color and company name of the beautiful blue tile backsplash. This is exactly what I was thinking for my Brittanicca kitchen. Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Sandy Tyrian

    We have chosen Cambria Britannica for our countertops in our upcoming kitchen remodel. What would be a good color for the cabinets? BM White Dove? or what do you recommend. Also struggling with a good wall paint color to compliment the gray veining. What do you recommend?

    Reply
  34. Connie

    PLEASE your photos have light shining on the countertops which detract from the actual view of the pattern on the stone. Would love to see the actual pattern from above. PLEASE TAKE AS CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM!,

    Reply
  35. vijaya koduru

    Beautiful!! Will swiss coffee white cabinets go well with Brittanica counter tops

    Reply
  36. Lenore Ingram

    Suggestions for getting away from white cabinets with aim for mountain elegant,woodsy feel? More brown wood floor too? Or is that too much?

    Reply

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