Seeking a granite look for your space? Cambria quartz surfaces are a smart granite alternative, with beautiful quartz designs to suit any aesthetic and performance that no other stone can match. Cambria quartz surfaces are completely nonabsorbent, never require sealing, and are protected by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty. Cambria’s Executive Vice President of Design Summer Kath shares 10 favorite Cambria quartz design picks for granite alternatives.
Why Choose Quartz Countertops?
As one of the hardest minerals on Earth, quartz is an excellent choice for many surfaces throughout the home—and Cambria quartz surfaces are no exception. From kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities, from shower walls to tabletops, quartz easily withstands the wear and tear of daily life, offering superior scratch and chip resistance.
In addition, quartz is a nonabsorbent material which makes it extremely resistant to staining—and also makes it a healthy, hygienic surfacing option that will not harbor bacteria, viruses, or mold.
With design options to suit any taste (of which Cambria has the largest variety), quartz is an excellent choice for those seeking on-trend, durable, maintenance-free surfaces for their home.
1. Bellingham™: A Beige & Black Granite Alternative
“Bellingham is my top recommendation for those who want a traditional granite look,” says Kath. “Its beautiful movement and earthy tones make it casual yet elegant. And it’s so versatile, with swirls of beige, black, and gray tones against a cream backdrop. I love it with white or walnut cabinetry, but it can also work with grays, blacks, and a range of wood cabinet styles.”
A Bellingham quartz island adds sophisticated tone and texture to this white kitchen from Toronto Interior Design Group. Photo by Gillian Jackson Photography.
Like the idea of pairing two quartz countertop designs in your space? Bellingham is the perfect design to feature as an island, accented by a perimeter in a complementary Cambria design. “I recommend a rich gray like Devon™ to bring out the darker tones,” says Kath. “For an airier look, try one of Cambria’s marble-alternative designs like Newport™ or Torquay™.”
2. Berwyn™: A Sophisticated Granite Look
“Berwyn is so chic,” says Kath. “It’s soft and sophisticated with a subtle sparkle. For people considering light granite countertops, this is a glam alternative that has broad appeal. The dense medley of heathery gray, taupe, and ivory tones make it perfect for a gray kitchen that won’t feel sterile.”
A light granite alternative, Berwyn quartz countertops lend intriguing movement and tones to this traditional white kitchen.
While gray cabinets are a natural complement for Berwyn quartz countertops, this design has endless pairing possibilities. “I also love how Berwyn adds dimension to an all-white space, elevates a rustic farmhouse style, and pairs with shades of blue,” adds Kath. “As for hardware, I like polished chrome or brushed nickel for a timeless look and matte black for a more contemporary feel.”
For a similar look with warmer tones, try Cambria Crowndale™, which features a blend of cream, beige, and golden tan. “We’ve been seeing a trend toward warmer countertops and Crowndale would fit well with a greige kitchen or bathroom palette,” says Kath.
3. Laneshaw™: A Black & Brown Granite Substitute
“Bold black and brown is back! Laneshaw is an oldie but a goodie from Cambria,” says Kath, “and I love to see designers and homeowners reinvent a classic.” This alternative to dark granite countertops features an intriguing mix of espresso, tan, and black hues with subtle highlights of white.
With swirling tones of dark brown, tan, and black, Laneshaw is a beautiful alternative to dark granite countertops. Kitchen by MB Designs.
“As we see darker countertops back en vogue, Laneshaw has reemerged as a favorite of mine,” adds Kath. “It captures great depth, natural movement, and clarity we all love. I like to see it paired with cream or white for contrast, and dark walnut or black for a dark and moody space. Mixed metals are a stunning complement to Laneshaw as well.”
4. Havergate™: A Bold Patterned Granite Look
“We are seeing a revival of gold and rich bold patterns within interior design,” says Kath. “Havergate reminds me of a modernized granite with copper, gold, tan, and a cool pewter which brings the elevated, modern appeal to this design.”
A maintenance-free granite alternative, Havergate is rustic and refined with alluring earth tones and mixed metal hues.
“Havergate pairs well with copper, a trend we’re seeing in décor and hardware,” notes Kath. “To complement the pewter tones, stainless steel appliances are a timeless choice. Warm wood cabinetry or open shelving is a natural pairing as well—perfect for a rustic-industrial kitchen or bar space.”
For similar tones but bolder movement, consider Helmsley™, with powerful veining that showcases steely gray.
5. Praa Sands™: A Cool Gray Granite Alternative
“I love the blend of warm greige and cream tones with cool grays and black in Praa Sands,” says Kath. “The tones and movement are inspired by the rocky coastline of southern England, and this design is well-suited to a coastal-style space. However, the neutral tones and soft veining make it a versatile alternative to light granite for any space.”
A durable alternative to light granite countertops, Praa Sands makes for a stunning quartz waterfall-edge island in this kitchen from Coastal Cabinet Works.
“This design pairs well with the trend we’re seeing of light wood flooring,” notes Kath. “Greige, taupe, or gray-toned cabinets all work well with Praa Sands, but I also like darker cabinetry to complement the design’s dark veining.” If you have space for a kitchen island, consider a waterfall edge. “It’s a stunning way to showcase the movement, and you never have to worry about the durability,” says Kath.
For similar movement with warmer tones, consider Cambria Bradshaw™, a captivating neutral featuring a whirling fusion of taupe, tan, black, and shimmering copper.
6. Huntley™: An Understated and Elegant Granite Alternative
Kath describes Huntley as a quartz design that captures an organic natural element. “It’s traditional yet modernized,” says Kath.
An alternative to granite countertops, Huntley adds a natural ambiance to any space.
“This is a classic Cambria design that is versatile enough to pair with white but it also has richness,” so it works well in updated vintage spaces that incorporate more color and character. The design’s creamy white base hosts scatterings of warm, walnut-brown and gray accents to create an abstract composition that invites closer inspection. “It feels fresh and modern,” says Kath.
7. Summerhill™: A Bold Granite Substitute
“If you’re considering gray or white granite countertops and want something on the bolder side, take a look at Summerhill,” recommends Kath. Summerhill features powerful movement amid a neutral palette of soft gray, cream, and subtle black. “It’s perfect for a statement piece that’s sophisticated and timeless,” says Kath.
A spacious quartz island showcases the beautiful cloud-gray veining of Summerhill countertops and blue-gray cabinetry in this kitchen from InUnison Design and John Kraemer & Sons.
“Summerhill is an elegant choice for a traditional or farmhouse kitchen, especially with white, gray, or blue cabinetry,” says Kath. “A contemporary pairing I love is matte black cabinetry for a high-contrast bathroom or kitchen. I’d also love to see it as a focal point backsplash, paired with a creamy white countertop like Weybourne™,” adds Kath.
For similar movement but more prominent veining, try Cambria Seagrove™, featuring silver-gray veining and undercurrents of green. For a warmer-toned design with similar movement, try Cambria Beaumont™, with soft swirls of warm cream and beige accented with shimmering gold and crystal-white veining.
8. Blackwood™: A Dark and Moody Granite Look
“Whether it’s for a dark and moody bathroom or a pop of contrast in a kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a stylish black countertop,” says Kath. “Cambria has so many gorgeous black granite alternatives in the design palette, so it’s hard to select just one,” says Kath. “What I love about Blackwood is the subtle flecks of gold, cream, and blue that give it dimension. It’s classically neutral with a dramatic flair.”
Cambria Blackwood offers a sophisticated presence as an island in this traditional kitchen.
This black quartz countertop design is a versatile option, pairing well with white cabinetry for a high-contrast style or shades of wood for a natural palette. “Blackwood is a great choice for many kitchen styles, particularly traditional, Craftsman, and mid-century modern,” says Kath.
If you want a more solid black look, Cambria Black™ is classic and bold. For a black granite alternative with more movement and contrast, consider Armitage™, where gray, black, and copper-orange collide in a playful, contemporary mix.
9. Pendle Hill™: A Cream and Beige Granite Alternative
“Pendle Hill is a Cambria design that’s destined to be a classic,” says Kath. “Cloudy swirls of warm cream and beige tones make it dreamy and inviting, while darker specks add texture and interest.”
A Pendle Hill quartz backsplash pairs with dark countertops and white cabinetry for an elegant neutral palette.
As an alternative to a light or white granite countertop, Pendle Hill can add character and warmth as a quartz kitchen backsplash or countertops, make a serene backdrop for a master bath, or lend beauty to a laundry room or workspace. “Because of its neutral tones and soft movement, Pendle Hill can pair well with any color and pattern, whether saturated shades of green and blue with cabinets or the bold wallpaper trend,” says Kath. “Let your imagination run wild with this design!”
If you like the tones of Pendle Hill but want to incorporate some soft blues for a coastal nod, consider Cambria Montgomery™, featuring a medley of creams and ivory mixed with understated veins of pale blue-green and clusters of pearlescent sparkle.
10. Buckingham™: A Soft Gold Granite Look
“There are many soft gold and gray granites that are desired for a subdued, warm neutral palette,” explains Kath. “Buckingham has just the right combination of soft gold, tan, white, and gray that looks great in so many settings. And a hint of shimmer adds just enough unexpected interest.”
An alternative to gray and gold granite countertops, Buckingham is a rich and versatile quartz design for a warm neutral palette. Kitchen by Mingle Design Studio.
“This design has great versatility and pairs well with almost every style of cabinet used today,” adds Kath. “Brushed nickel, bronze, or brass hardware all look great with Buckingham’s golden and gray tones.”
If you like the tones of Buckingham but would prefer more of a cream base, try Cambria Windermere™, which features golden copper and gray accents for a light granite alternative.
Elevate Your Space with Quartz—a Stylish Granite-Alternative Countertop Surface
Cambria's granite-alternative quartz designs ensure a lifetime of beauty and maintenance-free performance for your kitchen, bathroom, home workspace, laundry room, basement bar, and more.
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(Updated on 12/05/2023)
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