Tell you what-- try it with one tile, and see if you're up to it. If not, all you've lost is one tile. My bet is you are. And then you've saved yourself a BUNDLE of money.

Stacey…coming up on 5 years and I would ABSOLUTELY do it all again. I echo everything those above have said. I’ve learned not to toss the key ring on the counter, because it will chip if it’s hit just right. I babied it at first, but now I don’t. I do have some mild etching, but it’s pretty minor. You’d have to be at the right angle, in the right light to see it…and then, only those who "know" marble would see it. I could hand buff spots out, but I don’t bother anymore. It’s just too small to worry about. [You can use a ScotchBrite or fine silicone sandpaper, then reseal the spot.]

Sealing is key. I have NO staining and it’s not because it has been meticulously maintained! I used 511 Porous Plus after recommendations from other marble owners. I haven’t resealed in years. The quicker you can wipe up an "etch-producing" substance, the better. But, unless you pour a bottle of vinegar, you probably wouldn’t notice. I don’t have any rings from glasses or anything like that. I make pastries and candies right on the counter. Sometimes I see little "clouds" where glaze dripped on the counter, but they generally disappear after a few days (dies out, I guess).

When I first moved in, I did have my marble rehoned in place. The original fabricator did a lousy job. I had a marble restoration company rehone it. They were fabulous! It was a wet process. They were amazing at taping up the floors and cabinets. Clean up was incredibly thorough. You would never have known they were even here. I was very, very pleased with the surface of the marble when they finished. I figured for the future…worst case scenario, if I did spill that jar of vinegar…repair is affordable and doable, so no worries.

So, yes, I’d do it again! Yes, I would certainly appreciate a marble kitchen in another house! I like the "warmly loved" look and feel of marble. I think it’s funny how passionate "marble people" are about their marble! I wonder if it’s because we’ve all fought that hard battle against the naysayers! ??!!

Thanks again for the kind words!!

Here's a pretty blue and yellow dining area...very french. I love this thread :)

Here are a few more, I can resist pretty kitchens.
I am so glad you love Crystal.
~boxer

Light Yosowat Kitchen Design

Chandelier

Boston Design

Southern Living Magazine

The Simplified Bee

I love the idea of blue and yellow toile and delft tiles.
This tile is pretty...and I just found this blue subway tile...beautiful and sparkley :)

This image made me think of Snow White

Sassy Blue by Benjamin Moore

Glass Slipper by Benjamin MOore

Kitchens By Eileen

Yellow would be fun too.

Here are pics and the details:

Perimeter Counters: Calcatta Gold
Island top: Black Walnut with vintage walnut stain
Cabinets: Custom
Paint on cabinets/trim: BM Swiss Coffee (color tweaked by paint store)
Wall color: Pratt and Lambert Pearl
Wolf 48" Range with double griddle (love this!)
SubZero s/s 48" Fridge with icemaker
Sharp microwave drawer
Bosch D/W (we have 2 and it was a great decision if considering this)
GE Monogram hood blower
GE wine cooler
Perrin and Rowe Faucet - PN
Shaw Farm Sink 30 x 18
Pantry: custom built
Paint on Pantry: Farrow and Ball Pigeon
Hardware on Pantry: Restoration Hardware Felicity in Antique brass
Kitchen Hardware: Restoration Hardware Aubrey Knobs - PN
Restoration Hardware Bistro Pulls - PN
Rejuvenation small latch - PN
Backsplash: Arctic white Daltile with platinum grout
Bell Jars - JV Imports - 11"D with bronze finish
Bar Stools: Crate and Barrel Pullman Leather Counter Stools

I will get pics up of laundry and bathrooms soon too!

So details....
Cabinets: custom, antique white. Island is maple stained dark walnut with a dark glaze or something.
Hardware: Polished nickel pulls and knobs, through cab company
Island countertop: statuary marble, honed
Perimeter countertop: aqua grantique (a granitic gneiss, apparently) - brushed finish
Backsplash: statuary 12x12 cut down to subways, statuary herringbone, and cut statuary slab
Floors: Brazilian walnut
Walls: SW Silvermist
Chandeliers: Schonbek New Orleans mini
Appliances: 30" Gaggenau fridge/freezer columns, GE Monogram Advantium 240 oven, GE Monogram Convection single oven, Wolf 36" induction cooktop, Miele La Perla dishwasher, and GE Monogram microwave (in end of island)
Sinks: Rohl 30" and Kohler Irontones for prep
Faucets: Rohl Country in polished nickel (avoid the burgundy felt "protective" bags. They stain when wet - stain things like new white marble. Don't ask how I know. Bags. Are. Evil.)

Hood/cooktop wall:

Sink wall (well, part of it anyway):

Fridge/freezer wall:

Perspective on location of pantry/butler's pantry:

Breakfast room and Family room:

Breakfast room hutch:

Aqua Grantique Close-up:

Countertop and Backsplash:

Cooktop backsplash:

Built-in Pantry (across from butler's pantry cabinets/counter)

Here are a few. I was wondering how your kitchen was
coming along. If I remember correctly you were moving down
south from New England or maybe you said you liked Boston
and That is why I thought New England... On to the hoods.
~boxerpups

Heather Thompson

Ronys Marble and Granite Island

White Kitchens

Eastern Kitchens

Atlanta Best Nest

CJS Millwork

Virginia Cream Kitchen

Nashville Kitchens

Kitchen and Bath Design Center

Okay, Okay I threw this one in just for eye candy : )

SRS Woodworking

William Hefneropen kitchen Concealed Hood

Light Yosowat kitchen design