My Experience with Stones & Granite — And Why I Chose Marble + Black Infinity Granite
If you’ve ever renovated a kitchen, you know the countertop decision feels… big.
It’s not just about what’s pretty. It’s about:
- How your family actually lives
- What can handle real life
- And whether you want to panic every time someone spills juice
When it came time to choose the stone for this kitchen, I partnered again with Stones & Granite. I’ve used them in multiple local installs over the years, and they have consistently done a fabulous job!
The Island: Infinity Black Granite
ILet’s start with the island.
This is command central in our house. My kids sit here constantly. Snacks, homework, crafts, paint, baking projects, science experiments… it’s a lot.
So I chose leathered Infinity Black granite for the island.
Granite is tough. It’s incredibly durable and handles heat and spills well.
And this particular slab is stunning. It’s deep and rich without feeling flat. It grounds the entire kitchen and gives it contrast…but it’s also practical.
I did not want to baby the island so this was a design decision rooted in reality.
The Surround: Corchia Honed Marble
Now let’s talk about the perimeter.
On the surround, I chose 2cm Corchia Honed Marble… and it is just so beautiful.
The veining is soft and organic. The honed finish keeps it feeling relaxed instead of shiny or formal. It gives that layered, European feel that I love so much.
We added a 22-inch splash with a 4½-inch shelf detail, which makes it feel completely custom. It’s subtle, but it changes everything.
This area doesn’t take the same daily abuse as the island so marble made sense here.
Do I know marble can etch? Yes.
Do I still love it? Yes 🙂
Sometimes design is about choosing where to prioritize durability and where to prioritize beauty.
Why Mixing Stones Works
A lot of people assume you have to use the same material everywhere. You don’t!
In fact, mixing stones is one of my favorite design moves:
- Durable, darker stone where life happens
- Softer, lighter stone where you want beauty and detail
It gives you the best of both worlds.
And when done well… it looks completely custom.
The Process with Stones & Granite
Every time I work with Stones & Granite in Lexington, I’m reminded why I keep going back.
They handled:
- Template
- Fabrication
- Eased edge profile
- Cut-outs
- Installation
- 15-year sealer on both surfaces
Everything was clean, precise, and beautifully executed.
As a designer, that matters. I need partners I can trust..especially when I’m guiding clients through big decisions like this. And they’ve consistently delivered on multiple projects for me.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building or renovating and trying to decide between granite, marble, quartzite, or quartz, here’s my advice:
Be honest about how you live.
If your island is going to double as an art studio and snack bar? Choose something durable.
If you want that soft, timeless look on your perimeter? Marble can absolutely be worth it.
For us, this combination was the perfect balance.
And Stones & Granite brought it to life beautifully.
If you’re local to Lexington and in the middle of making countertop decisions, they’re absolutely worth visiting. You can see the slabs in person, ask questions, and feel confident about what you’re choosing.
And trust me… that confidence matters just as much as the stone itself. 🤍
