When designing your new home in Southern California, no stone should be left unturned – every detail counts, from location and floor plan to appliances and furniture. And while many of those decisions will add a clear aesthetic or functionality to your home, only a few will impact your day-to-day life as much as your countertop selection. Whether you’re heating up your morning coffee or preparing a feast for friends and family, these surfaces will be the literal foundation for much of your day.
I’ll tell you what I tell every client: I always advocate for natural stone whenever possible. It brings a timeless authenticity – something that synthetics simply can’t replicate. Stone (and countertops, as a result) is its own kind of art, so you should select a material, color, and finish that speaks to your vision and daily practical needs. Here, we profile our favorite countertop options at White Sands Design/Build, and explain what could make them the right choice for your new build.
Marble
This is the singular classic that needs no introduction – from Ancient Greece to present day, marble has remained the standard. Its organic veining patterns bring a depth and movement to your kitchen that makes the space feel alive, and its white-and-grey palate keeps the kitchen bright.
There are, of course, practical concerns – marble is more susceptible to blemishes like stains and etching than many of the alternatives. For this reason, we recommend honed marble over polished, as it minimizes the appearance of etching (the dull spots that appear when acidic substances like lemon juice or wine come into contact with the stone). It also gives the material a warmer, more organic texture.
The drawback of marble is, of course, in the required maintenance – unlike synthetic alternatives, it does demand a bit more TLC:
- Daily: If you’ve used your marble counter through the day, be sure to wipe it down with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and gentle, pH-neutral soap.
- Annually: Seal the marble every 6-12 months to protect against stains. A good indicator to reapply is when water no longer beads on the surface.
- Protect: Use cutting boards and trivets to protect against scratches and heat damage from hot cookware.
- Avoid: Do not use harsh, acidic cleaners like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia, which can damage the finish.
Then, of course, there are spills, which must be cleaned off of marble immediately, particularly when the spill is an acidic substance, like wine, citrus, or oil, that could cause etching. For families with young children, where these kinds of accidents are an inevitable fact of life, this aftermarket film can be used as a subtle and effective protective layer. It’s admittedly a bit expensive, but for some of our clients, who have used it for over a year now, it’s allowed them to have the beauty of marble in their home and the peace-of-mind that no countertop spill will ever be a disaster.
Modern kitchen with a marble counter and backsplash
Soapstone
If you’re looking for a material that offers natural beauty and resiliency, soapstone might be the perfect choice. This dense, non-porous stone doesn’t require sealing, since it’s inherently resistant to acids, heat, and stains. It typically comes in shades of gray, charcoal, or deep green-black, which over time will darken and develop a beautiful patina.
There is, however, one flaw: despite its virtual indestructibility, it is susceptible to accrue cosmetic marks, like scratches and dents. Most of these scratches can easily be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper, and many people embrace the stone’s evolving character as part of its charm.
Natural dark soapstone kitchen countertop
Quartzite
If you love the look of marble but want something more forgiving, quartzite could be your answer. This natural stone offers a similar chromatic profile to marble, but it’s far more resistant to stains and etching. It’s also heat-resistant and harder than marble, which means it can handle the demands of serious cooking without showing wear. Like Marble, it does require sealing, but far less frequently – once a year is typically enough.
If you’re considering quartzite, we’re particularly fond of a leathered finish, which adds subtle texture and makes the surface even more stain-resistant, for example Taj Mahal quartzite, which features soft, flowing veins reminiscent of marble.
Kitchen with gray quartzite countertop and backsplash
Travertine
Travertine countertops bring a distinctly Mediterranean vibe to any beach house kitchen. This limestone-based stone has natural pitting and texture that give it a weathered, lived-in feel from day one. Its natural variations, from cream to walnut to russet, perfectly complement the coastal surroundings of beach living. It’s softer and more porous than other stones, so it does require a fair bit of maintenance: sealings for travertine are required about as frequently as for marble. That being said, when matched with the right design aesthetic, travertine delivers an unmatched warmth.
Mediterranean-inspired travertine table with natural variation and texture
Granite
The grainy granites with busy, speckled patterns have been very popular, but the pendulum has swung away, toward more minimalist aesthetics. Even though we seldom work with granite, we still think there’s a proper setting for it: A granite slab with subtle coloring and interesting veining shouldn’t be summarily dismissed. Some of the more dramatic black granites or the softer, more marble-like granites can be a perfect kitchen adornment. On top of that, granite is extremely durable – it only requires sealing every 1-3 years. When it’s the right choice, we’re fully supportive.
Synthetic Materials
We will always advocate for natural stone first, but there are those occasional situations in which synthetic materials might make sense: if, for instance, it’s for an outdoor space, and the client is particularly adamant about it. These materials tend to have a cold and corporate look to them, which is why we typically select alternatives.
If, however, the path of least resistance is synthetics, my preferred materials are high-quality porcelain, Neolith, or Laminam. On occasion we may specify Caesarstone or Silestone for more budget-conscious projects, or if it’s specifically requested for a space like a kid’s bathroom, where function is far more important than form. Other synthetics, like recycled glass composite or solid surface materials like Corian, are very specific aesthetics that draw a bit too much attention to themselves.
Elegant dining room featuring a natural marble countertop and backsplash
The Bottom Line
As you consider the many questions that come with building your new custom beach home in Southern California, your countertops should be seen for what they are: one of the cornerstones of your day-to-day, solitary activities and your larger social gatherings. Whether it’s the pragmatism of soapstone or the timeless beauty of marble, we will always advocate for natural stone, which demonstrates a passion for craftsmanship and authenticity. And though it might be intimidating at first, the maintenance quickly becomes a ritual that keeps you connected to the materials around you. At White Sands Design/Build, we’ll guide you through every decision, from foundational questions like building codes to passion projects like wine cellars. If you’re considering starting your beach house project, and you have a similar eye for detail, reach out for a consultation. We’d be delighted to talk about your vision.
Hawlie Ohe heads White Sands Interiors, and she and her husband are raising two boys along the South Bay coast. Hawlie brings the curiosity that fueled her first career, as a journalist, to her interior design approach: Who are you, who do want to be, and how can this space get you there? Great design makes you feel present and engaged, and Hawlie is here for it. Because she wants you to help you be “here” (in this space, in this moment), too.
