For this Briarcliff beach cottage, designer Charlie Hellstern selected two different types of stone countertops, travertine (a natural stone formed from limestone, like marble) for the island and a clean and bright Pental Quarts for the sink on the island. "Travertine has character and movement—looks like sand on the beach, so it was perfect for this home, which is right on the water," says Hellstern.   Photo 10 of 13 in How Much Should You Spend on Kitchen Countertops?

How Much Should You Spend on Kitchen Countertops?

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For this Briarcliff beach cottage, designer Charlie Hellstern selected two different types of stone countertops, travertine (a natural stone formed from limestone, like marble) for the island and a clean and bright Pental Quarts for the sink on the island. "Travertine has character and movement, resembling sand on the beach, so it was perfect for this home, which is right on the water," says Hellstern.