I would think maybe a off white quartz would complement this. But if you are concerned about budget, it isn't the most budget friendly option.

I would also check out Corian Witch Hazel (which looks a lot like Taj Mahal) or Rain Cloud. Those can be spendy too, however, and a nice whitish color solid surface would be less costly and complement well.

Butcher block is quite cheap too, though I personally don't think it's the best in a kitchen but some people love it.

I won't dare mention laminate.

A granite would be far too busy and shiny and likely clash, besides taking attention away from the Taj Mahal.

Here is a link that might be useful: Corian Witch Hazel

This post was edited by ChrisInSD on Sun, May 25, 14 at 3:11

I know you can't see this very well in this photo but it looks nice with the Taj on the island. It appears to be a solid surface in a taupe-y grey color on the perimeter. If you go with granite, you could have it honed to knock off the shine. You could try something like Caledonia just to check if that would look ok with it, it's a grey stone. One of the black honed granites would be a nice compliment as well as long as it were a more dusty black and honed I think it would be pretty with it or a solid surface off white may work well. Here are some photos, one has stainless steel by the stove. Good luck!

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/camelot-reserve-transitional-kitchen-phoenix-phvw-vp~6155960)

[Transitional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2112) by Scottsdale General Contractors Camelot Homes

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/granite-and-marble-slabs-modern-kitchen-atlanta-phvw-vp~5632317)

[Modern Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2105) by Dallas Tile, Stone & Countertops Levantina USA

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/stanwich-road-traditional-new-york-phvw-vp~2995374)

[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Mamaroneck Kitchen & Bath Designers Studio Dearborn

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-eclectic-kitchen-chicago-phvw-vp~186156)

[Eclectic Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104)

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-townhouse-kitchen-transitional-kitchen-dc-metro-phvw-vp~799107)

[Transitional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2112) by Falls Church General Contractors NVS Remodeling & Design

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/showplace-inset-cabinets-traditional-kitchen-phvw-vp~519279)

[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Harrisburg Cabinets & Cabinetry Showplace Wood Products

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[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/a-showstopper-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~9214456)

[Traditional Spaces[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-home-design-ideas-phbr1-bp~s_2107) by Wellesley Kitchen & Bath Designers Divine Kitchens LLC
A couple of the pictures I just liked because the Taj was so pretty in them! A picture of your slab or similar is included. Click on the photos to see them larger.

Before you go this route, make sure your kitchen is large enough to handle two countertop surfaces. If a smaller kitchen, the combination may be too busy. Plus, I am not sure whether you will find a way to have significant savings. As noted in these posts, the complementary countertops to Taj Mahal are pricey too. Calculate how much you'd really be saving - it could end up being just $500-1000 or something like that, which as a proportion of a kitchen renovation isn't much of a savings given the work of trying to find a complementary second surface. And there's the risk that the look of the two surfaces together may or may not work.

In my area, the Taj Mahal is the better deal than any of the other complimentary choices. Any Caesarstone or quartzite other material will cost MORE than just doing everything in Taj Mahal. I'd pick doing it all the same if I were you. I think TM is beautiful and a great deal!!

Hello, I'm years late to this thread but Pumpkinhouse, what did you decide to do on the perimeter counter tops? I'm also looking at doing Taj Mahal on the main kitchen island and want a darker, solid color on the perimeter to complement and showcase it. Can you please tell me what you decided to do? Thanks