Buckingham Fountain’s Pink Marble: Warm-Toned Countertops for Chicago Kitchens

Written by the Al Jory Marble team, countertop fabricators and installers in Crestwood, Illinois. Published November 6, 2026.

Everyone knows Buckingham Fountain for its water show. But look closer and you’ll notice the stone. The whole fountain glows a soft pink, and that’s not paint. It’s pink Georgia marble. If you’ve been eyeing warm-toned countertops instead of the usual bright white, this Chicago icon is great inspiration.

A Quick History of Buckingham Fountain

• Opened in 1927 in Grant Park
• A gift from Kate Buckingham, who gave $1 million in memory of her brother, Clarence
• Built from pink Georgia marble, with some granite and bronze sea horse sculptures
• Inspired by the Latona Basin at Versailles, and designed to represent Lake Michigan
• Designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, with sculptures by Marcel Loyau of France

The Chicago Park District usually runs the fountain from early May to mid-October. Shows run every hour, with lights and music after dusk. The center jet shoots about 150 feet high. It’s closed for the season now, so put it on your list for spring.

Why Warm Tones Are Back

Bright white kitchens had a long run. Now a lot of homeowners want something softer and cozier. Warm stones bring in cream, beige, blush, gold and caramel. They feel inviting, they hide crumbs better than pure white, and they look great in older Chicago homes with wood trim.

Warm-Toned Stones to Look For

Here are real stones with warm color. What’s in stock changes, so call before you visit to see what’s in our yard.

Love Taj Mahal? Read our Taj Mahal quartzite guide.

A quick note on durability: Marble etches with acids like lemon juice and vinegar, just like the fountain’s marble has weathered outdoors. Quartzite and granite are much harder. Quartz is the lowest-maintenance option. See our granite countertops and quartz countertops.

How to Pair Warm Stones With Cabinets

• White or cream cabinets: soft and bright, great with Taj Mahal or warm-white quartz
• Navy cabinets: warm stone keeps navy from feeling cold
• Sage or olive green: pairs beautifully with beige and gold veining
• Natural wood or walnut: a cozy, timeless look
• Brass or gold hardware: picks up the warm tones in the stone

For more ideas, see our guide on how to match stone with cabinets.

Bring a Sample Home

Warm stones can look different under your kitchen lights. Bring home a sample, or come see full slabs at our Crestwood showroom. Seeing the whole slab is the best way to know.

Visit Al Jory Marble

We’re a family-owned shop in Crestwood, cutting and polishing every slab in-house since 2015. Explore our marble and granite countertops in Chicagoland, or stop by.

Al Jory Marble
4711 W. 135th St., Crestwood, IL 60418
Phone: (708) 362-7674
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Request a free estimate or contact Al Jory Marble.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buckingham Fountain made of?
Pink Georgia marble, with some granite elements and bronze sculptures.

When does Buckingham Fountain run?
The Chicago Park District usually runs it from early May to mid-October, with hourly shows.

What are some warm-toned countertop options?
Taj Mahal quartzite, Crema Marfil marble, Giallo Ornamental granite, pink marbles like Rosa Portogallo, and warm-white quartz.

What cabinet colors go with warm countertops?
White, cream, navy, sage green and natural wood all pair well with warm stone.

Are warm-toned countertops in style?
Yes. More homeowners are moving from stark white to softer cream, beige and gold tones.

Sources

• Chicago Park District: Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain
• McKay Lodge: Buckingham Fountain Renovation
• Natural Stone Institute: Granite vs. Marble
• Natural Stone Institute: White Stones