Every piece of granite countertop is a unique work of art. No two pieces are exactly alike. Manufacturers do an excellent job at matching up two or more pieces to maintain a similar look throughout your kitchen at the time when the granite is ordered. What happens if you want to add granite to something else in that room, like the top of an island or a separate counter that doubles as a desk for a makeshift office or homework area?
In this case, you can choose a similar type of granite that complements the primary color. Beautiful granite slabs not only make durable countertops for one of the best-used rooms in your family’s home but, depending on the style you choose, they also pair well with all types of kitchen cabinets, appliances, floors, and paint colors.
When choosing granite for an accessory area of your kitchen, like a separate cabinet, cabinets in an adjoining pantry, laundry area, or mudroom, or an office workspace, it is important to talk with the retailer.
Make sure you take a list of your questions so you do not go home having forgotten to discuss a pertinent detail. In addition to the list, you will want to take photos on your smartphone of your current kitchen the way it looks now, with close-ups of the cabinets, paint color, accessories, and of course your current granite countertops.
Mixing and Matching Granite Countertop Colors
As you peruse the options available, check the samples with the pictures you took. This will give you a good idea of what styles and colors of granite work well together, and which do not. Here are some useful suggestions for creating complementary color palettes of granite within your family’s kitchen based on the color of the current granite countertops.
- White or black with a marble pattern – Because the marble pattern has a distinct vein that runs through the stone, choose a secondary granite countertop that retains the color of that vein. An example would be white marble pattern granite countertops running the perimeter of the room, with a white and black speckled countertop atop an island in the center of the kitchen.
- Solid black granite countertops – These counters look very sleek, and used the right way they can add visual drama to a room. Too much is overkill, however which is why islands and other accessory areas offer a more pleasing visual when topped with a complementary style such as granite with marble or speckled patterns. This will add a dramatic visual to the room without overwhelming the senses.
- Butcher block kitchen counters – Do you have wood surrounding the perimeter of your home? You can replace small sections, such as the area on either side of the stove, with durable granite countertops. Because both wood and granite are organic elements, you can mix and match styles as much as you like. You can use the suggestion for tan counters below, or go with something dramatic like bold red or charcoal.
- Tan granite counters – Any earthy hue, such as tan, gold, or brown, works well in a kitchen which is filled with organics like fruits and vegetables. When pairing up another granite countertop for the kitchen, choose a similar earth tone like sage green or ocean blue. This will add visual impact without clashing styles.
Despite a low economy during the past few years, granite countertops are still a hot trend in today’s kitchens. While other materials, like soapstone, marble, and quartz might also seem popular, there is really no competition. Granite countertops give your kitchen a personal style because, as previously stated, no two pieces of the stone look exactly alike.
Designing Trendy Granite Counters Outside the Box
Granite countertops do not have to be straight. A new trend in kitchen countertops is a half-circle island, where the sink recesses along the straight edge while the round side offers enough space for plates of food. This creates a mini-bar area where you could entertain guests, or where your kids could do homework after school without getting in the way of dinner preparations.
The neutral, safe colors of our parents’ and grandparents’ kitchens are a thing of the past. Regardless of what your kitchen looks like right now, tidy it up a little and snap off a few photographs. Then head to your granite kitchen countertop retailer to discuss your options. You do not have anything to lose by talking to the representative, and a kitchen that will be the envy of all your neighbors to gain.