Skip to main content

Granite countertop concepts you should definitely consider

Granite countertops have been a kitchen staple for decades because they are gorgeous, easy to clean, and super durable. As a more traditional design choice, you may be wondering if the granite look is becoming outdated, especially when trendy materials like quartz, stone, and concrete are on the rise. If you’re considering remodeling your countertops, we can assure you granite is still a classic choice that looks expensive and elegant, not old-fashioned.

Granite is much more diverse than you might think, and there are tons of different granite countertop designs available that will keep your home looking fresh and new. With variability in the color, texture, and finish, you can incorporate trendy granite that makes for an impressive, updated kitchen.

Women Placing Flowers on Kitchen Countertop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Go neutral

Neutral tones are uber-popular right now because they keep spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, feeling light and airy. While dark granites in grey, black, or dark green used to be popular, today whites, ivories, and light grays are gracing the kitchens of new builds. These colors also compliment warmer tones of gold and copper spotted in the faucets, door handles, and lighting of industrial-chic designs.

Neutral tones also pair easily with any aesthetic, so if you’re remodeling your contemporary home into a modern farmhouse, you don’t have to worry about replacing the countertop. Simply, this granite can complement cupboards or appliances of any color, maintaining a focused and cohesive aesthetic.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Matte finish

An easy way to update your existing granite and be on-trend is to have it refinished. Shiny, polished granite is slowly giving way to matte and honed finishes. This can replicate the look of high-end concrete countertops, especially on gray stone. That being said, matte finishes look different depending on the color of your granite, so make sure you do your homework and order samples so you know exactly what the finished product will look like.

Another more recent trend is leathered finish, a style of treatment that produces a soft sheen and a slightly dimpled texture, so it’s not as silky smooth as traditional countertops.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Veining and patterns

While solid-colored granite is still a hot commodity, some designers are moving towards granite with more character. Slabs with veining and subdued patterns provide a little more charm to the space. For instance, a light grey granite with white or ivory veining looks stunning in a kitchen. The natural look pairs well with a rustic style, but it can also warm up the clean, straight lines of contemporary kitchens.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Two-toned kitchens

Color blocking is another 21st-century design trend that brings in bright, bold colors to add a little fun to the room. By picking opposite colors or shades for the cabinets and countertops, you create a contrast that adds tons of visual interest. For example, paint cabinets a bright red to pair with ivory and cream countertops. For gray or charcoal granite, bring in hues of electric blue into the appliances and decor. The two-toned look is more daring, but it’s a contemporary style that showcases your personality.

Long story short, granite isn’t going anywhere. This durable material will last you years. It’s also heat and scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about damaging countertops with hot pans. In addition to all these functional benefits, they’re also classically stylish. With so many variations in color, texture, and pattern, you’re sure to find a stone that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic and reflects your unique design style. Whether you stick with the classic dark and shiny stone, update it with new finishes, or replace it entirely in favor of a slab with a different color and texture, you can make this material fit the needs of your updated, modern kitchen.

Keep in mind, however, that this is not a DIY-friendly project. This material is heavy, and experts have the know-how to install it safely and ensure the cabinets are strong enough to hold it. Even if you choose to simply refinish the countertops, hire the pros. Granite can be an expensive investment, so it’s best to make sure any renovation is done correctly the first time. Every slab is different, so guessing your way through the process is a no-go. Though you have to pay for installation and labor costs, a professional installation ensures you can enjoy your countertops for years and years to come.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
The best green paint colors for a soothing, sophisticated home
Recommendations for warm and cool green tones to add to your space
Green wall color with plant nearby

Green is a color we’re seeing everywhere in home design. Named Color of the Year for 2022 by many of the most prominent names in the paint industry, green is a trendy hue that you can expect to see in many interior designs in the foreseeable future. Green has an incredible way of adding a sense of vibrance and authenticity to your space. So, if you’re a homeowner in need of a soothing and sophisticated shade, then green might be just what you’ve been looking for.

This color can help you invite a renewed sense of vitality and energy to a space, making it perfect for homeowners looking to change up their existing palette. While green was trending in home design as 2022's "it" color, it has become a popular staple even as we venture into the coming years. So, it's safe to assume that this wonderful shade will likely add a timeless and natural look to any space. If you're eager to incorporate green into your design scheme, here are some of the best green paint colors to inspire your next renovation.

Read more
What couch material should you get? We have the answer
Have pets? This is the couch for you
Leather couch

If you're in the market for a new couch or sofa, one of the biggest considerations beyond the size and shape is the couch fabric. Deciding on how you plan to use the couch and who you plan to let on it (for example, pets and kids) can help determine which material you choose. If it's a sofa for a living room and one the whole family will use daily, you need couch material that's durable and will hold up over time. If it's one in an office or formal living room, you can be a bit more relaxed about the fabric.

Beyond the frame and springs, there are many fabric choices available when it comes to buying a couch. Here are a few things to watch out for and consider before making your big purchase. They can make the difference between a couch that stands the test of time and one that needs to be replaced after a couple of years.

Read more
6 easy ways to update your home for under $500
Update your home with these inexpensive, easy projects
Couple painting white walls

When most homeowners think of renovations, they think of time-consuming projects that always run over budget. And often, they’re right. But updating your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Tearing down cabinets and installing brand-new hardwood floors aren’t the only ways to up your home design game.

With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you can refresh your space with inexpensive home remodeling projects that will have a considerable impact. Here are six DIY home projects that you can easily complete for less than $500.

Read more