A granite countertop is a beautiful and a practical choice. It resists heat, chipping and staining, and maintains its beauty for a lifetime. This enduring quality makes time spent looking at granite slabs in their entirety worth it. Every granite slab is different from another and varies within itself. Choose a granite slab that appeals to you, but also consider the atmosphere you want your kitchen to exude. Pairing your granite countertop with the right cabinetry creates your desired kitchen atmosphere.
Light and Airy
A Bianco Romano granite countertop paired with white Shaker style cabinet doors limits lines and demarcations with its monochromatic color and simple cabinetry. If you desire a bit of warmth, the brown or gold veining in Colonial Cream or Giallo Ornamental warms the space, especially if the granite is accompanied with lightly stained maple wood cabinetry with raised panels.
These white granites and lightly shaded cabinets give your kitchen a sense of spaciousness. This is an ideal combination for those who have a small kitchen or for someone who feels as if the layout of their kitchen is too compact or cluttered.
Contemporary
A Caledonia granite countertop paired with dark cherry flush panel cabinetry expresses the contemporary style. This granite’s consistent light gray pattern contrasted with the dark cherry creates warm clean lines indicative of the contemporary style. If you prefer a darker granite, but lighter cabinetry, the Black Galaxy or the Black Pearl granite countertops with light oak flush panel cabinets has the same simple, clean effect.
When you combine these elements in the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, you will create a winning combination. You also might want to consider features such as track lighting or even flat ceiling lights.
Warm
A New Venetian Gold granite countertop paired with medium stained cherry raised panel cabinetry gives a warm cozy atmosphere. The darker Butterfly Green granite countertop paired with pine raised panel cabinetry does, as well. To add a very soothing feel to your kitchen, consider a Crema Bordeaux granite countertop paired with cherry or darkly stained raised panel maple cabinetry.
To further create the appearance of a warm kitchen, consider adding elements such as a hardwood floor, or add colors such as khaki, eggplant, gold, and cocoa.
Bold
Magma Gold, Green Marinace, and Brazilian Blue granite countertops are exceptionally striking and intriguing. Magma Gold and Green Marinace pair well with white or lightly stained oak cabinetry. Both create a contemporary kitchen with flush panel cabinetry or create a warmer atmosphere with raised panel cabinetry. The stunning Brazilian Blue granite countertop paired with white cabinets creates a more airy atmosphere.
There is a lot of other things you can do to enhance the boldness of your kitchen. For example, consider installing a granite backsplash with a striking pattern, or choose to add a splash of bold color by painting an accent wall in cherry red, burnt orange, or azure blue.
Love Your Choice
Polished granite slabs are beautiful and choosing just one is challenging. Take into account the mood or atmosphere you want your kitchen to evoke. If you want to create a bit more energy and conversation, choose a granite with “movement” or wide wave-like striations along its surface. Some granite slabs lend themselves to certain moods more than others, especially if paired with the right cabinetry. Being aware of this helps your decision making and your love of the end result.
Additionally, before you start to choose accents for your kitchen, it is best to speak with a designer. Not only will they help you to choose the elements that are right for you, they can help with choosing complimentary colors and patterns, which will make your granite countertop the focal point of your kitchen.