If you have decided on granite countertops for your kitchen, you are only one step closer to your dream décor. The second step, of course, is to decide what color. Granite comes in hundreds of different colors, and even when choosing a particular color, you will still have a variety of designs within that color. This makes it more difficult to choose the right color for your kitchen. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that you can use, seen below, and all of these tips are based on the recommendations of interior designers.
Follow Your Instinct
When you start the process of choosing the granite color for your kitchen, there is one rule that you should stick by…follow your instinct. Remember, this is your kitchen, so go with the color you like. If you talk to an interior designer or a granite installer, they will both tell you that most people end up choosing the stone they liked initially, so if you keep this in mind from the start, you will save yourself time during this process.
Understand the Concept of Natural Stone
It is also important to remember that granite is a natural stone, and this makes it more difficult to choose the right color. Unlike manufactured stone countertops, such as quartz, granite has variations from one slab to another. This means that you will never find another piece of granite that looks exactly like the one you choose, even if it’s the same color. The variations in granite are what makes it such a popular choice, but it can also make the process more overwhelming.
Get a Sample
To ensure you have chosen a granite color that matches the rest of your décor, it is important that you compare the color of the stone with your cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring, and more. You certainly cannot bring your cabinets into the showroom to compare, but you can bring samples of granite colors home to compare it to your décor. Most granite suppliers will allow their customers to take a sample home, just keep in mind that you might have to pay a small fee or a deposit.
See the Slab
Even if you have a sample, you aren’t getting the full view of what a slab might look like. Most granite suppliers will be happy to let you see a full slab of the color you are considering. Some of them will even have the full slabs in the showroom, or a photo or video gallery of the slab.
Understand the Cost
You also want to take cost into effect when you are choosing the color of your granite. Most people believe that the size of the granite is the only indicator of cost, but, in truth, that is only one aspect that is considered. The other thing to consider is the color. Some colors, such as blue, are more expensive because they are rarer. Less expensive colors include brown, gray, and white. However, keep in mind that there are fairly affordable blue shades, and you will certainly find more expensive brown, gray, and white, especially if the slab has unusual features.
Don’t Forget to Consider Lighting and Existing Color Scheme
Finally, it is important to consider lighting and the existing color scheme when considering granite color. If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, for example, you will see that dark colored granite will look best. However, if you have dark cabinets, it is best to choose lighter colored granite, as it will evoke a sense of balance. You also want to make sure that you are balancing movement. If you have simple cabinets without a lot of movement, such as graining, feel free to choose a livelier color and slab. However, if you have a lot of graining in your cabinets or have a dynamic floor, it is best to choose a simple color of granite.