Homeowners across the globe are always looking for ways of adding value to their homes. The aim is to do so through finishes that they will appreciate for some time to come. So, when a homeowner has the opportunity to do both—namely, to add value to their home while achieving finishes that they love—they jump at the opportunity. Granite countertops are one finish that fulfills both these needs. What follows are some of the many options and choices that attend granite countertops. Take the time to check out these choices to see what may be available for your own home:
Colors and Textures
When granite countertops first hit the market, as a popular finish in both the bathroom and the kitchen, homeowners tended to play it safe. They did not want to alienate potential buyers by investing in colors that might not appeal to the general population. But, research indicates that this hesitance is largely unfounded.
In 2015, it makes sense to invest in granite countertops that reflect the overall design of your space. This might mean introducing a countertop in an oxblood hue, for instance. This color countertop works quite nicely with copper sinks and deep metallic fixtures. A nice complement to this shade of granite would be rustic wood cabinets and country-chic accessories. You might also choose to take risks when it comes to the texture of your granite countertops. Indeed, bold veining is a feature that will help your granite countertop stand apart from the crowd. If you choose a white granite countertop for your bathroom, consider one with stark gray veining. This will add a sense of depth and detail to the feature, and will help draw the eye into it. Deeply veined countertops work best in spaces that are not overly crowded with accessories, as too much busyness is never inviting. The rule of thumb, here, is to invest in colors and textures that make the most sense within your space. If these so happen to be bold cuts of granite, go for it.
Placement
Granite works wonderfully as a countertop material for a wide range of reasons. First and foremost, it is a durable material that stands up to the wear and tear of daily life. Additionally, it is a thoroughly modern material. As such, having a granite countertop in your home instantly makes your space seem more relevant and up to date.
But, for decades, homeowners have thought only to incorporate granite countertops in their bathrooms and kitchens. To be sure, these are two areas where granite countertops work well. Part of the reason for this is because kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms where prospective homeowners unconsciously locate value. Thus, if these two spaces are new and up to date, prospective homeowners are much more likely to see your home as one worth buying.
With that being said, there are many other rooms in which granite can be used as a beautiful countertop material. The laundry room is one such space. All laundry rooms benefit from a small countertop on which to place folded clothes and laundry detergent. Granite is a great material on which to do so, and will instantly modernize this too-often neglected space. Granite countertops also work well in the basement, providing a space on which to make drinks and place food while entertaining.
Cut
Another option you have when it comes to your granite countertops is their cut. Traditionally, homeowners opted for granite countertops comprised of straight lines and edges. This seemed like the most classic option, and thus became the most popular. But, as the popularity of granite countertops continues to grow, so too do the shapes that they adopt.
Interior designers largely promote the juxtaposition of different sorts of lines in a space. For example, if you are working in the kitchen you might want to combine a pencil-rounded countertop with the straight lines of your cabinetry. Pencil-rounded countertops adopt a subtle, downward-turning curvature. Furthermore, this shape of countertop tends to be less bold than its straight-edged counterpart. If you are hoping to achieve a sense of depth with your countertops, you can invest in granite in an ogee shape. This shape is one where the top layer of granite dips subtly onto its foundation, or base. The corners of this countertop are markedly round.
All in all, investing in a granite countertop is an excellent idea. But, doing so involves making some nuanced decisions. For example, you will have to consider both the shade and texture of granite that will work best in your room. Do not shy away from bold colors and textures if that’s what you truly want. Also, you will want to contemplate where to place your granite countertop. Keep in mind that the kitchen and the bathroom are not the only spaces in which this finish works. Lastly, make an effort to select a cut of granite that complements the architecture and tone of your space.