Have you made the decision to include granite countertops in your newly constructed home or in a home remodeling project? You’ve probably arrived at the decision based on the fact that granite is highly durable, lasts for many years, and is incredibly beautiful. However, what you might not realize is how many different colors in which it’s available. Granite comes in nearly every color and pattern you can imagine, from light to dark and everywhere in between. It can easily get overwhelming if you try to pick from every single color out there, so you might benefit from narrowing down to at least a group of colors. Perhaps you’re convinced that lighter colors like beige or white would look the best, or maybe you have your heart set on the darker colors. If you aren’t sure where to start to narrow down your selection, consider the following:
How Large the Room Is
Just like dark cabinets or dark curtains, dark countertops can have a claustrophobic effect and make a small room look even smaller. If you’re installing granite in a powder room or a small galley kitchen, you would probably be better off taking dark colors out of the equation. A sparkling white or cream countertop will make a room look larger and airier.
Colors of Fixtures or Cabinets
Though it’s difficult for any color of granite to clash with other materials, there are definitely some pairings that go better with others. Take a look at the room you are remodeling or building and note the colors of cabinets, flooring, window coverings, fixtures, and more. Decide if you want to pair light countertops with dark cabinets or vice versa, or if there is a certain color scheme you are aiming for. Many people make the mistake of making decisions on certain parts of a room without taking the entire room into consideration. This can result in a room that looks slapped together rather than present the cohesive appearance you want.
Amount of Natural Light
Are you installing countertops in a large, open kitchen with plenty of natural light? This type of room can easily handle darker countertops that will be offset by the amount of brightness that naturally occurs in the room.
Ease of Cleaning
As a general rule, very light and very dark surfaces will show spills and dust more than neutral colors. If you have your heart set on white or black countertops, bear in mind that you may be cleaning more than if you had brown or more beige colors. Though granite is easy to clean with soap and water and stains rarely happen, you may want to err on the side of lower maintenance if your countertops are in a high traffic area.
Trends vs. Longevity
There are plenty of trendy colors out there, and there’s nothing wrong with going for a modern, contemporary look. However, if you plan to sell in the near future or if your tastes change rapidly, you might find yourself looking at another remodeling project down the road. Choosing traditional colors is always a good choice if you plan to put the home on the market soon or if you tend to change up the colors of your furnishings frequently.
Personal Style and Preferences
Your home is your resting place and where you should feel the most comfortable. Everything in your home should be a reflection of your family’s personal preferences and unique sense of style. It doesn’t matter what your house guests will think or how many compliments you’ll get from your friends. Your family comes first, and you all should decide on colors that reflect who you are. The only exception to this rule, of course, is if you plan to sell in the near future.
Choosing the right color of granite for your home will increase your enjoyment of it for years to come. Take into consideration the size and décor of the room, your own preferences, and if you plan to sell the home in the near future to help you make your selection.