You can install granite countertops in your kitchen, regardless of its size. There is an art to choosing the granite countertop color for your contemporary, modern or traditional kitchen. It all depends on knowing a few key rules to combining color with space. Here’s what you need to know:
Rule 1: For large kitchens
For expansive kitchens, it’s important to appropriately complement the granite color with the amount of square footage in the room. For example, it’s possible to choose a dark granite countertop and accent it with a lighter granite color for the kitchen island. Be careful of combining dark granite with dark cabinets, however. Even a large kitchen will need enough natural light to keep the space bright. On the other hand, your large kitchen can also accommodate a light and airy look by featuring light-colored granite counters in the room. In this case, you may want to pair the kitchen with a dark wood floor for interest.
Rule 2: For small kitchens
If you’re trying to make a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter, don’t go dark with granite counters. This move will only serve to make the kitchen feel like a dungeon, and maybe even spooky. In this case, you should choose a light-colored granite countertop. It will help make the space feel expansive – not cramped. You may be able to get away with a darker-toned granite that features lighter veins – but only if the small kitchen gets lots of natural light.
Rule 3: For both types of kitchens
The main factor to consider when choosing a granite counter for your kitchen is light. No matter the size, the artificial and natural lighting in the space will either help or hinder your color selection. The same rule of thumb goes for other design elements in the room. If you’re in love with a darker granite countertop and your existing kitchen is small and features darker cabinets, choose a very light flooring and wall paint color to brighten up the space.
Deep, rich wood flooring is the perfect offset to a bright, light granite countertop and cabinets. On the other hand, if you have dark cabinets, you may want to complement the material with lighter granite counters and flooring.
Rule 4: Resale
Always keep your home’s resale value in mind. You may love a certain look, but if future buyers don’t, you’ll be hard pressed to sell your home at a profit. Neutral colors, simple design, and nothing that’s too far off the typical designs in your area are good tips to keep in mind when choosing a granite color that will help your home keep its value.
The important thing to remember when selecting granite countertop color is to get an up-close look. It’s not enough to look at showroom samples without having a cabinet door or floor plank to also hold up to the granite slab. In addition, it’s important to take granite slabs home to get a good look at what the counters will look like next to flooring, wall color, cabinets and other designs. This is especially critical for the room’s lighting. Showroom lighting is artificial, and there’s often little natural light. Even if the space has natural lighting, it won’t be identical to your kitchen’s light. Match up the granite slab samples to the kitchen’s design elements in morning light, afternoon light and evening light before making a selection.
It’s important to know the size of your kitchen when choosing a granite color for the countertops. With these rules in mind, you can’t go wrong.