The focal points of any outdated kitchen include the cabinets, countertops and appliances. With a little bit of fresh paint, or investing in new ones, you can transform cabinetry. You also don’t have to spend a fortune on appliances. Just make sure they’re the same color and that the style enhances the kitchen’s overall modern feel. When it comes to countertops, however, using granite really packs a punch.
Modern design 101
A few features that mark a modern kitchen design include sleek, smooth surfaces and simple cabinet hardware. A modern kitchen is typically also devoid of ornamentation, instead focusing on flat-paneled cabinet doors and simple backsplashes. Updated kitchens also lean towards using natural materials, relying on their inherent beauty.
This is where granite countertops really make a statement, whether they’re monochromatic or highly colorful, or with a simple or complex pattern. Here are just some of the modern designs you can employ in your updated kitchen.
- Choose off-white or beige cabinets and enhance the clean, modern design with white granite. You won’t be able to choose a true white, but white granite slabs run the gamut, starting with tiny flecks of black or gray to darker slabs that more prominently feature the darker colors. In any case, your white granite will be the icing on the cake in your bright, white kitchen. Stainless steel appliances work well to further capitalize on the modern feel.
- Darker flooring with very white cabinets that feature smooth panels really drives a modern kitchen’s aesthetic. Black granite countertops can make a big statement here. You can go as dark as you can, with as little white or gray flecks as possible, or choose a granite slab whose majority color is black, with alternating with other colors, like dark gray or brown.
- Achieve a modern but formal look with white cabinets that feature hardware that adheres to a more traditional feel. Utilize sophisticated arches above windows and the stovetop, incorporating a varied and flecked white and black granite countertop.
- If your room has enough natural light, consider going dark with cabinetry and countertops. Black cabinets will really make an impact, but pepper the cabinetry with a few that feature glass panels and lighting. Combine these with stainless steel appliances and a granite slab with a dark, rich red and black veining. The red will truly bring a modern drama to the space.
- Go with dark brown cabinetry that’s streaked with minute amounts of black, and complement the investment with a dark slab of granite. Gray hues will brighten up the room without being too dark, and a white granite backsplash will reflect the light.
- Want to dark cabinets but need brighter granite? Black, deep brown or even dark gray cabinets are dramatic, but a lighter slab of granite will definitely offset the look. Choose an interesting granite slab with colors that enhance the cabinets. For example, for rich, deep gray cabinets with a hint of green, consider using white granite with specks of green. If the cabinets are brown or black, use a varied white granite slab with hints of yellow, brown or blue.
- Lighter, natural wood also delivers a brighter look to any kitchen. The cabinetry works well with nearly any color and pattern of granite. Choose a slab that has enough variety to capture interest and make a statement, since the lighter-colored cabinetry won’t necessary steal the show.
These modern kitchen ideas for granite countertops will go a long way toward improving your outdated space. Not only do granite counters bring a fresh, revitalizing look to the room. They’ll also help to showcase your new cabinets and appliances, tying the entire room together into one modern look.