granite countertops have long been a symbol of luxury and durability.
However, a common misconception persists that granite is outdated and no longer suitable for contemporary kitchens. This belief might stem from the rise of new materials like quartz and the association of granite with older design trends.
Yet, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
Granite remains a top choice for modern kitchens, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, versatility, and timeless elegance.
In this blog post, we will explore why granite countertops continue to be a trendy and sophisticated option for today’s stylish kitchens, debunking the myth that they are a thing of the past.
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Why granite countertops are good?
Granite is one of the best choices in modern kitchen countertops.
The desirability of granite has been there for three main reasons: Firstly, granite is an extremely durable material that can withstand the workload in the kitchen. Due to its natural qualities, granite is very hard to scratch, does not etch, and does not stain, especially if sealed properly.
Secondly, the great variety of granite stones lets the end user find the best slab that matches the kitchen design. Keep in mind, that modern kitchens are suitable for honed granite countertops. Glossy finishes are out of style and they will make your kitchen look dated. Thirdly, granite is a type of natural material that increases the resale value of your house, just in case you are going to sell it. So, keep it in mind.
Will granite countertops go out of style?
The glossy granite countertops often used in dated dark kitchens are definitely out of style. However, granite, as a material, will most likely never go out of style. Honed surface granite countertops are nowadays in great demand and no wonder why: Granite countertop is one of the most durable materials that are scratch, and stain resistant and does not etch.
Generally speaking, when we talk about out-of-style granite countertops, we have to keep in mind that it’s not only the granite countertops but the whole kitchen design where those countertops are used looks outdated. I have seen man kitchen upgrade projects where simply repainting cabinets and changing backsplash let those “outdated granite countertops” look modern because their distinctive features were properly coordinated with the rest of the elements.
Moreover, if you are considering getting new granite countertops, go for it. You can choose a desirable look out of many granite options. Granite slabs are categorized into three groups: basics, exotics, and super exotics. The basics’ look is consistent from supplier to supplier and this look often is the one that we are so bored of. However, there are many different options other than basics. However, keep in mind, that exactly those basics are the most durable and hard ones.
The great variety of granite countertops is the reason why granite as a material will never go out of style. You can always find the desired look and combine it with the modern types of finishes, such as honed, and you will get an amazing countertop that will be extremely stylish, and durable and increase the resale value of your house.
What granite colors are outdated?
There are some granite colors that look outdated, especially if they are paired with a polished finish. Most of them feature a smaller grain pattern with a mix of a lot of colors: browns, purples, blues, greys, and greens.
Here are some of the outdated granite colors, which you can still make look modern. The key is to pair them with modern sleek solid color cabinetry and balance the busy countertop pattern with calmer elements.
The reason why some of the granite countertops are associated with outdated designs is that in most cases there was no balance. Busy warm-toned countertops were mixed with other warm-tone busy surfaces.
However, granite slabs that feature larger veining or wave-like patterns, or are close to a solid color, can be used in modern kitchen designs.
The outdated colors of granite usually fall into so-called Level 1 granite category, which is the most common and widely available option out there. Despite the claim that they look outdated, it is a fact that they are structurally the strongest granite options out there, and they are priced more reasonably: around 34-40USD per square meter, which is not cheap at all. None of the granite options are cheap.
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The outdated look of these granite slabs is largely conditioned due to the outdated designs of the kitchens that do not take into account the colors of this beautiful natural material. So, it’s not about the granite, it’s about the overall design and material selection. Most of the time, if you coordinate the cabinet and backsplash colors with the colors of the granite countertops, and add modern beautiful hardware, the slabs will fit better into modern kitchen designs.
The key is to embrace what you already have instead of fighting it. Go with it and see what color schemes it will bring into your kitchen. This article discusses strategies that will help you update and coordinate your kitchen colors with your outdated granite countertops to make the whole kitchen look modern and welcoming.
However, if you can, switch the polished finish of the granite slabs with a honed finish. This can make a huge difference.
What colors of granite are more expensive?
The prices of granite are largely arbitrary if the granite is either exotic or super exotic. Generally speaking, the granite slabs are categorized into three groups: basics, exotics and super exotics. While the prices of basic granite slabs are consistent from supplier to supplier, same is not true when it comes to exotics or super exotics.
Having said that, what exactly is an exotic or a super exotic granite? Anything that is not in the Level 1 (basics) granite. Exotic granite slabs have distinctive color or pattern. Usually, the pattern is large scale than those usual small graining so common for level 1 granite slabs. A good example for a super exotic granite is this beautiful Sodalite Blue Granite for 3625USD per square meters and a Backdrop Verde Paraiba Amazon Green Granite Slab for just 860USD per square meter.
Exotic granite slabs are priced lower than super exotic ones, but still way higher than the Level 1 granite slabs. On average, you should count 150-450 USD per square meter price range for beautiful exotic granite slabs. Exotic slabs feature larger beautiful patterns, and the colors vary from beige to dark, including exotic colors such as greens and blues.
Here are some examples of exotic granite slabs:
Is granite going out of fashion?
Definitely not. Granite is one of the most popular countertop options because of its durability and natural beauty. There are types of granite that are considered out of fashion – the small grain slabs so common in old oak cabinet dark kitchens. However, granite, as a material is definitely not out of fashion, if the color and finish is sourced properly.
Avoid small grain busy patterns and go for a honed finish and you will have a great trendy, durable and beautiful granite countertop that will increase the resale value of your house while looking all cool, chic, and posh.
Modern granite countertop colors for 2022: popular granite colors 2022 and beyond
The colors and types of granite that were popular have changed. Nowadays, more solid colors or slabs with special veining are more in a fashion than small grain patterns. There are several modern granite countertop colors that are popular nowadays and for a reason.
Here are the 19 most popular modern granite countertop colors for 2022. Combine them with a matt or honed finish and a stylish countertop is guaranteed.
01. Black Galaxy
Black Galaxy granite is mostly black granite with small gold or white flecks. In modern kitchen design, black galaxy is mainly used with honed or leather finish instead of polished. Black galaxy looks really elegant with classic or modern style kitchen designs.
02. Black Cosmic Granite
Due to its distinctive wave-like gaining and large pattern, cosmic black granite can easily be mistaken for a Black Taurus Marble in high-end kitchens. However, unlike marble countertops, this granite is not going to etch or scratch easily, and therefore, it is a better option.
The tasteful use of black cosmic granite is to make it a feature material of the kitchen design: the rest of the kitchen is quite neutral and designed in natural colors while the granite countertop, kitchen island top, or backsplash pops out and becomes a featured element.
The color scheme of Black Cosmic Granite includes black, tones of grey, silver, and gold. Therefore, it is easy to coordinate this countertop with neutral cabinetry, and gold or silver hardware or other elements in the kitchen.
03. Agatha Black Granite
Just like Black cosmic granite, Agatha Black Granite has a distinctive wave-like large pattern on black background. However, unlike Cosmic Black, the Agatha Black does not feature gold. Therefore, it is easier to combine it with Black and white, or grey kitchen cabinetry, and chrome or stainless steel faucet and hardware.
04. Sri Lanka Fantasy Brown Granite
Sri Lanka Fantasy Brown Granite features shades of brown and large patterns over a black background. This granite can easily be used as a countertop and a backsplash. Combined with wood cabinets, or neutral colors such as grey, white or black, this granite countertop can become a feature element of the kitchen due to its distinctive look.
05. River White Granite
River white granite features a white background with warm undertones, light grey flowy veining, and purple or burgundy flecks. This beautiful granite countertop can easily be combined with both, dark and light cabinet colors in modern or classic kitchen designs.
River white is one of the most beautiful and most popular light granite colors not only because of its looks, but also due to its durability, scratch, heat, and etch resistance.
06. Via Lactea Granite
Via Lactea is one of the most popular black granite types. The white veining contrasts the black background and gives the slab a very distinctive look which can easily be used in both, modern minimalistic or classic kitchen designs. More often than not, Via Lactea backsplash and countertops become a feature element of the kitchen design.
Unlike some other granite colors, Via Lactea looks chic with either a polished or honed surface finish. For classic kitchen designs, a honed surface is still preferable over the glossy one.
07. Honed Virginia Mist
Honed Virginia Mist Granite countertops look a bit like Via Lactea, but the veining is less dramatic and blends with the background more. It is an extremely durable granite. However, it is extremely important to choose the right cabinet color and style for these countertops, otherwise, the whole kitchen would look dated. You’re not gonna like it.
Virginia Mist can easily go well with a lot of styles and colors, however, sticking with the classics is always a good decision.
08. Namibia Gold Granite
Namibia Gold Granite is an exotic color of granite. Due to its flowy pattern, and a generous splash of colors that include tones of grey, gold, and brown, this granite slab offers a lot of movement. The Namibia Gold granite backsplash and countertops together would ideally be paired with dark grey or black cabinetry. It will look great in modern minimalist or classic kitchens with a minimalist approach.
09. Alpine White Granite
Alpine White granite features cream tones blended with greys, ebony, and clear quartz colors. Alpine white is a medium-grade stone not quite exotic and not quite Level 1 basic. It is often used as kitchen countertops because of its neutral color schemes that can go well with classic or modern kitchen designs. The colors are somewhat close to River White granite, but Alpine white does not feature a flowy pattern.
10. Viscon White Granite
Viscon White Granite is one of the most popular granite colors. Due to its neutral colors and flowy pattern it gives endless opportunities to the designers. It can easily be combined with Color classics – black and white, or wood cabinets.
Viscon White is somewhat comparable with Silver Cloud granite, as both feature the same color scheme and the patterns can easily be mistaken.
11. Aquamarine Blue Granite
Aquamarine blue granite features shades of blue, browns, and greys that flow into each other creating a large-scale pattern. Getting just a sample for this type of stone won’t tell you anything, since the whole beauty of this slab lies in the large-scale pattern. Aquamarine blue would work nicely with white, blue, or grey kitchen cabinets. Choose color that is already there in the slab color scheme and it will be just fine.
12. Shiva Gold Granite
Shiva Gold Granite features creamy background and shades of beige, brown and burgundy flowing into each other. Shiva Gold Granite looks somewhat like River White Granite, but it is still different. This countertop texture would work lovely in a kitchen with natural wood cabinets, neutrals, whites, or bold warm color cabinets. Shiva Gold Granite countertops won’t work with cold tones, such as blue, for example.
13. Labradorite Bianca Granite
Labradorite Bianca Granite features splashes of greys and blacks on top of a light cream background. The slab features a large-scale pattern, and it can be used in high-end luxe kitchens not only as countertops but also as backsplashes. Cabinet colors include but are not limited to dark grey, black, white, natural wood, and pink.
14. Forest Black Granite
Forest Black Granite features a flow of gold, brown, and beige on a black background. The stone has all the features to be used in high-end modern or classic kitchen designs. This is a type of stone that can easily become a star of the design, especially if it is used both as a backsplash and as a countertop. It would ideally be combined with dark natural wood, black, or dark grey cabinets. In modern kitchen designs, it will look great next to brushed metal accessories, such as open shelves or appliances.
15. Black Taurus Granite
Black Taurus Granite is somewhat comparable with Black Taurus Marble when it comes to looks. However, granite would provide much higher durability due to its scratch, etch and stain resistance. Both, Black Taurus Marble and Granite are considered luxury stones, and they are often used in high-end kitchens. They are often used with white kitchen cabinets, but I don’t think the light color cabinetry provides the best environment for Black Taurus Granite countertops to express their beauty to the fullest. Black Taurus Granite countertops should ideally be combined with dark natural wood, dark grey, or black cabinetry.
16. Luxury White Granite Lanber Blan
Luxury White Granite Lenbar Blan features black patches on a grey and white background. Due to its color complexion, it can be combined with a wide range of cabinet colors: white, black beige, greige, blues, and greens. It will look especially gorgeous with natural wood cabinets.
17. Grey Gold Granite
Grey Gold Granite features a flow of gold and light beige tones on top of a grey background. Dark grey veining gives further character to the slab that can be used in classic or modern kitchen designs. Ideally, it can be combined with natural wood cabinetry, blacks, greige, brown, or beige. Of course, white cabinets would look amazing as well.
18. Blue Moon Granite
Blue Moon granite features light grey veining or fissures on dark grey background. The honed finish gives these granite countertops a more sophisticated look. Blue Moon Granite can be used with pretty much any cabinet color in classic or modern kitchen designs: dark grey, white, beige, greige, natural wood, blue, green, or pink.
19. Eclipse Granite
Eclipse Granite features an extreme dramatic flow of black waves on dark grey background. This beautiful luxury slab should only be used as countertops or backsplash if they are meant to be feature elements of the kitchen design. The expressive flow leaves no space for other elements in the kitchen to shine and stand out because if everything stands out, nothing stands out.
Eclipse Granite can easily be combined with any cabinet color: neutrals, blacks, whites, blues, greens or pinks.
Is there a difference in the quality of granite?
While all the granite slabs are structurally hard materials, they are priced differently not because of the quality of granite, but because of how rare the deposits are in the ground. The widely available granite types that feature small-scale grains are considered to be the hardest ones, yet, they are priced comparatively low.
The Exotic or Super Exotic stones are priced higher not because they are harder than the Level 1 Granite, but because the suppliers priced them arbitrarily based on how rare the stone is and how beautiful it looks.
Modern Black Granite countertops
07. Honed Virginia Mist
Honed Virginia Mist Granite countertops feature veining that is less dramatic and blends with the background more. It is extremely important to choose the right cabinet color and style for these countertops.
Virginia Mist can easily go well with a lot of styles and colors, however, sticking with the classics is always a good decision: Blacks, whites, and natural wood.
Via Lactea Granite
Via Lactea is one of the most popular black granite types. The white veining contrasts the black background and gives the slab a very distinctive look which can easily be used in both, modern minimalistic or classic kitchen designs. More often than not, Via Lactea backsplash and countertops become a feature element of the kitchen design.
Unlike some other granite colors, Via Lactea looks chic with either a polished or honed surface finish. For classic kitchen designs, a honed surface is still preferable over the glossy one.
Black Galaxy
Black Galaxy granite looks as cool as it sounds: It features black granite with small gold or white flecks. In modern kitchen design, the black galaxy is mainly used with honed or leather finish instead of polished. Black galaxy looks really elegant with classic or modern style kitchen designs.
Image credit: Rooms for Tuesday
modern white granite countertops
Labradorite Bianca Granite
Labradorite Bianca Granite features splashes of greys and blacks on a light cream background, a large-scale pattern, and it can be used in high-end luxe kitchens not only as countertops but also as backsplashes. Cabinet colors include but are not limited to dark grey, black, white, natural wood, and pink.
Viscon White Granite
Viscon White Granite is one of the most popular modern white granite colors. Due to its neutral color scheme and flowy pattern it gives endless opportunities for use. It can easily be combined with Color classics – black and white, or wood cabinets.
Viscon White is somewhat comparable with Silver Cloud granite, as both feature the same color scheme and the patterns can easily be mistaken.
River White Granite
River white granite features a white background with warm undertones, light grey flowy veining, and purple or burgundy flecks. This beautiful granite countertop can easily be combined with both, dark and light cabinet colors in modern or classic kitchen designs.
River white is one of the most beautiful and most popular light granite colors not only because of its looks, but also due to its durability, scratch, heat, and etch resistance.
Exotic Granite Countertops
Exotic and super exotic granite slabs are one of the most expensive options for kitchen countertops. The hardness of granite combined with the beauty that exotic slabs offer need to be priced respectively, and they are.
What is the most exotic granite?
Granite countertops that feature turquoise or blue color are considered the most exotic and they tend to be the most expensive as well. For comparison, the Level 1 basic granites cost around 40USD per square meter, while the price for exotic Backdrop Verde Paraiba Amazon Green granite is above 850USD per square meter.
What is the most beautiful granite?
Exotic granite is considered to be the most beautiful granite. There are many different exotic granite slabs, but Backdrop Verde Paraiba Amazon Green Granite is considered to be one of the most beautiful granite out there. Generally speaking, shades of blue, and gold in granite are considered to be exceptionally beautiful and rare.
One has to be careful with exotic granite countertops – they do look amazing, but they also look very bold. You have to be sure that you won’t get bored looking at them for years to come, because, be sure, granite will survive for decades.
