There are many factors that go into designing a kitchen that is both functional and stylish, but one of the most important aspects is the countertop. Countertops are not there just for food prep, they are also the focal point of your kitchen design. Learn all about granite countertops in this article so you can make sure your next kitchen renovation is a success, both style, and budget-wise!
What Is Granite?
Granite is a non-porous, heat-resistant stone that provides a luxurious appearance for kitchens. The natural stone can be used for countertops, backsplashes, and other surfaces in the kitchen. Granite is perfect for making your kitchen feel more high-end. You can get more in-depth information about granite right here.
Types Of Granite
Granite is a natural stone that comes in a wide range of colors. It can be mined from quarries in different areas around the world, and it’s formed when magma cools and breaks into pieces creating large slabs. There are three types of granite: 1) Marble-patterned with bands of cream, pink, black, grey, or other colors 2) Mottled granite with brown to black patches 3) Crystal granites that have crystal patterns that form from cooling.
Differences Between Granite And Other Countertop Materials
Granite has a lot of benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners looking to create a luxurious kitchen. It’s very durable and scratch-resistant, providing the perfect surface for cooking because it can withstand heat up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. Granite countertops are also more affordable than other options like marble. Granite does require sealing, but with modern technology and advancement, this can now be done once every ten years!
Granite Countertops Colors – Choosing The Right One
When choosing a color for your granite countertop, there are two main factors to consider: the kitchen design style you are going for and the other kitchen elements, such as kitchen cabinets. For example, if your cabinetry is dark wood, you should consider using lighter colors such as beige or grey. On the other hand, if your cabinetry is white, it might be worth considering darker colors such as brown or black. Also, do you prefer a modern look or a more traditional design? The answer to this question will help you choose the appropriate color and emphasize your own personal style.
Light Granite Countertops
When it comes to granite countertops, the shade is an important consideration. These countertops come in a variety of different colors and patterns. Light granites usually offer a cleaner look and make your kitchen feel more spacious. Darker colors tend to show dirt more easily and can make the room feel more closed off. The color of the stone is more important than the pattern for most people. Light granite looks elegant in any kitchen, while dark colors can make some spaces look dated. Light granite countertops are a perfect choice for a kitchen with lots of windows or lighting. They guarantee a beautiful contrast between light and dark surfaces.
Dark Granite Countertops
Dark granite countertops are often considered the go-to choice for luxury kitchens. Some people might be turned off by the dark color, but dark granite actually hides stains better. Dirty pots and pans can result in a lot of mess that’s hard to clean up, but the darker color will mask those food stains as well as dirt from dust or debris.
Dark granite countertops add a sense of richness and elegance to any kitchen. However, if you’re not careful about the finish, they can quickly look dirty and outdated. It’s important to seal dark granite surfaces so that liquid will not stain them when spilled. Take care in choosing the sealant as some will react with the natural stone and end up damaging the surface over time. This is why it’s best to leave the sealing to the professionals.
White Granite Countertops
White granite is the most popular color for kitchen countertops because it’s elegant and clean-looking. It’s also the easiest type of granite to care for. Maintaining your white granite can be as simple as wiping it down with a wet cloth.
White is neutral and can blend beautifully with any design theme. White granite is available in many shades, including off-white, eggshell, and even bright white. The color of your countertops will naturally depend on the look you’re going for and the mood you want to establish in your kitchen.
Some of our customer favorites when it comes to white granites are MSI granite African Rainbow, Andino White, Bianco Romano, Blizzard, Stream White, etc.
Black Granite Countertops
Black granite countertops are a great way to add elegance and sophistication to your kitchen. They are a popular choice for high-end kitchens because black commands attention without being too flashy. Black granite has a distinctive dark color. It is very durable and it has an elegant, refined look that will make your kitchen feel like a high-end space.
These countertops are a bold and stylish way to create a luxurious kitchen. When contrasted with white cabinets, the dark color can make your kitchen appear even larger. Black granite is also more resistant to stains and scratches than many lighter colors, so it requires less upkeep.
The blackness of the stone highlights the detail and texture. Some people find that black granite is too dark; it can sort of take up all the light in a room, making everything appear darker than it really is. But if you carefully pair and contrast it with lighter accents and cabinets, and ensure you have adequate lighting, this is a fantastic choice that will completely transform your kitchen into a trendy room.
Our customers simply love the black options from MSI granite including Agatha Black, Black Galaxy, Premium Black, Absolute Black, Nero Mist, and more.
Blue Granite Countertops
Granite has an outstanding color range and its selection is unparalleled. It comes in many different shades including black, white, green, dark reds, tans, greys, and more. One of the more avant-garde colors and a staple of modern kitchens is blue. This unexpected choice can really help you make some magic in your kitchen design.
Why choose blue granite countertops? Well, any color of the rainbow is a possibility for these surfaces. But blue granite countertops are unique. They are perfect if you love an eclectic design and can fit wonderfully into contemporary and transitional kitchens. Not to say that a deep and rich blue can’t be used for traditional spaces, on the contrary! A farmhouse kitchen with blue granite countertops can be a designer’s dream! And a bonus for blue – they can be one of the only shades that do not show any stains.
We are loving these MSI granite blue shades: Blue Pearl, Lemurian Blue, Sapphire Blue, Volga Blue.
Grey Granite Countertops
Grey granite countertops are a great choice for a modern kitchen. They can match many color schemes and make the room appear larger and more spacious. There is little to no maintenance required because they don’t stain and they’re easy to clean. Grey granite countertops are one of the most popular colors on the market.
This shade can be mixed and matched with any color palette, so it’s perfect if you’re not quite sure what color to go with. If you want to achieve a trendy or elegant look, grey is a great choice. You can also use this color for your backsplash or tiles to tie the whole design together.
A few great options for grey granite from MSI are Gray Mist, Gray Atlantico, Silver Falls, Virginia Mist.
Brown Granite Countertops
Brown granite is one of the darkest colors available and is often considered to be the best color to represent luxury. For this reason, many people choose brown granite when they remodel their kitchen. Brown granite countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners because they’re generally affordable, durable, and stylish. You can choose from several colors of brown granite. The range includes light browns to dark-chocolate hues with varying patterns.
Though this may seem like a traditional choice, brown granite can look stunning in modern designs. It’s easy to combine with the rest of the decor, and it will undoubtedly add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. It also has a beautiful natural tone that will give your kitchen a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Our customers love the following MSI granite browns: Coffee Brown, Baltic Brown, Cygnus, Tan Brown, Tropic Brown…
Green Granite Countertops
If you’re the type of person who likes to dazzle and surprise, then green granite could be a marvelous option for you. This bold and unusual choice will make your kitchen stand out from the crowd. It’s stylish and easy to match with any design style, including modern, farmhouse, or industrial looks. With green granite countertops, you can really let your imagination run loose and create a true masterpiece of a kitchen.
Green granite has a natural that will help you achieve a peaceful vibe in your space. This is a wonderful way to introduce an element of biophilic design into your home and reconnect with nature.
MSI granite has incredible green options for you: Peaco*ck Green, Costa Esmeralda…
Leathered Granite Countertops
Leathered granite is a newer and up-and-coming version of granite countertop finishes. What we love about it is the soft look and a fainter sheen paired with a textured look. The many dents and dimples in the stone create a more dramatic and interesting appearance. Tough, it looks spectacular, there are some downsides to leathered granite. It is usually a bit more expensive than regular, smooth finishes and it can also be more difficult to clean due to the texture.
Granite Countertops Cost
Granite countertops are an attractive and durable option for your kitchen. Prices can vary depending on the size of the countertop but generally, the smaller ones cost less. Countertops in this material can last for decades when properly sealed and cared for with a special sealant. If you’d like more information about granite prices, feel free to contact us and we will go over the options with you.
Do I Need A Professional Or Can I Install It Myself?
Many homeowners like the idea of installing granite countertops themselves for a lower cost, but you need to understand that it’s not as easy as it seems. Granite is a much heavier stone and needs to be fitted with an adhesive or mechanical fastener to ensure it doesn’t shift or slide around. It also needs to be well sealed at the seams and edges because granite is porous which means water stains can show up otherwise. Additionally, professionals know how best to install granite because they have done it many times before and know how to best approach it so nothing will go wrong.
How To Maintain Granite Countertops
Granite is a common material used in countertops because it’s easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and very durable. However, in order for these qualities to remain present over time, it needs to be taken care of correctly. It’s important to note that there are multiple ways to maintain granite countertops. It can be sealed with one coat of sealant every year–or every few years depending on the type of sealant used. Another way is with wax polishes that are applied less often but last longer.
When it comes to daily cleaning and maintenance, all you need is soap and a rag. You don’t need to use any harsh chemicals to keep your countertop sparkling. Just wipe it down with soap and water when necessary.
Conclusion
Granite is a really durable and elegant option for kitchen countertops. It can last a lifetime without needing to be replaced, and it’s also available in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures. At Savona Kitchen and Bath, you can find incredible MSI granite countertops. We offer a wide selection so that you can find exactly what suits your style and budget. If you are ready to start planning your remodel, feel free to contact us for a consultation or stop by our showroom in Green Brook NJ to have a chat in person! We’d love to show you around and go over ideas with you.
