Hi Tom, We are in the midst of a kitchen remodel. The house is about 150 years old, the kitchen is approximately 16×22 , 9′ ceiling with 2 skylights and plenty of light coming in from a back wall of windows looking out onto a deck and very green lush garden. We have chosen raised panel traditional cabinets in alabaster with a pewter glaze except for the L shaped island which is russet with a black glaze. The appliances and farm sink are all in stainless steel. The old tile floor is white 1″ hexagon center with a pink and white Greek Key border done in 1″squares and works perfectly with this kichen so it stays! I have been looking at granite and the ONLY two that I really like , are extremely different as one is VERY dramatic ( and I LOVE IT and keep coming back to it wherever I see it!!!!) and the other very soft and subtle — they are Verde Fire and Shevikashi pink— I have seen two absolutely gorgeous slabs of verde fire which have Lots of the rose tones I need to pick up the floor border pink and the various tones of green would link the inside to the garden and give me wall and accessory colors to work with but I am afraid that even with the rose tones and light green waves it might be too overpowering. On the other hand— I think that the Shevikashi pink might just be boring… What do you think? Have you other suggestions ?

Thanks, Joan

Hello Joan,

Thank you for your donation to support the Rock Blog’s World Vision Children. Your description of your kitchen is excellent and makes it easy to provide some comments. First of all, forget Shevikashi Granite. I know this stone very well and provided hundreds of vanity tops for hotels in this granite color. That is where it belongs, in a hotel bathroom, not a home. It is too orange and too boring. Basically, it has no long term appeal or excitement. The color might be initially glowing by first glance, but it is not the same under different lighting. I recommend letting that color go away.

Verde Fire is another story. Lately, it has been getting a lot of chatter and appeal. I have a feeling that a very good selection has come around and made its way into the US marketplace. Historically, the stone was dull and almost 60’s looking but lately it has been cutting edge, yet with classic old-world muted hues of greens and burnt reds. I can not think of a better granite to use to transition an old home into the 00’s, while maintaining an old world embracement. Use the Verde Fire, no doubt.

The above average ceiling height and the skylights that you have are critical to complimenting this granite. The space is more open and custom and inviting. I also think the visual transition to your garden area is very important in bringing the purpose of a more wild granite into the home. I usually write a lot more about the nuisance for consideration but I really feel you found the right color. The fact that it moves you is a major bonus and will insure long term satisfaction.

Be sure to have it professionally sealed. This granite will be low maintenance once a professional has applied the right penetration sealer.

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