Homey Casual AND Classy Uncluttered
Hi Tom,
Cabinets: maple with light cherry stain, sleek slab, frameless design. Floor: ceramic tile, creamy yellow with both brown and grey/black faux veining. Appliances: black sxs fridge; black smoothtop slide-in range; black DW. Penninsula houses range with a curved glass range hood whose hardware is stainless. Sink: stainless, as is faucet; faucet with black accent at spout. Walls: best described as pear-green; turns a bit bronzey in evening incadescent light. Kitchen tends to be a bit dark. Nearby dining area flooring is a natural red oak as is the the cener stairway and LR on the opposite side of stairs.
We took down the wall between the DR and kitchen, made a one-level counter where the wall was and basically killed the DR, making it little more than a dining “area.” So when you open the front door you see the oak floor to both your left (DR) and right (LR). You can immediatley see the kitchen so there is the transition to the the tile there and further back into a pantry/mudroom. Exterior: red brick turned terra-cotta in color. The rest of the downstairs is painted with goldne khakis, olive with a hint of bronze and a calming tan. Until or unless we change, white trim.
So then, we loved Emerald Pearl but fear it showing every little spot and it seems formal for our 60-year-old cozy home. I had a small block of NVG Light and loved it. It seemed to pick up the yellow, grey, black elements fo the kitchen and even the warm tones of the DR wood and the garnet is a bonus. Madura Gold entered the picture and while it is a nice pick up of the overall warm tones of the house I think it is too orange, although the cabinet stain leans in the orange/red direction rather than the maple/yellow direction
Since I last wrote, our fabricator broke ties with the original yard and wants us to pick another slab anyway. So, I have a second chance at happiness. I like a bit “homey/casual, husband wants classy and uncluttered.
I appreciate your time. - Anne
Hello Anne,
First of all, that was the best narrative description I’ve ever read. It was enjoyable to read and very helpful.
One of the most important parts of your description is that one can see so much from the front door. That is very important and I like the balance you have between the dining room and the living room. The kitchen is its own element but it needs to fit properly in between.
Also important are the kitchen door front style and the glass and stainless features you mentioned. Because of these elements, New Venetian Gold really does not go well. This granite was the most popular stone from 2002 to 2005 because of its generally appealing brown tones and accents of garnet. It is also inexpensive. While it still looks good with very deep cherry cabinets, it turns to ‘track home’ with light natural wood, even with the cherry stain. Bottom line, it is a track home granite and the fracture larger mineral matrix does not go well with the contemporary kitchen décor that you created.
Emerald Pearl is just too dark. I really don’t like this granite in a kitchen unless the cabinets are white and cathedral style doors.
I suggest the following colors because of the tight matrix and subtle movement that will be classy, contemporary and still a little playful.
Terra Brazilis Granite could be just perfect with a full height granite slab backsplash. It is what I call a ’smart stone’ because it can be formal or casual depending on what plates or dish towels are on it. It is look great with black and stainless.
Good slabs of Colonial Ivory Granite is lighter and would act the same as Terra Brazilis.
Lastly, Arandis Granite and Colonial Dream Granite are perfect choices that have tight matrix and subtle movements. These two stones glow in low lighting and would be beautiful with the paint colors you described.
I am sure that one of the options above would be best and give you long lasting enjoyment. Be sure to talk to the fabricator about the layout of the slabs and think about where each part of slabs will be placed. Read my Homeowner’s Checklist again to a review of things to consider.
My very best wishes!
