Hello Tom,

I am building a tile roof home, hacienda-Spanish style. My kitchen is medium size and I have dark, probably espresso, large plank wood floors (knotted). I chose oil rubbed bronze for fixtures. The back splash is a lighter natural stone tile with a few 4×4 deco inserts that look old world in color- they look like oil rubbed bronze but with green in them to make it look ionized or aged. It sounds strange but I LOVE this deco insert. I do not know what color to stain my cabinets but, more so, I need help choosing a granite. I wanted to not spend too much. Options I thought about are radically different; multicolor red because it has movement and peacock gold because of the green. I have no direct light but indirect light. Thoughts??

Helena

Aloha Helena,

I believe the finish on those decos you are referring to is verdigris which is a greenish patina that natural happens to non-ferrous metals over a long period of time. This is why it gives an ‘old world’ sort of presence. Anyway, I can see how you like that charm and it would be important to select the right color granite to mix with these and the dark wood tones in the kitchen.

Red is out, unless you go with Red Dragon. In fact that would look sensational. This is a deep old-world red color mixed with thin green/back veins and is perfect if you like red. All other reds are more cultural-Asian than old world.

Green is out period, pretty much. It will just modernize those decos that you love so much. That is not good.

A tone that works very well is dark brown. If you don’t want to spend a lot, I suggest Tan Brown or Autumn Brown granite. These will work well with rubbed bronze and those dark floors. Still, I would suggest spending a little more and going with Red Dragon as mentioned above, or in the direction of Timber Brown, Touareg, or Terra Brazilis. These are browns with a subtle tone of green. Be sure to square of that front edge detail!

Good luck with the long distance remodel. That must be tough! Thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!

Tom,

We will be installing Armstrong’s Waverly cabinets in Toffee and wood floors in our kitchen. I was leaning toward a dark granite with green (perhaps peacock, butterfly or pocono) because I thought a brown granite would be boring and “samey” with the cabinets and floor. Do you agree and what do you think of my choices? Also read on gardenweb.com, these dark green granites can have problems with fissures?

Thank you in advance!
Karen

Hello Karen,

The Green Peacock granite is a nice medium/dark green that would go very well with the Armstrong toffee. Assume your kitchen area is not too small, this granite also has beautiful features that would compliment the upscale look of the Waverly design cabinets and crown. I like that combination a lot.

Light browns would really wash out the room but a color like Tan Brown Granite or Café Imperial would look very handsome and would give the kitchen a more subdued elegance as compared to the more ‘BAM’ that Peacock Green would present.

You did not mention your fixtures, appliances and sink color. These cabinets look great with white, cream or stainless. However, don’t go with green granite if you use white or cream. That combination mixed in here will cheapen the décor completely. The Tan Brown Granite with its rich deep red highlights is perfect with white or cream appliances. If you are going with stainless, then the Peacock Green is perfect - no doubt about it.

It is true the some deep greens have fissures. Just inspect the slab and feel if any are open to the touch or longer than a couple inches. This is a feature to embrace and not a defect to worry about. Ask if the slabs were resin filled. Do not select them if they were not resin filled at the overseas factory.

Thank you for supporting the Rock Blog’s World Vision kids!

Hi Tom,

Thanks for providing this service to support a wonderful cause, which I am happy to support.

I have just had a kitchen renovation that is 20X13 space L shaped with Peninsula, lots of natural lighting, Cappucino Villa pattern travertine floors, hazelnut stain Cherry shaker cabinets, and smoky taupe walls. I am stuck on a few things. I choose Giallo Vicenza (more peachy gold tone) for counters. The installer said that my peninsula is 83 in. and his slab is 80 in. so the granite flow will have to change direction at the seam in one spot at the end of the peninsula. Should I care about this?

Also, I really like Vicenza but am wondering if it is too industrial? And are there other suggestions that might fit better or cause this slab direction issue to be minor.

I was thinking of same travertine for backsplash but more simple pattern than my flooring.

I love all of the elements I’ve chosen and think they are continental looking, I could really use some assistance/suggestions at this point because I am out of my design element.

Thanks so much,
Lori

Hello Lori,

Good to hear from you on this topic and I hope you have not moved forward as you described. I know the Giallo Vicenza granite very well. The length of 83″ is not very long for slabs in this granite type so I am a bit surprised that the your countertop can not be made in one piece. Slabs in this granite are almost always over 100″ long.

In addition, the direction of the slab should not be changed at a seam in this granite. Although it is considered a homogeneous type granite pattern, there is a movement in the matrix that must go the same way, unless you are turning 90 degrees.

Most importantly, the color is totally wrong so perhaps that makes my comments above immaterial. The underlying pink tone in Giallo Vicenza would not look that great with Cherry shaker cabinets. There is also a gray tone in this granite that definitely does not work at all. The matrix is right, but the color is more than a bit off.

If you want to stay close to this color and matrix, then I suggest Giallo Veneziano (in the gold tone - not the pink tone). This should be easy to find. Other great granite choices, but a little darker, would be Dakota Mahogany or Carnelian Granite.

Still, I really want to you consider a couple colors that would be more extraordinary like Jabitaca Granite or Taupe Granite which would cleverly pull the arrangement of color and style you have put together. Take a look and let me know!

My very best wishes and thank you for support the Rock Blog’s World Vision kids.

Tom,

We are remodeling a small condo kitchen and would like your advice on choice of granite for counter tops. The cabinets are frameless, Italian design black glass and the appliances are also all black. The floor is a light beige ceramic tile with some veining (sort of marble-ish). We are planning to also use the same granite we select for the two bathroom countertops.

Question: We are considering going with a granite called Silver Pearl (from India?) with a honed finish. We thought that the honed texture and finish would contrast but not compete with the shiny glass cabinets. Do you think we are doing the kitchen justice by using a dark counter top or would you suggest a contrasting color and if so can you please make some suggestions to complement our contemporary cabinets. Also, we don’t know how the honed finish will hold up in a kitchen and bathroom environment. Will it be more prone to staining and is it harder to remove those stains on this finish?

We appreciate your guidance and recommendations.

Brent

Hello Brent,

I am glad you wrote in because your kitchen is screaming for polished Dark Blue Pearl Granite with a straight edge detail. I recommend 3cm solid stock if you can find it. There is just the right amount of black and reflective opal in this granite that will work perfectly with the glass and the black ultra contemporary décor. Beside, it is stunning and contemporary, yet rich and handsome.

Choosing Blue Pearl granite slabs is not straight forward. Most shades are beautiful except there is a light blue/grayish version in the market that is totally wrong. You want the darkest you can find. The deep blue will have just the right amount of color and I would strongly consider running it all the way up the backsplash to the upper cabinets. Tile on the splash will give a classic ‘old world’ contemporary feel over the room, not modern contemporary. Keep that in mind and avoid a tile splash.

Blue pearl is a perfect bathroom granite color as well as you will see. It won’t affect your holiday towel changes either. Lastly, I never recommend hone granite unless you are a total high maintenance neat freak. Many people hate their honed granite because they just can’ty make it look clean.

I hoped that I helped! Thank you for supporting the Rock Blog’s World Vision kids!

Tom,

We are completely remodeling our kitchen and my husband and I (both engineers) do not have an artistic bone in our body and are struggling on granite color choices and are running out of time. We have gone back and forth on cabinet colors and finally decided on a nutmeg glaze cherry by Merillat Masterpiece (doesn’t have that orangy undertone of natural) but isn’t super dark. They will be full overlay raised panel arched. We have a medium size kitchen which will have an L shaped peninsula (no room for an island) and will have stainless appliances and stainless undermount sink. We will have undercabinet lighting and can lights. We are going to go with ceramic tile flooring but are going to pick that out last after the countertop so we can be flexible. Not sure yet if we will do a tile backsplash or full granite. From the granite slabs we have seen we tend to like the flowing veins rather than a uniform pattern but not too busy looking. Some of the patterns almost make you dizzy.

Without having our cabinet on hand we liked the African Ivory, but then when we bought our cabinet in we realized how pink it looked and were afraid it would cast a pepto bismol look on the entire kitchen. My husband isn’t fond of the real yellowy gold undertones. We are just clueless and need help.

Gina

Hello Gina,

Raised panels door fronts in a nutmeg glaze cherry make for a more formal traditional décor. Your floor tile color is critical to send this kitchen into its final direction so think about the formality you want to achieve because the granite will also play a huge part in the total package. I always say, the only thing that can wait, is paint, all else needs to be decided together.

That being said, you’ve got two great ways to go. First, the more formal look with dark large modular tile flooring or mahogany wood looking porcelain tile. Then the granite must be lighter like Arandis (with no pink) or Colonial Cream or Terra Brazilis. Not a bit of pink in the granite countertops will do here. If your kitchen has enough light and can handle even a dark color, then I strongly recommend looking at Taupe and Suede Granite in person. You can go with a large modular Noce travertine for the splash or similar.

The other direction is to lighten the room up and create a more family or ‘lower maintenance’ feeling in the kitchen. To do this you would select an ivory colored large modular tile in either natural travertine or porcelain.
The granite would be more colorful like Mascarello, Sunset Delicatus, Verde Imperial, Juparana Columbo or Juparana Classico. You still want to avoid pink.

For the edge detail, I strongly recommend a Roman OG as seen on www.HomeGranite.com.

I hope that I helped and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog’s kids!

Hi -

With regard to Pompeii granite from Brazil… I saw some comments to the fact (not necessary from your blog) that it is not a true granite, and is also a weak/fractured granite. What are your thoughts on this and how should this effect my decision to use it as a kitchen countertop. Is this anything I should be concerned about, or any special requirements (overhangs) that would be necessary with this granite?

Thanks so much for your insight.

Michelle

Hello Michelle,

I would not be concerned about this granite unless the actual slabs that will be used for your kitchen have open fissures. Feel the entire slab and If that is the case, then simply select other slabs that do not have open fissures.

Pompeii granite is truly beautiful; however, it is considered a ‘Class D’ granite like many other large mineral structured granites. Basically, it has enough quartz mineral content to be considered a granite but the mineral bonding structure is weaker than other tighter (smaller matrix) granite colors that were formed over a slower period of time when the Earth was cooling. This is typical of so called, ‘Exotic granites’. In other words, don’t worry about the granite, just worry about the actually slabs that will be used in your kitchen.

Regarding overhangs, you should be a little more careful because the bonding structure is weaker. Type, ‘overhang’ in my blog’s search box and you will read that overhangs should be supported with corbels or steel angles. I would need more details about your specific situation to comment but if you follow normal overhand support recommendations, then you don’t have to worry.

Be sure to read my ‘Homeowners Checklist‘. I hoped that I have helped!

Thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!

Hi Tom,

We’re very grateful to be able to ask your advice. We have a small kitchen that is getting new shaker style cherry cabinets with a natural finish (some with glass panels). We have pine floors, nice and golden. We have stainless steel appliances & undermount sink, slide-in range with a smooth cooktop, euro style oven hood, and plenty of natural light. Wall color is completely undecided -ideas are welcome. Overall we’re going for a sleek contemporary look. We want to pick countertops that have enough contrast with the natural cherry cabinets to avoid looking blah but we don’t want to go too black either. The granite surface will be for the “L” shaped counter about 9′ by 6′ feet plus a breakfast bar about 18″ x 5.5′ long. Butcher block counter of about 5′ is going on opposite wall.

We’ve looked at Cafe Imperial - we thought it was dark yet warm, has tones that match the brick in our fireplace, and looked good with stainless steel. I also like Tropical Brown but that seems a little boring. We’d love other suggestions. Do we need a colder color to contrast the cabinets & floor?

Also, we’re planning on a simple eased edge. Seems like that is the choice for a contemporary, if not modern look. Not sure if corners should be radiused.

Thanks so much! Happy to donate to a good cause!

Marjorie

Hello Marjorie,

Thank you for the detailed information and what you are looking to accomplish as a décor. I must say that I struggle with the element of shaker cabinets and a contemporary intent. The lines are right but as long as you are not looking for truly disciplined contemporary design, then shaker cabinets can work.

You are in the right direction with Café Imperial as the countertops color needs to be black/brown. Tropical Brown is one of my favorite granites for many reasons, but it does not work well here because of the reddish elements.

A better color than Café Imperial would be Café Bahia which is similar to Café Imperial but darker. I also recommend Cold Spring Black Granite, which is basically a very classy black granite that works perfect with traditional/contemporary converging design.

Still, there is one other color that would look very nice if you are up for a little more flair. That color is Marron Cohiba. This is perfect with glass paneled cabinets as the large mineral accents in the stone are glassy as well. You will have to see this for yourself but there is a nice swatch on www.GraniteStock.com that you could refer to.

The edge detail must to be flat and straight but can have a 1/8″ pencil round on the top and bottom. The corners should not be radius unless you feel there is a safety issue with small children.

Best wishes and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!

I am in the process of remodeling my kitchen and am having difficulty in choosing the granite. My kitchen is 13 X 19 and has 30 year old rustic hexagonal shaped saltillo tile with dark gray brown grout. I have chosen cabinets of rustic hickory with a cinnamon stain and chocolate glaze on the details. The appliances are stainless. At one end of the room is a large west facing bay window over the sink. At the other end of the room, over the eat in area, is a very large window facing south.

Needless to say there is a lot of light during the day. The kitchen is U shaped with a peninsula and I am having a desk put in place of the eat in area. I have been told there is 93 sq ft of countertop space including the desktop. This is quite an investment and I want to make sure I pick a granite that compliments the floor and cabinets. I have been considering Antique Brown or Crema Bordeaux, but I’m not sure. What is your advice? -Toni

Hello Toni,

Well, the floor is classic of an earlier era than when it was installed. Your selection of cabinets will fit in just right.

Traditionally, you are doing everything that point toward ceramic tile countertops. Yes, I said ceramic tile. However, I hate ceramic tile countertops so to me the goal would be to find a granite that keeps the charm of the floor and introduce granite countertops for functionality.

Out of the two you mentioned, Antique Brown granite is great choice. Crema Bordeaux would be a very bad choice. The later would be far too fancy and out of era.

Antique Brown is about the darkest choice you should make. It is perfectly simple but elegant and would draw from the color is the rustic floor tile and granite. That being said, this might create a little too much brown in the kitchen; therefore, take a look at Golden Leaf granite as well. It is lighter but still captures the same design intent. I think your will like this a lot.

The only other two colors that I can see fitting in well would be Autumn Leaf or Santa Barbara. I often refer to swatches at www.GraniteStock.com but their swatches of these two granite colors do not do them justice. Be sure to see them in person.

Stay simple with the edge detail… square or half bullnose!

My very best to you and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!

Hi Tom,

I have a great appreciation for your website. We were happy to make our donation to World Vision.

We moved in to our new home six years ago. The house was spec’d out before we purchased it so we ended up with Corian countertops in the kitchen. We have wanted to upgrade to granite countertops for some time and are now ready to do it. I hope you can help us narrow down granite colors, offer backsplash ideas, and suggest an edging that would work best given our current decor. The kitchen opens up to a Florida room and our family room (sending photos separately) so choosing a color that works with all three rooms is our goal.

KITCHEN: The cabinets are light oak as is the hardwood floor in the kitchen area/Florida room. The appliances are white. Not much painting has been done. One wall which leads in to the family room has been painted “whale” which is a subtle gray with a hint of green.

FLORIDA ROOM: The walls in the Florida room are a melon orange color that we would like to keep. The Florida room is furnished with wicker with light fabric cushions, bamboo screens, etc. Eight windows with no window trimmings, allowing lots of sunlight in that extends well in to the kitchen.

FAMILY ROOM: The family room has a mixed decor but leans to a modern look with a red sofa, very contemporary chair, and black entertainment unit. We have light cream carpeting in the family room. The wall surrounding the fireplace has also been painted “whale”.

As you can see from the photos the kitchen needs something to break up all the oak. As a family (which includes myself, a husband and sons ages 22 and 20) we have discussed various granite colors. The boys like variations of black including black pearl. I have read your caution that black with light cabinets can make a kitchen appear dull. My husband likes a clean look and prefers white or something with white in it. I prefer something beautiful but lively. More snap than subtle.

Maintenance is also a consideration having lived with this light Corian for 6 years. It always appears dull and picks up all the newspaper print, etc. If you have any other questions please let me know. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
Mona
Woodbdrige, Virginia

Hello Mona,

Well, you have a tough one here. Basically, you want to keep everything except the countertops, which clearly go well as flat white that breaks up the different colorful paints and the light oak. That certainly was an easy, yet uncreative approach for the spec builder.

The major elements in your kitchen that are going to influence the right color choice for the countertops are the floor and the paints that you want to keep. The cabinets are important but they really just blend in with the floor. Small width light oak floors are very nice in a large kitchen like yours. When you switch to granite, these will be even more noticeable and beautiful.

Golds and greens don’t work for the countertop. Black is out to because it will be just too hot and dingy on a bright sunny day. Really dark granites are not the best with white appliances either.

I want to recommend two ways to go. One is more conservative and the other a little more snappy but not over the top at all. First the conservative choice would be Sapphire Blue or Sapphire Brown. Both have the right colors with just enough black to break up the oak, while not contrasting too far with the white appliances. They both work very well with your paint and carpet too.

The other way to go (my choice) would be Juparana Ipe or Giallo Caen. These would look stunning and they incorporate just the right colors that are needed to fancy up your kitchen. I would go with a Roman OG Edge. These are tight grain exotics that look very classy and rich, while still being a bit homey when mixed with light oak floors.

If you can not find these exact colors near you, keep in mind the shades of reds, browns and earth tones while looking at other colors. This will guide you in the right direction.

Also, run the granite up the splash to the upper cabinets. You don’t have much splash area so use it to add color to the kitchen.

Best wishes and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!

Hi Tom

I have been reading your advice since my kitchen remodeling project began last fall and we are only now at the point that the cabinets are ready to be installed, and hopefully next week i will be visiting a granite yard- let me tell you a bit about my space, it is a u-shaped kitchen with a 16″ run along the exterior wall (has one 48″ window located 24″ from the corner) and the interior runs are 9′ and 6′ with a 54″ island in the middle, we chose light cherry cabinets-close to natural cherry, The wall color I am having some issues with it is Benjamin Moore yellow squash paint- I am not liking how it looks on bare kitchen walls hopefully it will be better once the cabinets are in-if not it is only paint and can be changed a lot easier than granite- As part of the kitchen project we took the wall down that separated our living room and kitchen so this open floor plan will serves as the kitchen/family room space. Of course we looked at the santa cecilia and giallo ornamental because the price point (we have over 70 sq ft of granite) is where we need to be given the cost of this project, but I also understand that ubatuba and oro brazil and possibly baltic brown could also be possibilities.

What color granite would you suggest keeping in mind our concern for price? Oh one more thing my husband insisted on white appliances (but i got my counter depth refrigerator)

I appreciate any help you can give me - and what a great charity

Thanks Again
Erin

Hello Erin,

Thank you for the many details. That really helps. First of all, white oak floor are a great choice. If it is Baltic Brown would look horrible with this combination and the white appliances would make it even worse. The brown/green color is all wrong. So goes the same for Giallo Ornamental (too light yellow/silver) and Giallo Santa Cecelia (too orange and motley).

Green Butterfly is the best out of the ones you mentioned but I don’t like the white spots mixed in the color pallet of your kitchen. I strongly recommend Green Peacock instead. It is in the same price range and the deep green colors mixed with the subtle flashes of opal ‘wings’ makes it a great choice. That being said, these two colors are often confused but Butterfly has white spots and Peacock does not. Keep that in mind when you look at slabs. White appliance will look nice but stainless would be better.

I am familiar with the Benjamin Moore Yellow Squash; it will look perfect once the granite is in!

Best wishes and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!