How to Pick the Right Color for your Granite Countertop

The legendary durability and timeless aesthetic appeal of granite makes the stone a highly prized commodity in the home improvement industry. One of the hardest materials known to man, granite kitchen countertops combine toughness with elegance. A product of mother-nature, granite stone comes in many different shades of colors. Here are a few granite counter colors that are in vogue today:

Black granite countertops give your kitchen decor a timeless elegance that simply cannot be matched. Choices include slabs with fine solid black, or more black granite embedded with tiny crystals, colored stones and different color striations. An all-black granite surface goes well with an all white kitchen décor, giving off an aura of sophistication and class. Popular as they are, black granite countertops are rarer than other colors, and as such are more expensive.

Brown and beige are among the most popular color choices for granite countertops. Neutral colored granite slabs like beige or brown blend well with any existing kitchen setup; they accentuate the decor rather than overpower it. Whether you have an edgy and contemporary kitchen theme or a traditional old fashioned one, beige or brown granite countertop will match. Their tremendous flexibility at fitting in with their surroundings makes beige or brown granite countertops popular with anyone who does a lot of home redecoration. Shades range from light beige that work well with minimalistic kitchens to chocolate brown tones that add a warm and inviting feel.

Not as popular as some other colors, green granite countertops are ideal for anyone who wants to add a breath of fresh air to their kitchen. With shades ranging from deep bottle green to a pale sea green, green granite countertops adds a touch of variety and spontaneity to any kitchen. Bright, emerald greens can bring out white walls and deep greens go well with wooden cabinets. Green granite are among the more affordable granite slabs, making them a sensible choice for anyone looking to redecorate on a budget.

While not as popular as some of the other colors, a red granite countertops come in shades from a light salmon to deep maroon. One of the costlier granite varieties, red granite countertops evoke strong feelings of warmth and romance, and are great at adding some spice to an otherwise ordinary kitchen.

As with beige and brown granite, blue granites have been growing in popularity with home decorators due to its versatility. Blue granite matches well with any decor - perfectly complementing wooden cabinets, glass dividers, stone sinks and indoor plants. Available in a range of appealing shades, blue granite can range from lavender blue and ice blue to sapphire blue and a deep royal blue. Ice blue granite counters match well with wooden cabinets and neutral creamy shades, while pale shades of blue like lavender can make a tiny kitchen appear larger. Sapphire blue granite is perfect for adding a dash of color to drab neutral colored surroundings.

These are just a few hints and suggestions for granite countertop colors, there's no exact science to these things. When selecting the right color of granite for your kitchen don't rely on the small tile samples in catalogs since they do not give the big picture. Look at a gallery of finished kitchens what shows what the granite countertop with your chosen color will look like in the real world. Textures and patterns are as important as color, so don't neglect those when making your choice. If you're having a hard time figuring out what color suits your kitchen the best, consult an experienced interior designer for expert help.