The Mistake To Avoid When Selecting A Granite Countertop From Samples
Picture this: you just built a house or had the idea to completely remodel your kitchen. Prior to the completion, you shopped around for new flooring, new cabinets, and of course, new countertops. Though some people think granite is outdated, it's still a predominant countertop choice with multiple shades to choose from, and it's the material your heart was set on. You selected your favorite, paid for it, and the experts installed it, but there's one major problem. Your new granite looks old.
It's not a rare problem to face. If you've recently renovated your kitchen and are experiencing the problem of your new granite countertops appearing outdated and you can't figure out why, you're probably wondering how this happened and how to fix it. Sadly, this is a mistake home experts see quite often. But don't worry, resolving the issue is easier than you think but even easier to prevent.
Why does new granite look old?
Though it's small, granite has a pattern. Most granite countertops contain a speckled pattern on top of a colored base. Because this speckled pattern takes up a large surface area (the countertops), it's very visible in the room. Mixing your speckled granite countertops with pattern-heavy flooring can make the room appear dark and your countertops outdated, especially when the granite is installed on all or most surfaces.
This mistake can also be exacerbated by the hues of your countertops and flooring. Speckled granite's intended purpose is to add visual contrast to solid, neutral walls, and some granite countertop colors are definitely better than others. If you choose flooring with a lot of visible wood grain or a tile pattern, this clash will cause your granite countertops to appear older instead of making the room feel as fresh and new as you intended. This is especially true if you've selected certain beige shades, as a darker option will intensify the heaviness and outdated look.
Ways to fix (and avoid) a granite mistake
Sometimes it's hard to tell if this will be a problem in your home, especially when you're deciding between samples. A small 4" x 4" sample block may not look bad against your current flooring until it's covering your entire kitchen. If you experience this setback after installation, you can fix it by painting or replacing your countertops. It's possible to paint granite countertops with mineral paint to improve their appearance and give them a brighter look. Alternatively, if you have the funds available, you can replace your granite countertops with a lighter shade.
To avoid this problem prior to installation, bring your samples along with you as you shop. Use your granite or flooring tiles to match with other samples, which will give you the best indication of how the shades will look together. If you're having a hard time visualizing the two hues in your kitchen, keep one area (either the countertops or flooring) a lighter shade and the other one darker. This will create a contrast that won't weigh your kitchen down or make your countertops look old.