The Dated Granite Countertop Style That Won't Be Making A Comeback Anytime Soon

Granite has long been an in-demand option for kitchen countertops and for good reason. The trend offers a unique visual style and is affordable and durable to boot. Granite countertops in kitchens started becoming popular back in the 1960s and '70s and have remained a top choice into the 2010s. However, in more recent years, the material's popularity has waned. Many are now opting for lighter materials like low-maintenance, high-style quartz, and kitchens still using dark, speckled granite have been left behind as the design world moved forward.

But there is still some good news here for granite countertops owners: not all types of granite are considered outdated. It still makes for a fantastic countertop material choice, and by choosing the right variety, you can maintain a fresh look. To stay on trend and keep enjoying your granite countertop, simply opt for veined options (whether subtle or dramatic) of a lighter color. This looks surprisingly similar to other currently popular stone options, often without costing as much (although there are plenty of countertop upgrades that are worth the extra cost). Any remodel offering sturdy material and a pretty pattern that's easy to clean is hard not to like.

Hands down, the most dated granite countertop styles are those that are dramatically dark and speckled, whether in brown or grayscale patterns. It was the quintessential countertop choice of the 1990s. At the time, that material had become super affordable and widely available, making it a leading choice for new and remodeled kitchens alike. This darker, dated granite countertop pattern easily paired with other equally archaic kitchen colors, such as burgundy, golds, and reds.

In fact, these speckled granite countertops were such a popular look, they were seen in kitchens far and wide even up through the 2000s. Now, real estate agents are quick to advise against this countertop in the kitchen, especially if you are concerned about maximizing resale value down the line. Speckled granite just doesn't have the staying power, and many designers can't help but see its noisy pattern as a relic best left in the past. By contrast, other materials for countertops (think: quartz, marble, and butcher block) have remained trendy for some time with no decline in sight.

If you have spent any time on Pinterest or HGTV, you have undoubtedly seen plenty of countertop options and wondered whether light or dark countertops are right for your kitchen. Folks nowadays are typically opting for an elegant look with premium stones, like marble and quartz. Granite has similar-looking options — just select a lighter veined pattern. And thanks to granite's durability and agreeable price point, you can still have a bright trendy kitchen.

As you are working granite into your new kitchen design, consider how designers are currently using stone. Many run it higher than just the countertops, as far as to upper cabinets and, in some cases, all the way up to the ceiling to double as both a backsplash and a grand statement piece for the room. Granite is actually a fantastic stone to do this with, too, as it is super easy to maintain and a great way to combine luxury with practicality.

While light-colored veined granite is all the rage, there are a few attractive options to consider before making your final decision. For instance, you can go with a more subtle and versatile option like a gently flecked cookies-and-cream granite pattern, which works easily with a traditional taste or something more modern and sleek. Alternatively, choosing granite featuring stunning blue or black with white and gray streaks is an effortless way to create a bold, high-contrast look in an otherwise light kitchen. There are plenty of colors and textures in between those as well, so feel free to get creative, as your mind is the limit.