What will be the main working area? Island or the Perimeter?

This kitchen shows two different granites. A light tone on the perimeter and half the island, with the black on the other half of the island: [houzz=]

So if they can split the island like that, I think it's safe to say you can use two different granites!

Hello mileshelmich! I am not seeing the granite too well, is there copper flecks in the stone as most Black Galaxy stones? I see a few pieces of white but not sure if that is the photo/lighting. Here is a photo of what we typically see for this stone not to say there are not variations of course. I have often used this stone along with Kashmir Gold, Giallo Fiorito and some whiter stone like Delicatus but a slab that carries some rust in it. Do you plan on separating your layout in the kitchen? Anything we can help with we will be glad to :)

Love the woods kitchen photo - Bobbi P is right - you can do it!

My island will be a stand alone island..more like a table, not a prep area

Here is a sketch of my new kitchen layout, where the island is separate from perimeter

Personally, I really like the look of having different color countertops on the island. It really breaks things up. In this photo, we actually used Granite on the perimeter and Caesar Stone on the island. I think if the customer had chosen to use the same granite everywhere it would have been too busy.

Want the carpet in this picture does anyone know what it is?

I don't think black galaxy would be overwhelming. Your kitchen doesn't look that big and it's not a busy stone. You could certainly pair it with just about anything.

But be careful - mixing materials in a small space will only make it feel smaller. If you have a big open-plan space, then go for it!

Sorry to ask again but are you sure you are not in love with Zodiaq Quartz Galaxy Black. The 2 colors and materials can get you into either black with greys, charcoal and white or the other black and copper flecks. You sample looks like Galaxy Black....either way you seem to have a good start :)

Are you keeping the oak cabinets with the arched wall cabinets? If so I think that the higher priced quartz tops and the Black Galaxcy granite are a little modern for your cabinets and you can find nice simpler granite tops that will go better, cost less. and will go better with possible backsplashes that still also go with your cabinets.

The name of the granite in my picture is Black Galaxy...it is hard to see but it has copper flakes in it.

Carpet color is Delicate Dream by Karastan...I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. Can't wait for it to be installed. Not going to happen until my kitchen project gets done.

Main Line Kitchen Design...Yes I am planning to keep the oak cabinets, they are in very good condition, and I like the wood look. Any suggestions for a simpler granite to go with my oak cabinets?

I am also adding a new crown to my cabinets and hardware. Suggestions on hardware??

Tropic Brown, Black Pearl, and Carioca Gold are a few that would work too. They offer a bit wider patterning and not as pricey as the Black Galaxy. Heres the pics just in case :)

Oops they didn't all load here the Carioca Gold.

Amy I appreciate the feedback. So you feel either of these granite will work with my oak cabinets and the new tile I have pictured above?

Reason I selected black galaxy was its copper flacks..they seems to work well with my cabinets and tile.

I like the tropic brown...will have to go and get a sample. Thanks for posting.

I have used the Black Galaxy on Oak before and I agree with your point. I NEVER play by the "rules" I would say that the oak is not what is traditional but the cathedral raised panel style is. I can see past it if you want to go into a more contemporary direction the stone will be fine. You can just play up everything else to achieve the vision you desire. Also cool antiqued/contemp copper handles like this to jazz it up. Ebay $1.88 each :)

Are you refinishing or painting your cabinets? I ask because I think black granite would make the kitchen too dark.

Tan Brown is usaully a level 1 too and will go. I like Amy's picks too.

Amy another question...last one for the night. I will be replacing all of my appliances. Stainless or Black? Does my choice of granite determine my appliance color? If so..which goes best with what color granite?

Stainless is a metal so not to worry it's always the best choice in my opinion. It is easier to work with rather than black or white where you feel compelled to match around. So long as there is a stainless sink go with the stainless appliances. I mix it all up yet keep it balanced, give and take and checks and balances ;)

Have you checked out Angola Black - I have just done all my benchtops - looks fabulous also used Oggee Edge very happy with results

Yikes - I would NEVER put a busier granite on the perimeter of the kitchen and a solid on the island.
If you are going to do anything, put the black galaxy on the perimeter, with a more coloured granite on the island. Why?
Because the perimeter is where it always looks busier, messier - so you need a cleaner countertop in a solid tone - like black galaxy.
Then - add your hit of mixed colours on the island where you will be serving drinks to guests watching you cook - or serving food etc.

I'm not a big fan of mixing granite - only because it will date itself and seems to be a popular fad right now. If you are OK with the more transitional / traditional look - then go for the mix, if your end result is pushing more modern - go for the one countertop colour.

Note: Black or dark solid countertops show every little crumb, smudge, ring from your glass of water, you will be constantly wiping it down....if you are OK with having to always clean it - go for it. If not, choose something that is more user friendly.

Good Luck!

If you love black galaxy, use black galaxy.

Yes it's dark, but you can balance that with a lighter backsplash. A coppery glass backsplash would be stunning. Think about adding undercounter lights to really play up the sparkle. Stainless appliances would brighten the room, but black could work too.

Choose a bright-colored faucet, not the dark bronze.. Buy a beautiful, sculptural one. My favorite is Kohler's Clairette, but they have a less-expensive one that is similar - Cruette I think. Or Vinatta is more traditional. Vinatta comes in a finish called Vibrant Brushed Bronze which would be perfect with BG granite. I love polished nickel too, but it's hard to find.

I would lose the dark wood frame around the window. Paint it a soft white. And if you can't give up the two wall cabinets on the left of the window, think about adding glass doors with some in-cabinet lighting.

If the tile in the picture is your floor, then you definitely do NOT want a busy granite. Although I would think about going lighter with the floor and buying a good porcelain tile that looks like travertine. Much easier maintenance-wise.

Good luck!

I have Bordeaux Florencia in my kitchen with one section of cabinetry a dark cherry matching the island (the rest of the cabinets are a creamy color with pink undertones and a coffee glaze)... the one section I mentioned has open shelving and a plate rack... on that one I used the black galaxy and it looks lovely! I am now working on backsplash, for that one I will be using a copper mirrored subway tile w/dark grout to give that section a "furnature look". I think the black galaxy is less busy than the Bordeaux and if you love it, use it throughout! Many kitchens have black counter tops. If you love it for the Island, it will be beautiful! I do love my combination, and people always rave about the Bordeaux Florencia.... funny, they never notice the Galaxy, so I know it would make a statement on the island. Have fun and whatever you choose it will be lovely! This is a PS... I just saw the picture of your cabinets, keeping them oak, I would love the black galaxy! In reading the one comment about a busy pattern perimeter...more solid island... it makes sense, but oak itself I think is busy so that is why I think the Galaxy would contrast nicely, with oiled bronze (a really dark black looking if you can find) hardware and it would look stunning! I would call black galaxy a solid more than overpowering... What material is your Island going to be made of? That might make a difference in how you treat the countertop.... Have you seen the Jenn Air appliances, in oiled bronze http://www.jennair.com/flash.cmd?/#/category/c/344/... we loved them but did not get because needed a bigger refrigerator than what they carried (duh, later thought of just getting 2).... It would pick up the color of the flecks in the galaxy....

We have a color very close to Black Galaxy called Nero Galaxy. I pulled up a picture from a project we did to give you an idea of what your granite countertops might look like when finished, if you decided to do two different colors. This job however features the Nero Galaxy on the perimeter counters and the island is called Veneto.

I think the contrast between the two will end up giving your kitchen a very rich look, I personally like the look of different colored stone counters when there is an island.

Good luck with your decision!

Amy, I do not want a stainless steel sink. Is there anther type of sink that would go with my Black Galaxy Granite and stainless steal appliances? I just haven't heard good things about stainless. A friend just replaced her sink with a crushed granite sink??

Mainline - Thanks for suggesting the Tan Brown granite..I have decided that I'm going to go with one granite through out my kitchen. If you had to choose between the Black Galaxy and Tan Brown - which one would you go with?

Absolutely! My next suggestion would be a Blanco Silgranite sink, tough durable doesnt scratch and looks really sharp too. Made from granite composite and about 6 colors to choose from, Check these out :)

You can get a black granite sink. Personally I prefer stainless, but the granite sinks are available in any configuration and several colors. You could also get a black cast iron sink if you prefer something glossier.

Get a sample of the tan brown and put it in your kitchen next to the black galaxy, and go with the one you love. I'd pick black galaxy, but the point is what you like best in your kitchen.

We appreciate your compliments Roxy! Cannot wait to see the progress :)