I agree that quartz is a better way to go...I will definately go this way next time. However, I think that you can use black. Just get something that has a bit of a pattern in it. I love our dark counters. The honed granite is lovely, but beware that it does stain. I swore that I would take good care of it, but little people don't always make that an easy chore.

Does it make a difference if the black honed granite is sealed with an antiqued/leathered seal? ALso what other color of granite would you suggest going with the black honed if we were to go with it? Would you suggest doing the the black honed granite on the island or the outer counters?

It is my personal opinion that it does NOT matter whether the granite is sealed, period. The black honed granite would work just fine anywhere other than near a sink/water.

ginawithag, your kitchen is beautiful! Lyra is a beautiful countertop material.

summerr, Absolute Black Honed is a great stone, but it should be sealed. Honed materials are more prone to staining than polished ones. Antiqued or leathered finishes should be sealed as well--they are only a different finish that has been applied to the stone. Have it sealed upon installation (which a quality fabricator should do anyway). A year or two after installation, put a glass of ice water on your countertop and leave it there for a little while. If the water condensation beads up on the countertop surface, then it does not have to be re-sealed at the time. If the water starts to soak into the countertop, then it is time to seal them again. Sealing is a simple process that you can do yourself. Wipe the sealer on, let it sit overnight, then clean it off in the morning using your stone countertop cleaner.

Personally, I like darker perimeter countertops with a light island. Consequently, I would use the Absolute Black for your perimeter cabinetry. Some complimentary stones for your island would be: Alaskan White granite, Delicatus granite, or White Macaubas quartzite. Even a quartz product such as Silestone's Lyra (shown above) would look lovely with Absolute Black.

Best of luck!

Ok so we decided on the 12x12 carrera marble tiles subway in the shower and then 3/4s up all around and all three walls and ceiling we are going to do glass tiles. Are shower does not get a ton of air curriculation it does have a small window and we are putting in a vent but we do get a lot of mold on the ceilng. Before redoing this bathroom it was painted on the top of the ceiling it it got moldy and the paint peeled really bad which is why we are putting glass tile on the ceiling as well. My question is do you think it will be a major up keep with the glass tile on the ceiling? Since we are using the carrera marble we are going to use a light grey grout. Any suggestions or ideas? also what is a good cleaning product for this marble and glass tile for the shower? The shower floor will be 1x1 square carrera marble tiles as well.

Honed granite will show less than a polished, but yes all granite needs to be sealed before installation- so it's really about finding a great fabricator. I would do a Lennon opposite your Absolute Black to get some movement and personality with a touch of black and white to tie all together.