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ellemay0466

kitchen countertop trend?

8 years ago
We are building for the 1st time. Our flooring is natural hickory with minimal character. Our cabinets are to the ceiling. I would like white counter tops, but do not want to sterile looking of a home. Our kitchen, living, dining all open, with large windows. I have found black titanium granite in our budget, but am afraid to have it look dated? Any thoughts?

Comments (12)

  • 8 years ago
    The cabinets will be alabaster.
  • 8 years ago

    I don't think the granite will outdate your home. If you want white, I would think you should be able to find white granite or quartz that will fit in your budget....shop local is my best advice.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Do white counters on the perimeter cabinets and a wood countertop to match your floor for the island, if you have one.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I say do white granite countertops. Granite has unique and lively patterns so there is no chance that your counters will look sterile or boring. And large windows will show their natural beauty and uniqueness even more. Have you considered Delicatus White granite? It's white, but has beautiful, dark, and rich contrasting veins. The minerals in it go from crystal white, medium and very light gray to creamy brown and deep blue. The veining depends on the slab but this is one of the most beautiful looking granite stones we've dealt with lately.

  • 8 years ago

    No black kitchen counter tops. Black counter tops are for bars. Pick a light colored granite with large movement (a large pattern).

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    "Black counter tops are for bars."


    Except those in pizza joints with heat lamps and thermal cycling cracking the stone:

  • 8 years ago

    Do not worry about dated in a home you are building for your own enjoyment. I would maybe begin to be remotely concerned about "dated" if I was selling my home next year. What is in and out changes too quickly to worry about.

    Do get a sample - some black granite shows fingerprints, but not all - I think the honed does not.

    There was no consensus, but an interesting discussion:

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-are-pros-and-cons-of-light-vs-dark-countertops-dsvw-vd~4715878

  • 8 years ago

    If you plan to USE your kitchen, granite will not take much real USE, without needing polishing. If you pick a matte finish man made product and your hickory is likely busy grained anyways, so you might enjoy something that is not a real busy pattern on your counters & I have read others comment it is a lower price also? A small amount of flecks or specs or movement helps the surface appear to be a bit lower maintenance. -- https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2015/10/26/quartz-vs-granite-countertops-geologists-perspective/#2c2e5cd5196c  --

    "The debate breaks down into a few large picture questions that you
    have to ask yourself. Despite the price difference in the two countertop
    options there are really two variables that you should take into
    account. One variable is whether you prefer a man made stone(quartz) or a natural stone(granite).
    You will find much more beauty in granite and there is certainly an
    excitement involved in picking out the small imperfections and color
    variation. I'll give this one to granite as it has a unique and
    impossible to replicate feel that never disappoints in upgrading your
    kitchen countertop.

    The other variable is ease of use in a number of different factors.
    Quartz countertops are sealed(man-made composites) and therefore not porous, they are
    primarily made of quartz, which means they are more durable than
    granite. You'll find that quartz countertops are easier to clean,
    maintain, and forget about. If your primary concern is having a
    countertop that you can ignore and heavily use, quartz composite is the
    way to go." I just did a Google Search for "Stained Hickory Cabinets". WOW. You can see a wide variety of them in all colors of stains and flooring and counter-top options. It appears that a few are matte black with a white sq.tile backsplash on the diamond and black grout..that one caught my eye...but most are a creamy countertop variety/ color. Look thru them and see if you get a picture of what your ideas will look like in your home setting. They are all very attractive. I guess your countertop choice depends on how much color your stain will add to the Hickory and the flooring to begin with, as well as the natural light in the area and the color of the walls you have planned...and go from there. It's nice to have the internet available to see so many options on one slide page, rather than hunting thru magazines for months on end or trying to imagine with thumbprint samples what the lifesize version will be.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    There are some nice warm quartz countertop designs. Taj Royal with its warm hues and marble-inspired aesthetics or Tuscan Dawn may be interesting options for you. Especially Tuscan Dawn is really beautiful with its taupe color background and rich, light and creamy natural thick veins.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Hello! Quartz countertops have become very popular. You can read about quartz countertops here

  • 7 years ago

    IMO a counter top should never be chosen on trend. Do your research. 20 years ago Corian was hot on the market. It was THE TREND and it did not hold up. Kitchen counter tops as stated above get a lot of use and have to stand up to stains/hot/cold/knives...long long list of dangers. What is longest lasting, least maintenance in for the long haul??? These days what ever that product is will have a multitude of "looks"/color options. When you start with the wrong question you will be disappointed the fastest.