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Granite advice for kitchen under renovation- help please!

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Hi all,

I am overly impressed by all of your inputs on various questions posted on this forum. I'd like to seek your input. Attached is a picture of our kitchen under renovation (please pardon the cardboard hanging from the top- that was a template for pendants over the counter:).

  • As the first picture shows, the entire wall behind the copper hood will be tiled with 3*6 Daltile Retrospace Mercury Gray (very sutle gray color), same tile will be used for backsplash on the window wall.
  • Island cabinets/ base will be gray, as shown in the kitchen picture
  • Cabinet hardware is dark bronze/ close to black color
  • Floor will be wood

Given this combination, I'd like to seek your input on the two granite slab samples included:

1. Black/ White Titanium from MSI- absolutely gorgeous slab

2. Brown/ Gray Kelix River slab from MSI- beautiful pattern as well

I am loving both the slabs.

Kelix River seems to be safer and more neutral choice. Wanted to see what you think about this black/ white Titanium granite over gray base cabinets? It probably would look lovely with peripheral off white cabinet, copper hood, light gray tile etc., I am only doubtful about the combination with gray base. If you can point to any pictures showing similar black/ white granite with gray base cabinets, would be great.

Any thoughts would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance!






Comments (23)

  • 7 years ago

    How does the copper hood tie into your design? It seem to be the odd man out.

  • 7 years ago

    They’re both gorgeous stones, but I’d choose the titanium and change my island and backsplash choices to make it work if I had to.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Both stones are absolutely stunning and so durable -- you'll be very happy regardless of which one you pick. I think that Kelix River slab ties much better with your design (copper hood and combination of white and gray cabinets) but I also understand the admiration you have for Black/ White Titanium -- it really is one of a kind. However, I don't think that gray base is a problem. In my opinion, the combination of all elements would look better if the color of the hood was gray or patina metal.

  • 7 years ago
    The copper hood is gorgeous but I don’t like it with the gray island. White Island would be better...also the lighter granite.
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    If you are choosing between the two, I'd go with the Kellix Gray. It works better with the gray island. And I disagree about the copper hood--it adds a beautiful warmth to the room. You can repeat the copper somewhere else--in the cabinet hardware, the lighting, or maybe a hammered copper prep sink.

  • 7 years ago
    I think the copper hood will go better with white base cabinets, and maybe add cooper knobs/pulls? You should not pick your backsplash until the granite is installed and you can see how all the undertones work together, gray may not be the best choice with the copper. As for the granite; I think either could work if you watch the other details.
  • 7 years ago

    Most people will tell you to go with the gray sone, and don't dare put in something like that stunning copper hood because most people are afraid of making a bold statement in the kitchen. I disagree. I think the titanium will absolutely be the pop you need and tie all the elements together.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    They are both pretty, but so different. Don't you have a preference as to whether you'd prefer light or dark counters? I personally like the lighter one and think the dark will suck the light out of your bright, airy kitchen.

    You shouldn't have picked backsplash until you chose your granite. Can you show the granite with the backsplash?

  • 7 years ago

    I honestly like both choices, I can see why you're having such a hard time. Love the copper hood, bring in more copper elsewhere to tie it in. Are you doing a prep sink in the island? Maybe do a copper sink there or copper pendants over island. If it were me, I'd pick the Kelix River granite. I'm not a huge fan of the high contrast look between counter and cabinets, makes it more of a choppy look to me and not as cohesive of a space. Beautiful kitchen!

  • 7 years ago

    I'm going with Patricia on this one. The granite she posted will tie everything together. And NO gray tile behind the range.

    If you are not swayed, then you need to knock it out of the ballpark. Do the 2 slabs work together in person? If so, black on the base cabinets/against walls and lighter on the island. If not, be daring and do the black everywhere. Bring in more copper accents with knobs/handles, light fixtures, and a tea kettle on the stove. I still would not do the gray Daltile backsplash. You can find something better.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Copper hood is great. Leave island color gray. I would use the Kelix River on the island and use soapstone or a Negresco granite on the perimeter. The two stones you've shown would be too busy to use together. I also would not use gray tile. I would go for white tile.

  • 7 years ago

    I think the dark one would look nice, but I personally don't like working on a dark surface or trying to keep it clean. I would go with the lighter one, or look for a light stone with copper tones in it. Lovely kitchen. Can you post a pic of your backsplash tile?

  • 7 years ago

    Hi all, thank you so much for all your valuable inputs. It looks like we love the copper hood and like the black granite over the other. We are re thinking about the gray island and the back splash trying to keep it white as well. Thanks again for looking at the pics and sharing your thoughts!

  • 7 years ago

    The copper hood will be better balanced with the darker granite. Both have a "heavier" look.


    However, I wouldn't use that gray color for paint on the cabinets.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    MSI carries a granite called Saturnia which looks like Titanium but has more copper tones to it. You may want to check it out.

  • 7 years ago

    Take a look at Black Galaxy granite - the copper flecks in it would be gorgeous with your hood.

  • 7 years ago

    fwiw, I used honed Golden Leaf granite in our last home (either side of range, pine hutch and laundry room) and we had a lot of copper in the kitchen/house. I used antique pine on the island.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I don't like "busy" countertops. Your copper hood is the "star" in this kitchen. Make your other choices be "supporting roles".

  • 7 years ago
    I’d go with the lighter one. It’s more calming to the eye and timeless. The dark one is too busy. You will be more likely to grow tired of it. Gorgeous kitchen!!
  • 7 years ago

    I don’t like the dark granite with the grey island. At all. It would work just fine if island were white like perimeter. I actually don’t like that shade of grey with the copper hood, either. Honestly, that grey seems too cool for the warm-ish white you used on the perimeter. I can’t see what the backsplash tile is...that COULD work in grey if it is warm and plays well with whichever granite you choose. Your kitchen is going to be lovely!

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Thank you all for the super valuable feedback. I would also like to take your advice on pendant lights, given that we are looking to go with white island and black granite. We need two pendants above the island and one above the sink. I was thinking of keeping same fixtures above kitchen and , which have simple look, to not add too many things. Can you please share your opinion on the attached? Or make a suggestion? Thanks again for all your help.

    Here is the link to the fixture:

    https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/hd0/amara-2-light-dome-pendant-l6087-k~wlsg2727.html?refid=GX263467579172-WLSG2727&device=m&ptid=470146491070&network=g&targetid=pla-470146491070&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=56904236&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5PnQyvTx3QIVwWSGCh3TYApREAQYASABEgLBLPD_BwE#ek77z7p7lw-3


  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I would not be swayed against using copper and gray in a kitchen. Just because copper is warm and gray can be cool is no reason not to do it. It's all in the way you put it together.


    Here are some beautiful kitchens with just that color palette:

    The Coach House · More Info


    ATHERTON ESTATE · More Info


    Craftsman Family Home | Ocean Park · More Info


    Mt. Lebanon, PA - Renovations & Addition · More Info