The backsplash will be changed out once the granite is installed. The color of the walls will change. Everything is off the top cabinets. This was a picture prior to moving in. I will also add some window treatments and pendant lighting above the island.

Would you consider black on the perimeter and white on the island? As between these there is not much difference to me to be significant to buyer - I would just choose the one you like best.
http://houzz.com/photos/1220740

I'm not a professional, but if the counters are in good shape and you're only staying for a couple of years, I would leave it with what you already have. It didn't seem like either of the options you showed are dramatically different from what is already there. Changing the backsplash is a good idea for resale as it currently looks a little dated. Unless you are dramatically changing to a dark granite, as was previously suggested, I would save that expense.

I've seen that picture and like it. What black granite is that? It appears to be less shiny.

The countertops are a necessary change. They are light green coriander and very out of date. I hope to increase the value of the house with the updates throughout the house to compete in the market.

I'm sorry - I just reread your post. In my first read I thought granite option # 1 was what was already there! In that case, I like #3, #1, and # 2, in that order!

I don't see that it says but you can get honed black absolute granite so it's not shiny. Quartz also has more of a sheen as opposed to the polished look of granite.

What about shiny granite? Would that work on the perimeter? Also, would I go with a white with just a little movement or tie one of the 3 choices that I've already found? Would that be too much?
I will be using oil rubbed bronze lighting throughout house.

Shiny vs honed black granite around perimeter? Still unsure about black granite. Professional suggestions?

I like the middle granite color personally. But as someone said they are all so similar that any would be a good choice. I just like more color

Msmaggie.... When you say you like more color.... Are you referring to color in the granite? What would you suggest? I was also looking at Butelaire. I love it, but they ran out. Not sure when / if they will be getting more in.

I like your latest choice the best because I personally like a more dramatic stone. But if you do go with something more dramatic, I would lean towards doing that on the island and the solid (even if you use quartz) on the perimeter. From what I have read on houzz, honed absolute black as opposed to polished seems to be a current trend.

Personally, I would go for more contrast to the cabinets for more drama. With a darker stone your less likely to have a problem with staining as well.

Drama vs. milk toast!

The above granite is the best choice in my opinion. It provides a warmth that the others don't seem to. The white in the stone also ties in the well with the cabinetry.

My suggestion for paint would be something like Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

Backsplash suggestion would be something like our honey subway tile, which you can see here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/subway/

Good luck, hope this helps!

I love the darker more dramatic colors but I am also trying to make it work with my wood floors. I am staying away from the grays because that would not work with the connecting room

What if potential buyers hate the granite choice? Two years goes by in a flash. Something less busy than the last choice would seem to be a better route.

Yes the color in the granite is more diverse in the middle one but they are all lovely. I agree with Marilyn also. Trends change and granite is a big ticket item that defines choices from then on. There is a trend away from granite beginning. But it is still very popular now. Also granite can be chipped on corners by accidents which ruins it. Some choices like Corian (sp?) might be something that would last better and be better able to repair in the future while still being high end. It comes in some nice color choices. I wonder if the one you have now could have the color modified in place
?

I really wouldn't worry about granite chipping, it's very dense. You would need to worry more about Corian scratching, and for resale purposes granite is much more desirable. I think all three of your choices would work well (esp. for resale). I also think the honed absolute black is a nice choice for something a little more subdued. What about the granite below? It's called Typhoon Bordeaux, and the maroon in it would help pick up your flooring. I know it has some grey/black, but it usually helps to pick up things like hardware, appliances, etc. (not sure what you are keeping as far as that goes)

I also prefer the middle or the one posted by JDM. I like some of the floor color in the granite.

I have honed black granite. I love the look, but hate keeping it clean. It shows every mark. Any of your choices would be lovely.

The entire look of the kitchen is quite dated, so I would consider giving a buyer a credit at closing for a kitchen remodel. If you cant resist changing it out, go with something classic and less busy. Out of the last 20 kitchens i've designed, i've had ONE customer go with a dramatic stone choice. If you are thinking of resale, keep it subtle and classic, like a honed jet mist, black absolute or even a white caesarstone. Buyers can update with accessories.

Dearborn Cabinetry LLC, great and well thought out comments.

Thank you all for the suggestions. Dearborn Cabinetry, we are remodeling the kitchen. We are in the middle of having all appliances replaced with SS. The backsplash will be replaced and walls repainted. We are adding pendant lighting as well as replacing all lighting throughout the house. The house has a total of 6,000 sq ft in a great neighborhood, and in order to be competitive in the market at this price point, will need the updates.

Of the options you have shown above I would choose #2, as I think it goes better with the floor colour and the stainless steel. We have recently completed a renovation of our kitchen, with similar colour cabinetry to yours, and we went with Caesarstone in Creme Brûlée. It does not stain (we've hit it with curry, red wine, coffee, mustard, hot dishes, you name it), looks great with the stainless steel appliances and the floor colour and being quite neutral can appeal to a broader demographic for resale. Regarding the suggestion to go with a dark granite, particularly black, I believe it may appeal to fewer potential buyers, it shows streaks and smears, and is therefore a pain to keep looking nice. I will attach some photos showing my kitchen and a close up of the Caesarstone. It's a lovely home and I'm sure your improvements will make it more so. Good luck.

I love #2. It is neutral and warm.

The middle one, has some color to it.

Jazz it up with some glass tiles backsplash. And roman shades on windows. Take a color frm granite.

I would go with the Sienna Beige out of the three original options that you posted. It looks the best with your floor, and it is a popular color for re-sale. The Betulare is beautiful, too, if they happen to get more of that in. The Typhoon Bordeaux option from JDM is a good choice as well.

If you love the Betulare, perhaps the granite shop that you previously visited has some suppliers warehouses that you could go to? You can't go wrong with any of these three options.