Granite and other natural stone countertop sales are projected to grow into 2025, according to economists. Consumers and homeowners have fallen in love with granite over the last twenty years, and that's not ending anytime soon!
The most popular granite colors in 2021 continue to dominate 2022 design trends; white granite countertops and neutral finishes or warm wooden cupboards, and black granite kitchen countertops complimented by gold fittings for the bold.
According to Trulia Design Panel's trend predictions released last month, granite countertops are out. And in a kitchen trends survey conducted by Houzz, the home remodeling and design resource found that granite is no longer the most popular countertop material.
Turns agrees that granite is still in high demand, partly because the available color options have increased substantially since the early 2000s. “Because no two slabs of granite are exactly the same, the variety is enormous,” she says.
Whites and greys - more specifically, Black Pearl, Luna Pearl, River White, and Alaska White. Black Pearl: The sharp, chic look is widespread in the year 2021, which inadvertently pushed Black Pearl granite a trending color. The dark tones of black granite offer a very edgy yet warming vibe.
White and black granite are both timeless. When you choose a neutral like black or white you won't be limited with a wall color. The speckled granites with pink, peach, gold or brown will dictate your whole kitchen color scheme.
Granite counters in honed finishes (aka “matte finishes”) are very popular in 2022 so far, boasting a classy low-sheen finish that reflects a small amount of light, giving a low-matte sheen similar to eggshell finish paint.
The black countertops of today are as timeless as white marble and as versatile as the LBD (little black dress) in your closet. And even better, they lend themselves to pretty much any kitchen style, including modern, bohemian, minimalist, and even rustic.
Today, Quartz is overtaking Granite as the number one, most desirable countertop material on the market.
If you're looking for something unique that will stand out in your kitchen and you enjoy the natural stone look, granite is definitely worth it. If you prefer something lighter with a more solid pattern, you might want to consider quartz or other materials.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Trend #1: Natural Materials
Options for marble, granite, and even engineered quartz made to look like natural stone are going to remain popular heading into 2022.
Quartz now comes in many colors, patterns, and finishing techniques that mimic's the look of natural stone. One of the most current and trending finishes right now is matte. In 2022, Quartz manufacturers will continue to impress us with manufacturing improvements to keep this countertops option king.
1. Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
The good news is that black granite doesn't have to be dated. The classic black color, infused with mineral deposits that add character and depth to the smooth texture, is present in slabs like the Black Pearl Satin. This twist on traditional granite honors its origins while still updating the room.
Waterfall islands, generously sized islands, and countertop materials that continue seamlessly onto walls are all kitchen trends of 2022.
A waterfall edge is a design aspect that makes a 90-degree angle at the end of the countertop. Rather than simply ending with a finished edge, the countertop heads toward the floor and continues down the side of the cabinet, island, or seating area.
Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
If you are in a quest to know about popular granite stone or granite for flooring, it should be noted that absolute black granite never goes out of style and it is a one-time investment.
Natural materials, like wood and stone, are always in style. Have your contractor install maple, birch, or cherry cabinets. Look for stone options such as granite, limestone, or slate. Your kitchen will be stylish and trendy both now and in the future.
Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.