Granite has lost its edge as the leading surface choice in countertops, but this doesn't mean that the stone option has or is going out of style. In fact, granite remains highly popular and perhaps the most durable and cost-intelligent choice on the market.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
One of the most significant trends in granite countertops for 2023 is bold and dark colors. While classic white and beige granite will always be popular, many homeowners are now opting for darker hues to make a statement.
No design trend is beyond redemption, though—and granite countertops definitely fall within that category. In fact, designers are loving this material once again, and we're here to show you why.
If you don't want to replace your countertops with granite, consider quartz, quartzite, marble, concrete, or the many other options from which homeowners can choose.
Reasons to be Cautious about Granite Countertops
Granite is porous. This means that unsealed or poorly sealed counters can absorb wine, juice or oil, producing a stain that might be impossible to remove. A poorly-sealed countertop can also harbor bacteria in its pores.
That's all you need. Honing is a technique that removes the shine of the stone counters, giving them a softer, less reflective surface. Not only is honing an easy way to bring your counters to the modern-day, but it's also far more cost-effective than buying new counters.
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
Neutral tones and shades are timeless as they come with an abundance of options and go with various home styles. Options vary from white to light blues and grays, making them an advantageous option.
Some of the most popular colors for quartzite countertops include white, grey, beige, and blue. These colors can be complemented with a variety of edge profiles to create a unique and customized look. One of the most popular colors to start 2023 is Taj Mahal Quartzite.
Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors
Some of the top quartz countertop colors for 2023 include: Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold – Its striking white color, golden hues and gray veins make this the most popular quartz color. Silestone Miami Vena – Another white color, but this option has a marble effect.
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.
Future Prospects:
The demand for natural stones is increasing globally, and Indian granite is poised to meet this demand. The government of India is taking various initiatives to promote the Indian granite industry and attract more foreign investment.
Granite and quartz remain highly popular choices for kitchen counters. To stand up to that level of luxury, backsplashes are trending toward the dark side. Pair yours with Ledgestone Carbone for deep tones and rich texture — another 2023 home trend that we'll get to in a moment.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Quartz remains top of the wishlist for kitchen countertops. Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone – a combination of ground quartz, resins and polymers to create a really tough material.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
If granite becomes damaged or the sealant wears off, spills may seep into the surface, resulting in stains since the stone is naturally porous. This makes quartz a prime option for busy kitchens or homes with children thanks to its resistance to staining, cracks, and discoloration.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
Donate your old counter. If your stone is still in good shape, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity or a similar charity. Because Habitat for Humanity builds homes based on donations they can use your old granite countertop. Plus, donating goods like this can reduce your tax bill.
The durability and timeless appeal of granite can be seen as a long-term investment, as they are likely to retain their value over time. By choosing granite countertops, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a luxurious and durable surface while potentially reaping the rewards when it comes time to sell their property.
Hot take: Splotchy granite is out.
"Well, this is a really old trend! It's been going for the 15 years I've been designing," says Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn. "People still love dark granite (jet mist, carbon black), but aren't liking the blotchy spotty granites, which is most others."
In comparison to other countertop materials, granite has the capacity to last longer than other materials. Most granite and other natural stones can last anywhere from 100 years or more; whereas marble countertops last an average of 20 years.