Are you tired of granite countertops yet? Now that just about every new home in America has them, is 2010 the year when we start moving on to something else? Or do you think it’s a classic look that’s here to stay?
Southern Hospitality has an interesting post about the trends we may be leaving behind. It suggests that granite countertops and maple cabinets became overused as the “builder’s basic” of spec houses during the 2000’s, which threatens to date the houses that have them in the next decade.
Fine Home Building agrees, proclaiming “Granite Countertops Are So Last Decade.” But if we are moving on, what do you think will become the next gotta-have kitchen surface? What would you most like to have in yours? Discuss.
~
~
Check Out How We Voted on These Other Trends:
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 100 comments }
Great question! I’d love to see homeowners/clients branch out and explore some different countertop options, but the truth is, granite has gained such a reputation as being “the best” – at least in my design experience. I think we’ll still be seeing a lot of granite use for awhile. I don’t mind granite in some cases, but I hate that so many people choose it without weighing all of their options! And because they are afraid to try something different than what they see everyone else using.
.-= Kelly, Arte Styling´s last blog ..Sunset Celebration Weekend…and a California Wine Book Giveaway! =-.
I think it depends on the grain/pattern/type of granite used on whether it looks dated or too used. Stone is just, well, kind of eternal, right? Unless there is a slow trickle of water on it for thousands of years.
I’ve got to wonder if there is any left in the quarries with all these new houses in the last few years.
.-= angela | the painted house´s last blog ..Ready for Scott Antique Market! =-.
I would love soapstone for my next house. I think granite is so popular because everyone is concerned about “resale” and granite has become the minimum standard. Not that that is a bad thing, it just limits choices and creativity. I see lots of homeowners making choices based on being able to sell the house later rather than making choices that they love and want to live with now.
.-= Dana Tucker´s last blog ..Resurfacing Existing Countertops =-.
Wonder what will be the next big thing? I cant wait to find out….I would love to redo my couter tops one day~ Enjoy your summer!
OK, I’m happy that you’re even questioning the staying power of granite. I absolutely believe that it’s overused. And just about everyone I know loves it. Not me. When we build (by the way, we put down money on a lot — on a street named Sundance, how cool is that?!) in about a year’s time, I intend on installing either Corian or Silestone in a dark, rich brown with white cabinets. I prefer the softer matte finishes to the marble-like shine of granite. If you’re redoing your kitchen, revisit your “Something’s Gotta Give” entry; I’m sure you remember that the fake counters were made to look like soapstone — gorgeous!
.-= Sheila´s last blog ..Do you like my hat? or How to spell “goodbye” when you only have one “e” and the hot-off-the-presses AP Stylebook in your back pocket =-.
Just wanted to let Sheila know that dark colored Corian is a big NONO. I had it installed in my new build 4 years ago. In the bathrooms I choose a white that looks like marble and I love it! In the kitchen, however, I went with a black with a low sheen. I too didn’t want the high gloss finish of most granites. BIG mistake. Dark colored Corian shows every single scratch(and it will scratch). The litte abrasive pads they give you for maintenance do not work. We have had the surfaces resanded twice now and have to use hotpads and cloths every time we set something down on it. Corian is get for cleanliness and it is a renewable surface but don’t let anyone talk you into getting a dark color. I wish I hadn’t.
I think any stone countertop is pretty classic now, however I’m sure the colors and styles will be dated in a decade or so. I really am loving quartz counters right now, but I think granite fits well with most styles depending on the colors and patterns it has. I guess we’ll have to wait and see! I’m no good at predicting!
.-= Sarah @ Dream in Domestic´s last blog ..Rainy Day Rooms =-.
I think that they are on there way out. While there are many beautiful options in granite – it has become so overused in the last 10 years – that it is now so ordinary. I think there are many different options out there – some natural and others manufactured – that give a wonderful and unique feel to a kitchen. I think countertops can make or break a kitchen… I personally prefer honed marble…but I also love wood, slate, stainless and ceasar stone to name a few. The more unique the better. I also like the look of combining different materials on your countertops – in different sections – to mix it up.
Great question Julia! I think it depends on who you ask…the average buyer sees granite as an upgrade in any kitchen but I think that the ‘design savvy’ are bored of it! Quartz (resin + natural stone ground up together) is the latest craze, it gives a consistent pattern (with no chance of staining!), many more color options, and a bit of a modern look. I really love marble and soapstone my self, but these are more porous and I think the average homeowner wants low maintenance so I predict a movement towards quartz and other man-made countertops!
Nancy
.-= Nancy@marcusdesign´s last blog ..{le dome chair} =-.
It would not be the material of choice if I were doing a kitchen for myself…but I have to tell you, everyone around me with a few exceptions thinks it is the best option and continue to want it in their projects! So, I think it is here for a while longer. Janell
.-= Janell Beals´s last blog ..Tips On How To Start A Room Design =-.
I think they’ve been out for quite awhile. A honed finish absolute black is still nice and classic looking. I think white marble and medium grey limestone are in. No high gloss finishes.
Southern Hospitality is right on the money! Maple cabinets and granite have never been my taste, but they have been overused to the point that they are going to scream 2000 to buyers in the future!
I’m always a fan of classics like marble, soapstone, slate, etc. Even some of the new manmade products are so subtle that they will feel more timeless.
Personally speaking, I am so NOT a fan of granite that when my builder (we bought a partially finished house so got to choose some of the finishing options) asked me what granite I wanted, I said no thank you, and opted for a matte black laminate. It is durable, looks good, and I saved some cash! Easy to swap out down the road too when some carrera marble is a possibility money-wise.
Karla
.-= Karla´s last blog ..{Odds and Ends} An update on Carys’ Bedroom =-.
I’ve also been thinking of using matte laminate, Karla (at least until I can afford carrera or soapstone). Which edge did you use? I prefer a square edge, but it can look cheesy on laminate if not done right. Would love to see pics of some budget reno’s.
Confesssion: I’ve never liked them.
.-= pamela´s last blog .. =-.
In the future, all this granite is probably going to look as dated as 1970′s avocado green and orange, and 1950′s formica. It’s in danger of becoming a generic standard (especially the granite and maple combo you mentioned). I’m not sure what to think about the future. Some of these silestone products look nice, as do the soapstone options. I personally like any kind of stone, as long as it’s more of a matte finish, as oppose to the shiny highly polished stuff.
I TOTALLY AGREE!
I sure hope it’s on its way out. I don’t like it. I hate the way it sounds when you set a plate or mug on it, like it’s going to break. I love butcher block counter tops. An easy way to see:
If it was in 50 years ago, and it’s still in, it will stay in!
I want 2″ dark butcher block countertops for my farmhouse!
.-= Momma Rhyne´s last blog ..Father’s Day Present =-.
I agree completely, Momma Rhyne. I’ve never really been a fan of granite, reminds me too much of a tombstone! I love golden oak butcher block counter tops paired with cream-colored cabinets. Classic and beautiful!
Lol, Momma! Granite does kind of remind me of tombstones, now that you mention it. How does the price compare–granite vs butcher block, I wonder?
I think granite can be a classic look. I think it really depends on the look of the granite though. If I were buying a home, granite would be okay, but if I were designing my home or kitchen or renovating it, I don’t think granite would be on my list of things to look at.
I never did like granite.
When my mother built her house a few years ago, she put marble in her kitchen. She got so much flak for that. Everyone always ask why she put marble instead of granite. Everyone claims it is better. We both think that marble is more classic.
.-= Rhianna´s last blog ..Hello Lover =-.
I just re-did a 55 year old kitchen on a budget and didn’t use granite. I used a man-made counter that LOOKS like granite but was a great deal less expensive. I also hate maple cabinets – I painted mine white and I now love my newly re-done kitchen.
What kind of man-made counter did you use? Is there a website? I am looking for a budget conscious alternative to stone. Thank you.
I love the look of real stone including granite. There are so many different types and patterns of granite that it seems that it could always be a popular classic choice for countertops , especially since it has been so reasonably priced.
.-= Pam @ diy Design Fanatic´s last blog ..Oldest Daughter’s Room’s Progress =-.
Yes, and yes. I don’t hate granite, I LOATHE it…
.-= Tricia Rose´s last blog ..Happy =-.
I hope it sticks around, at least for a while, because my husband is a fabricator! On that end, we have been able to use different types of stone from the shop’s yard to customize a few things in our home; kitchen, bathrooms, window sills, as well as desk-tops and table-tops. I think it’s less about the material and more about the overall scheme of things. Either something is done well or it isn’t. You can take practically anything and make it ‘classic’, or you can set yourself up for an outdated look in the future by going a different way, I guess.
Jenny
.-= Jenny Hillman´s last blog ..Dollhouse Chronicles =-.
I have been wrong about stainless every time you have asked so …Okay I’ll go out on a limb: out here where a starter condo still starts at $350k (mid-rise 1bd 1ba 1 parking space, uncovered $358 hoa fees) pre-manufactured, 10×2 bulldozed slabs brought in by the container load from far off lands will go into starters, and custom fabricated granite will still go in to move up houses and some executive. Luxury houses are using solid surface (LG has soon new looks), quartz and marble (out d@#* spot out I say!) although limestone is falling out of favor quickly. High end is strange, I have been to a couple of new flips and the “developer” is putting in dark cherry cabz with black honed granite; he assumes that any buyer is going to gut the kitchen anyway, but if he left the old kitchen in, then buyers would think he scrimped other places.
Of the rock products granite has the best stain resistance, any other is for someone that doesn’t cook, or has OCD. But near all of them come from quarries that have horrendous working conditions far across the seas. They travel on ships that burn the filthiest fuel on the planet. Some chunks get quarried on one continent slabbed and polished on another then fabricated and installed on a third. That is a huge carbon footprint.
Some granites will become passe, but last time the slab shop had dozens of varieties. I don’t like quartz because I can always find the seam, marble and limestone …well lets just say I grew up in a house with help, enjoy cooking and red wine. There is always tile, but really who likes cleaning grout? That leaves solid surfaces; which is what I will go back to in my next project for me. But I’ll skip the “brass” inlay on the edge profile this time. That choice was as timeless as avocado appliances.
The only consistent thing in style is change. There are always clues in a a room to when it was done. It could be a big thing like stainless, cherry and black counters, or a small one like a Dishmaster faucet. To figure out what is going to be popular in five months, you might get lucky, but in five years, your guess is as good as mine.
Sorry for the long comment, with terrible punctuation, absent transitions and cliches to boot, but this is what happens after cocktail hour on a deca-espresso day.
Now what about back splashes?
Yeah- I hate those deca-espresso days!
BITE YOUR TONGUE! They’d better be here for a long time!!! ; )
.-= the Blah Blah Blahger´s last blog ..WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: A HAPPY BELLY =-.
Julia, I love this post for many reasons. #1 These are the things I think about A LOT. I love the show ‘Bang for Your Buck’ on HGTV. I like it because my husband and I are always wanting to fix up houses and sell them but it’s always interesting to see the comments from the designers on the show and how they always knock upper cabinets that are glassed or open if there is not enough storage in the kitchen. One kitchen had the glassed cabinets and a pantry with PLENTY of storage so they finally excused it. It’s always so interesting because in blog land it is such a popular look. Trends are interesting. Granite, I have always loved because I love stone, of many sorts. But I think it depends on the granite, on the way it is used and the color combinations. Granite can be nicely done or just so done with a look of did you just buy the granite choice that was the cheapest by the foot? I love honed granite, but it depends on what it is paired with. I really hate the granite tiles with grout on some burb houses. Spells cheap. Solid surface counter tops are so necessary when you are preparing food, and the choices are so plentiful now. I chose quartz a lot in our house and then blue pearl granite because I love that it had a look of seashells in the granite and it went well with our house. It can not really be used on a very large surface thou, I believe. Solid surfaces are such a huge cost usually that this requires a lot of research. Love this Julia.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Dining with Daughter =-.
I could see granite staying for a while. There’s great qualities about it that makes it better then other countertop materials. Plus granite makes kitchens look nice depending on the type and looks.
Interesting question – in Atlanta (not the suburbs, but inside the perimeter) it seems as if granite has been out for at least 5 years. I remember people saying how overdone it was, and wanting something else – and it seems like marble is the top choice now.
Given that I am doing a new kitchen now, and have a kitchen designer (and an interior designer), this is a particularly interesting question. Granite has never, ever been mentioned. I think it is probably the best stone from a durability perspective, but for me personally, granite has way too much pattern if you want a lighter color (the black granite doesn’t go with the look we are doing). My kitchen designer, interior designer, and architect all see marble for my kitchen, and my kitchen designer has been monitoring marble since she has been recommending it for years, and says she feels 100% confident in her recommendation especially with good sealers.
.-= Things That Inspire´s last blog ..Beautiful design element: cabochons =-.
I’m glad to see it go out. Never been a granite fan. Everything goes out, no matter what.
I am in the middle of trying to sell my parents home. We have NO granite, nor do we have a two story foyer or family room. I will be really glad when people can think for and select for themselves.
Fun poll! So what are you thinking of purchasing for your kitchen?
I think it is headed out. Good point about it being overused in spec homes – that is FOR SURE.
.-= Trish @TheOldPostRoad´s last blog ..Collections =-.
I think it is way overused. What’s funny to me is that even in the spec homes – or the 50 year old homes here (rural MN) that are getting a makeover – people are choosing laminate that has patterns similar to granite. WHAT??? That makes no sense to me at all. Anyway, we have a 100+ year old house that still has the original WOOD counters in them. Yes, they take some maintenance, but I love them. And I love that just by stripping them down, I can totally change the look of my kitchen by changing the color of the stain I use on them.
Great poll!
.-= Lara´s last blog ..Preschool Graduation =-.
I am wondering if mauve laminate and honey oak cabinets will be the “new thing”? If that happens, I won’t have to worry about re-doing my kitchen because I will be so in style!
We have a very small budget for our mini-remodel and will probably have to stay with a laminate, but if we had the money, I would go with concrete or soapstone.
.-= rosie´s last blog ..The summer is shaping up nicely around here =-.
I really like my granite in my kitchen, but the house I lived in before this for the previous 10 years had very ugly 1970s laminate, so I guess it’s all a personal perspective. And most people can’t afford to remodel a kitchen each time there is a new fad or trend
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Spray paint project =-.
I think the fact that even moderately priced tract homes all have granite now was the beginning of their downfall. The fact that they are everywhere makes them less desirable over time, I think. Still beautiful, though. Personally, when I redid my kitchen last year I definitely did not want granite, so I went with concrete. We did it ourselves and they are gorgeous. I’m happy to have the only concrete counter tops of anyone I know and I hope it stays that way
!!
Hey, Julia, fun topic to talk about! Even though I wrote that this year, I got granite in my kitchen last year and couldn’t be happier with it. I’m never going to be on the cutting edge of design anyway and I just see granite as a good durable and good-looking choice for a countertop. Of course, marble and limestone & all of those are gorgeous materials too, but more expensive than granite is and even quartz countertops here are more $$. I do see more of the high-end designers choosing marble & it’s beautiful, but I don’t think it works in every kitchen.
And really, do you think everyone who got granite in the last 10 years are going to be ripping it out? NO WAY! I totally don’t think that is going to happen. Most of us will keep enjoying our granite for years to come. Those who really turn their noses up at granite will always want the latest & the greatest that is out there. I just don’t happen to be one of those people . I love my granite & don’t mind saying so!
And the builder’s spec homes with the granite and maple cabinets these last 10 years, the one that I see overused the most is Uba Tuba. I didn’t pick that one.
.-= Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality´s last blog ..Green Beans and Fresh Tomatoes =-.
Rhoda–
You’re right. I don’t see people ripping out their granite any time soon either. I’m thinking more about what materials we’ll be choosing for new homes and remodels in years to come. It’s interesting to read everyone’s thoughts on this! -Julia
Oh no! I sure hope they aren’t on their way out…since we JUST (literally just, last week) had ours installed! I mean sure, someday it will all look dated (just like all our favorite songs will someday be oldies – that thought has always freaked me out), but our dark green/black/gold flecked ubatuba granite against our hickory cabinets looks pretty darn good to me!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Not Much of a Kitchen Update =-.
Granite countertops wouldn’t make me anymore want to buy one house that had it than one that did not. I don’t like trends (including stainless steal). My kitchen counter tops are tile (and some do need to be replaced), and I do like the look. Go for something original and buck trends!
I think granite will still be popular for a while, now that it’s financially accessible for so many people. Personally, I love the look and feel of soapstone, but it’s so expensive. I predict that recycled and “green” countertop choices will get more popular this decade.
.-= Kelli´s last blog ..I Hate that I Love People and Perez =-.
I think that they are sticking around for a while, but I also think that it has become more of a status symbol than a logical choice. Granite may be unique and beautiful, but it seems such a poor choice for a real family, as it stains so easily and such. I just think that a bunch of 20-30 somethings saw it on HGTV and said, “oh , lets get granite!!” and then they did. Big whoop. I would be content with laminate counters, I would be content with Silestone (in fact, that is what I want), really, i would be content with granite, but I am a little more reasonable about it. i don’t know… I suppose that people want what they want and have a right to choose what goes into their homes, and they get to live with the consequences until the wear out, or are ruined.
We just had new granite counter tops put in our kitchen, so definitely classic!!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..FUN ! ! ! You Capture Theme , silly video =-.
As long as it isn’t Uba Tuba or Baltic Brown, I think it will be around for a while yet. I think it will lose market share as new products crop up. I don’t think that means it will look dated. I was just at the Boston Design Center Tuesday looking at countertop options for a client. Here are a couple samples I grabbed that I loved. I’m really digging Eco from Consentino. It is made from recyled material and is one of the most “Green” products out there that doesn’t sacrifice function. I loved the White Diamond and Chrystal Sand. I am in love with Biano River from Silestone. It looks just like carrara marble without the downsides. I currently have carrara in my kitchen. It just isn’t for everyone. I love how it patinas, but if you are anal, forget about it. It will make you crazy.
Not sure where I stand on this one. I would love to have granite. I really admire the sparkle and shine they add. But I can see where it has been the trendy thing to do and therefore will probably be on it’s way out before you know it. That’s usually what happens.
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..Bouquet from heaven =-.
I have a feeling that everyone “pro” granite actually has it! It’s just not unique if everyone has it. What makes it so special? I love looking at old movies where the house still looks amazing after so much time…. that is the word “Timeless”. Things like carerra marble, butcher block, stainless steele, even things like a pure solid( no speckle) soap stone. I guess to me if it’s solid in color (besides carerra) I think it will last forever. Kitchens are too expensive to keep re- modeling them. So I say pick a solid color when it comes to counters.
Not a fan of granite! It’s so shiny, that it reminds me of over varnished woodwork. And the smudges are just as bad as a stainless steel refridgerator. I have laminate myself, for cost reasons. But I dream of soapstone, someday…
I don’t think that granite counters are on the way out quite yet, but I am tired of hearing about them myself. I personally prefer something with a little more character, like butcher block.
As far as what I believe to be the “next big thing”, I’m guessing maybe Quartz? Or maybe recycled glass counter tops? I don’t think it will be too long before people start using other surfaces, because as soon as something becomes common, the wealthy public starts using something else, and as soon as the wealthy public starts using something else, the general public wants it, too. But I do think it’s going to take a while for granite to go out of style, because it’s expensive to replace your counter tops, and most people will be stuck with it for a while.
.-= beth´s last blog ..Done =-.
I am definitely tired of granite countertops. Once something becomes a must have and everyone gets one it sort of feels tired to me. Besides while there are some people who really loved the look, I think most people got granite because that is what you were “supposed” to get and that is sort of sad. I don’t know what will become the next big thing, but I sort of get the feeling that as we enter the next decade we will have less must have trends that everyone follows and more individualized style. I’ve seen a lot of butcher block countertops lately that I love.
.-= hip hip gin gin´s last blog ..Wax Collector =-.
As for what comes next- I’m guessing it’ll be a “green” product of some sort. Locally there’s someone who makes counters out of recycled glass that look quite nice: http://www.lincolngreenbydesign.com/news/index.php?id=91
Green everything seems to be a trend.
.-= Karin Dalziel´s last blog ..Creativity and lawsuits, or, “I should sue” =-.
I have granite but at the time I wanted concrete. My contractor hadn’t done concrete counters befroe and my husband voted no, so I went with the granite. I do wish I would have held my ground and pushed for the concrete. I think the color variations are beautiful and they are very durable.
.-= desiree´s last blog ..Looki What I Found: Garden Stakes =-.
Hmm. I have granite and didn’t have a choice with the builder – it was granite or… granite. They look nice and are super easy to care for. I haven’t been able to stain or scratch them in 5 years and considering how messy and klutzy I am, that’s saying something.
But the question is, would I choose them again if my kitchen magically disappeared and I got to redo it? Probably not, though soapstone isn’t really a big choice in CA and requires maintenance I’m not into, marble really does stain and is prone to scratches, concrete is more modern than my aesthetic, Corian doesn’t do much for me, and quartz, well, I’ve never looked hard at quartz.
I think before I replaced my countertops, I’d paint my pecan cabinets (also not an option to choose differently when I bought). A gorgeous Farrow and Ball olivey green would tear anyone’s eyes away from my apparently passe Santa Cecilia granite!
I love SOME granite. The really busy patterned ones make me dizzy! Love honed granite. I think it is classic. Me? Well, right now I have formica baby!! And guess what else?? After I painted my oak cabinets a creamy white and the hardware oil rubbed bronze, I am in the process of spray painting my countertops black! Yes, spraypainting them! I figured, well, what the hay? It is just a countertop! If it doesn’t work I will replace them with….MORE formica! I have two sons in college, so expensive countertops will have to wait AT LEAST 4 more years!
I think I may quite possible be in the minority here with my spray painted counters! lol
Love this post!
Lou Cinda
.-= Lou Cinda´s last blog ..The Cabinet Project =-.
As a residential real estate agent, I still have people requesting granite. I think it will be around for a long time but I also think people will start exploring more options. I found the following article on Frank Harmon’s facebook page. He has just been ranked 13th out of the 50 leading architects in the US. I would love to put this in our family’s condo at the beach. He says it is about the same price as formica!
http://www.residentialarchitect.com/products/carolina-blues.aspx
Thanks for the link, Debbie. That slate really is beautiful! -Julia
…i am a true believer in doing what you love in your home…i have butcher block counters …but next to my stove i have a huge pice of BROKEN granite…i love the way it looks over the wood and i love the ragged edges…our homes should always reflect who we are and what we love…counters or otherwise…
Good point. I hope it’s on the way out, because I don’t have them. LOL!
.-= Our Nifty Notebook´s last blog ..Summer Break =-.
I have granite, but it came with the house. And while I think we are still going to be seeing a lot of it for the next decade, I’ve been saying for the last year, “Move on!”. And every single person I’ve said it to has looked at me like I’m nuts. And a few have even put in granite.
.-= Nichole´s last blog ..Beware The Fancy Pants =-.
I have granite tiles in my kitchen and HATE THEM! You have to seal them every few months, they’re hard to tell when they’re dirty (because the pattern is so busy), and they are stained permanently from the previous owners’ misuse. We eventually will have to change and are leaning towards QUARTZ. Candice Olson swears by it as do many other designers – hard wearing, heat-resistant, and it’s a breeze to take care of.
Great post!
Lindsay
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Potty-rific =-.
I think granite is going to be around for awhile. But I would love for people to consider concrete. So many options! Any color and so many aggregates to choose from. For our kitchen, I am planning on black with glass and stone aggregates. It will resemble quartz, at a fraction of the cost. For the bathrooms, I found a source for a mother of pearl aggregate that is absolutely gorgeous! And concrete counters are very DIY friendly!!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..I Have Something I Must Tell You =-.
Personally, I’ve always hated them. I read about the negative imapct they have on the environment (it was so long ago, but I remember the article stressing about all the oil it required to produce them), so after that I kind of started looking at them like a waste of time, money, and resources. I’d rather have butcher block counter tops. To me they are warm, welcoming, and very classic. Of course, I also love farmhouse and cottage style, so I’m sure I’m a little biased!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..I ? summer shopping =-.
I just have regular old countertops, so mine are really dated!
I’d love to have silestone.
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..A Real Plum of a Giveaway from Scentsy! =-.
I definitely think it’s on it’s way out, and rightly so. From an environmental perspective, I’d much rather see other choices, like Vertrazzo and IceStone (made of recycled glass), cement made from flyash, PaperStone or even other solid surface or composite materials. I’m a big believer in designing for sustainability first.
.-= Jennae @ Green Your Decor´s last blog ..A Vision in Blue: Indigo Collection from Zen Deluxe =-.
I love granite but would love love love to have cement with a metal trim. There’s something so natural to this look.
.-= Nancy Hood´s last blog ..Veranda Ideas! =-.
I just added an addition on my house and installed Quartz countertop throughout the new kitchen. You don’t have to seal it like Granite and it is non-porous and just plain beautiful!!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..The Luxe =-.
I have granite countertops in my kitchen. I hope that they are here to stay! However, I think my next kitchen will have something warmer than black granite I think.
.-= Puna´s last blog ..The Louis XVI Room =-.
I definitely think granite will still be in style for a long, long time–until it becomes really unsustainable maybe? But I DO think certain colors and patterns are definitely becoming over-used–such as the darker black type colors. I prefer the more unique ones! Particularly the colors that remind me of Carrera marble–my one true love
Personally, I hope they are on their way out. Granite holds bacteria and is a terrible choice for kitchen countertops. Yes their beautiful but I would never place them in my own kitchen. There are lots of other great options that look just as good, are cleaner and better for the environment. Thanks for your site – I love it!
I’m a formica baby at the moment, but intend to redo our countertops within the next year. I read an interview somewhere with Candace Olsen, and she says quartz. I’ve always been puzzled by granite because I hear it’s hold bacteria…so why is it so popular?!? It’s not even cheap. Confusing. I haven’t really started exploring yet though.
.-= Angela @ Peony Patch´s last blog ..Colts, Baby =-.
We are very happy with our cherry butcher block in the kitchen. Makes for a warmer, cozier country kitchen. In the laundry room I did convince hubby to make concrete counters. Turned out really well and he was pleased too. Trends don’t affect me much; just like what pleases me for decades.
I have never been a big fan of granite that is too busy! I have granite in my kitchen that is solid black with just a faint fleck of gray. When we chose it the sales person said are you sure… I think she had sold so much with so much pattern that this appeared dull and boring. I really like it and I think it is very classic. Hopefully it will not screan this decade when folks are not using it so much anymore.
I looked at granite and liked it, but opted for Corian because I wanted that smooth, molded sink built right in. I was worried “icky things” would collect where the granite counter hangs over the edge of the sink basin. My countertop salesman, who sells both products, persuaded me, as well, based on maintenance.
I think granite’s here for a while, at least in my area. It’s still considered a status symbol.
I love my solid black granite, but admit it’s probably overused – and I definitely think highly patterned or very light granite is outdated. More matte materials like soapstone, limestone, marble, even concrete seem to be on trend right now, but I’m sure they’ll look old someday. Even the current “classics” like black granite, subway tile, shaker cabinets, etc – will probably scream “late 2000s” shortly, if not already. Guess that’s why you have to just go with your gut…and budget for the occasional kitchen makeover.
.-= Cheri @ I Heart Old Houses´s last blog ..Built-in Beautiful =-.
I loved reading through these comments and how many people had mentioned the next decade will be all about being more personalized. It reminded me of an article that I had read about baby names, where the author basically said, “The 90′s were all about ‘unique’ names, but what we didn’t realize is that most of us have the same taste.”
I think that the trend (movement?) towards more personalized homes at some point is in danger of the same thing. All the designers are now preaching about finding vintage pieces to set your home apart….but if everybody is doing the exact same thing….well, at some point, it becomes the norm rather than something different. If everyone is scouring flea markets for the token one-of-a-kind piece of art or corbels or hardware, it no longer has the same charm and appeal of being unexpected, and evolves into something trendy when it began as a backlash to the trends.
As a whole, the ‘design world’ HAS to be about the newest/latest/greatest. If nothing ever went out of style, there would be no reason to hire anybody to remodel, right?
I completely agree with you about the trend toward personalized homes. I gotta say, though, that I love the way that the design industry just goes after each new trend with such a gung-ho, enthusiastic attitude – whether the trend makes sense or not!
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Don’t Stop Believin’ =-.
I have no problem with the look of granite, but I bitterly regret our choice of a dark, glossy slab (see here). It shows every tiny spec and smear – and frankly needs to be polished daily (hah, not gonna happen!).
So for practical reasons, I much prefer the quartz we have in other rooms. It’s good these days that we have so many choices, including recycled materials.
.-= Struggler´s last blog ..Inspiration: Decorating with Stars =-.
Please don’t use the term ‘America’, unless you are referring to North & South. That being said, granite countertops have been overused here too – like my fellow Canadian Candice Olson – I prefer quartz.
Anna–
If I offended my Canadian readers, I apologize. Or my South American readers. Or anyone else for that matter. That was not my intention. -Julia
Thanks.
Your appeal is universal!
I suppose everything runs it phase. I’m not one to be so taken by what’s hot and what’s not…my pocket book makes those decisions!
I still like the look of granite, it’s beautiful. I have formica, so everything else looks wonderful to me! I just can’t wrap my brain around cement counter tops. Nope, just can’t do it yet!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..?? If I Had A Hammer ???? =-.
Hi Julia,
I didn’t vote because I think a certain finish on granite will look dated-===highly polished granite especially with lots of veining will look dated.
A honed granite will remain a classic finish. Any way that is what I think! Lynn
Just as laminate can still look fresh, I believe granite will always be a popular choice. It certainly is beautiful!
.-= Sara @ Russet Street Reno´s last blog ..Can-do cannas =-.
I’ve had my granite for quite some time and when I got it, it was not the norm. I still love it and will not be redoing for the next “in” thing anytime soon. It’s all a marketing strategy anyway and we’re all sheep…baaa
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Design Star…My Sunday Night Reality Fix =-.
I saw on another’s blog that they put granite on their counters but with a twist and if I ever get a chance to do this Im going to. Most granite is just so shiny and large pieces too that look like landing strips and while its stone, some how not very natural. This too had slabs of granite but the edges were left unpolished and rugged. I love it. Now this looked very natural. I may never be able to buy it but if the prices ever come down cuz others are tired of it …….thats my plan for my house.
.-= seanymph´s last blog ..Free Chicken Stock =-.
I’ve hated granite tops for years. In fact, I almost didn’t want to buy our house beacuse it had granite countertops, but the viking range (among other things) won me over. I would much rather have concrete or Silestone or Quartz, or butcher block….anything except tile, laminate, or granite.
.-= elz´s last blog ..Friday Favorite-Anthropologie =-.
Built a new home 3 years ago on a tight budget and chose a product called Durastone in a taupe, speckled brown pattern. We absolutely love it and are still happy with our choice. Felt bad at the time I couldnt afford granite but looks like it all worked out!!
Firstly: I would choose butcher block counter-tops – I think they are beautiful, timeless, AND functional. Carerra marble is also beautiful, but it’s a little formal for the kind of kitchen I prefer.
Secondly: I think that concrete counter-tops will appear much more dated in the future than granite. It is obvious that this is going to be the next “big thing”
Thirdly: To the untrained eye (i.e. most of the public) granite and marble are not that different – or at least, the vast majority of my twenty-something friends wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Unless you have an interest in design or are familiar with the materials or are worried about maintenance, most people don’t care about swirls versus grain versus speckles etc. etc. To a lot of people, it’s just “rock”! Lol! Will those people (the general public) be able to tell in the future which counter-top was granite and was “dated” versus which were marble and therefore classic? I will be curious to find out!
Also, I think a lot of what can make granite look “dated” is the styling in the rest of the kitchen. Country, cottage or beachy design is very “in” right now, so people are preferring lots of white for cabinetry, etc. – yet a lot of the spec homes have darker cabinetry that, combined with the granite, might appear dated to the über-trendy.
I’m also curious to know – what were counter-tops made of before they were all made of granite? I did some Googling and from the pictures, it seems like they were mostly made of marble, formica, tile or wood – same as today. When did granite become so prevalent?
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Don’t Stop Believin’ =-.
I have been thinking about this one for a while. As I’m getting ready to sell a house and move into a home that we used as a rental for a while (long story)… My husband and I thought we were going to do granite then I came across this web site. The cost is half what granite would cost and they can do some amazing things. I talked to one of the guy Corey and he said people are always amazed by the transformations and he invited us to come and see the product in action (it’s tough, they take a hammer to it to demonstrate it).. We are seriously thinking about going this route…
I”m a fabricator of many types of surfaces, from granite and quartz to solid surface, concrete and wood. I remember someone saying “when you find ubatuba in the gas station bathrooms its time to find a new countertop surface”. Well, that is right and wrong at the same time. Stone is forever in one form or another. Exotic granites and marbles will never loose their appeal but there are very exciting truly new materials coming along now.
The most interesting new surface I have seen and used is Nisa Jade Stone. It isn’t a quartz or a granite. It is made with no petroleum resins like quartz or solid surface. It comes in polished, honed and leathered finishes in a variety Earth tones and pastels. It won Coverings 2010 “Coverings Select” top honor for engineered stone in April. Essentially, it is a “man-made” igneous stone consisting of only jade, quartz and kaolin (the ceramic used to make fine china) and a lot of heat! Melting these natural minerals together has created a beautiful, strong and aesthetically pleasing new alternative. It is starting to attract designers and architects in my area and I’m pretty happy about finding and working with something truly “new” for countertops.
We were leaning towards marble but now I think we are headed in the direction of quartz. Pretty much anything is being considered except granite. I still like it, but don’t want it for our house.
.-= Tracey´s last blog ..Goodwill Chair Makeover =-.
I don’t like the shininess of granite, particularly in an old house like mine where it just seems so, well, OUT THERE. I love soapstone but it is very high maintenance in some ways and very expensive. I have grey 12″ square porcelain tiles bordered with 2 inch oak that I put in almost twenty years ago and I still get compliments on the countertop. I did this because I lived in California in grad school and had a tile counter and backsplash which I absolutely loved for its looks and its heat resistance. My kitchen is eclectic so I am glad that individuality may be coming back into fashion (did it ever go out of style?!?)
Trish’s latest blog Heart Pine Flooring
farmhousebythefalls.wordpress.com
I agree: SOAPSTONE!……and also, GLASS.
I know, it sounds “dangerous”. But I’ve seen a few wonderful glass counters in cooking magazines and LOVE the look! They’re not clear/no-color glass; but, wonderful, Miami -colors-inspired glass.
God, when I see yet another kitchen done over with cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances, I want to gag. I despise travertine tile too.
I guess my taste just is not in sync with the rest of my area’s. But why do all these houses from the 20′s through the 50′s (the period houses of my area) want to look like some boring new build?
And, I really, really think the SS is looking dated.
No one mentions a nice tile countertop. Grout up keep can be hard, but tile can look classic. I have never had granite, but I still like the tile I have. I guess I don’t like most of the “latest and greatest” products.
I like natural materials, so I like granite. Pattern, no pattern, I can see both sides. But, isn’t granite the most durable of all of the materials? We had it for 18 yrs at our last house, and it was perfect – no damage at all and you don’t have to be careful with it. Tile and grout eventually look grody, and even bleaching the grout doesn’t keep it looking fresh for long. Marble, despite what that decorator says, has a bad rep for staining; and, someone I know got a lemon juice stain the first week she had it. Concrete, which I was thinking of using in my next house, also isn’t as durable as you would think. Corian scratches, I believe, and wouldn’t the glass, too? And so on. Trends only carry so much weight. I have trouble seeing how a durable natural product so many people find beautiful is going to go out of style, even if mining it is bad for the environment. People will keep coming back to it.
I think any natural material has a better chance of staying in style. Being a stone, and given all the color options, I think it is a keeper. Stainless scratches and marble cracks easily – the last house I had for 8 years had granite counters that I never even re-sealed or polished and they looked like new. I have also had ceremic tile with gray grout, which was looked lovely and was low maintenace, due to the grout not being white. I truly think that if a kitchen’s personality keeps with the character of a house, is well-maintained and is attractive – it will work.
I hope granite countertops ARE on their way out….and then I will have the kind of individuality in my kitchen (with my granite) that everyone appears to crave currently! Actually I could not care less whether granite is in or out – I have it, I love it, it is simply the most durable and beautiful surface for a real *working* kitchen that I can imagine! Try rolling out pastry or kneading bread on a tiled or butcher block counter!
My granite is light colored, repels all stains, is the easiest to keep clean but would not show crumbs or dust (if you are one of those people who thinks cleanliness in a food preparation area is not important).
When all of those ‘next greatest thing’ in countertops have (quickly) become passe, especially the man made ones, people will fondly remember their beautiful and incredibly practical granite that they ditched in the name of trendy! JMHO!
Sorry, I love granite! I have had in in my kitchen for 8 years now. No problems at all. It takes a beating with hot pans etc.. I had a friend who was a designer and decided to use corian in her daughters bathroom. After first 6 months she left her curling iron on and burned an area of the counter. If that would have been granite it would have been fine. I think it will be around for along time. Besides who doesn’t want a product that last for a very long long time and still look good!
Comments on this entry are closed.