Refresh Your Home With Granite Countertops
Is your kitchen being held hostage by those fugly granite countertops from the 1990s or early 2000s? Are you wanting to update your walls or cabinets but don’t know what paint colors will work – can you do white, can you do gray, can you do anything? And let’s not get started on what to do with that ole backsplash…
Don’t worry, my friends, I’ve got your back and I’m here to help. Most granite patterns from 20-30 years ago weren’t picked with longevity in mind; they were picked because they suited the current trends, trends that no longer apply unless you’re still sponge-painting your walls and stuffing plastic bags in your bra like me valances.
The granite patterns we’re tackling today include the ever-popular Santa Cecilia, Venetian Gold, and Giallo Ornamental. These warm-toned beauties have had their moment in the sun, but now many homeowners are looking to move on to something a little more… fresh. As Kylie Minter from Kylie M Interiors explains, “So many people are over the likes of St. Cecilia, Venetian Gold, and Giallo Ornamental. They’re tired of the gold, the taupe, and the lack of a nice, modern white base to work off of.”
But fear not, my kitchen-renovating friends. Even if your countertops aren’t on the list above, there are ways to breathe new life into your space. And if your countertops are on the list? Well, let’s just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Coordinate with Care
The key with these warm granite countertops is that you shouldn’t introduce a color on the cabinets that doesn’t already exist in the countertop. If you add a new color, there won’t be a visual connection between your cabinets and countertops – you could have a hot mess on your hands. Any new color should be in the form of an accent, not a full-scale commitment.
There are a couple of exceptions, though. In this kitchen with a similar granite, the reduced warmth and simple subway tile leave room for a fantastic green hue on the cabinets. However, as shown in another example, Sherwin Williams Antique White is too yellow for the backsplash, countertop, and tile floor combination.
Warm Whites and Soft Off-Whites
Not every countertop-backsplash-floor combination can handle white cabinets. If the stars align, yes, you can try a shade of white, but it must be considerably warm and soft, not stark or clean – and even then, depending on the space, it can be a stretch.
Kylie Minter suggests that a happy medium is painting your main cabinets a soft off-white that speaks more to the lightest, most subtle shade in your countertop. She has a few go-to warm white and off-white paint colors that she recommends, including Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace and Sherwin Williams’ Greek Villa.
Embrace the Gray (With a Twist)
If white seems overwhelming for your kitchen, you can also consider painting your cabinets a soft, warm gray. But not just any gray – it needs to have a heavy dose of green undertones to complement those earthy granite countertops. Kylie suggests sampling colors like Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray or Sherwin Williams’ City Loft.
Update the Backsplash
Painting the backsplash can be a game-changer when working with dated granite countertops. As Maria Killam from Designing Vibes explains, “A new subway tile backsplash is a surprisingly affordable and simple upgrade. You can even paint a dated backsplash to freshen up your older kitchen.”
Just be mindful of the undertones in your backsplash – you want it to harmonize with the granite, not clash. As the blogger at The Blushing Bungalow demonstrated, a soft black paint on the backsplash complemented the green and black shades in her brown granite countertops perfectly.
Don’t Forget the Floors
If you’re not ready to replace your dated granite countertops, updating the flooring can make a world of difference. As Maria Killam from Designing Vibes shares, “Replacing the floor tiles opened up numerous fun possibilities” for her client’s kitchen with brown granite countertops.
The blogger at The Blushing Bungalow chose a charming flower-patterned tile that added a playful touch without overwhelming the space. By coordinating the flooring with the existing granite, she was able to create a fresh and cohesive look.
Accessorize with Intention
Don’t underestimate the power of small updates like new hardware, lighting fixtures, and décor. The Blushing Bungalow blogger swapped out the dated light fixtures for more vintage-inspired options and added a patterned café curtain, bronze wall plate, and other eclectic touches to tie the whole look together.
By thoughtfully selecting these smaller elements, you can create a cohesive and intentional design that complements your existing granite countertops, even if they’re not your first choice.
Embrace the Granite (With the Right Approach)
Remember, your outdated countertops can still look amazing if you surround them with the right paint color, backsplash, and decor. As Kylie Minter wisely advises, “The key is to stop fighting your granite and choose paint colors and products that suit it – this is how you create a space with style and intention.”
So don’t be discouraged by those dated granite countertops. With a little creativity and the right design approach, you can refresh your kitchen and create a space you’ll absolutely love. And who knows, you might even grow to love that granite after all.
Ready to start your kitchen renovation journey? Head over to ABC Home to explore our wide selection of granite countertops and get inspired. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, from planning your design to executing the perfect renovation.
