Has Granite Countertops Lost Their Appeal? Experts Evaluate Whether This Once Preferred Material Is on Its Way Out
The Era of Granite Countertops May Be Drawing to a Close
Amid whispers of change in the interior design world, granite, once a beloved and ubiquitous choice for kitchen countertops, appears to be losing its lustre. Though it boasts a rich history dating back to the construction of the pyramids in Egypt, is this natural stone still suitable for our modern kitchens?
Granite's demise, if one can call it that, seems to be a result of its own popularity. As Rachel Blindauer, an esteemed interior designer, explains, "Granite isn't outmoded - it's just no longer the default. What was once seen as aspirational in early-2000s kitchens has become so prevalent that many homeowners now associate it with builder-grade design. But that's a disservice to the material."
A closer examination of the granite's properties reveals a stone of remarkable endurance. "Polished granite is the most durable natural work surface," says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens. "It can be scratched or marked, but its properties are still far more desirable than any similar synthetic product. You simply need to take care with it."
This hardiness, combined with its versatility, makes granite an appealing choice for kitchen designs. And yet, it is precisely these qualities that have contributed to its ubiquity, making it increasingly associate with mundane or mass-produced spaces.
However, the versatility and adaptability of granite is preventing it from slipping entirely out of favour. New finishes and color options, like decorative counter edges and modern shades, are keeping the material relevant in today's kitchen trends.
Jessica Bandstra, owner and head of design at Dogwood Proper, echoes this sentiment, stating, "I've seen how interior design trends evolve, and I believe granite can be an excellent choice for kitchens."
Granite may not possess the luxurious allure of marble, but it does offer the same natural stone benefits, minus the laborious maintenance. "It's a great price point, and the maintenance of granite is minimal. It's the workhorse," says Jessica. She recommends choosing an Absolute Black granite in a leathered finish for a sophisticated, low-maintenance look that fits with various aesthetics.
These emerging granite finishes are not only keeping the stone current, but they are vastly different from those popular in the early 2000s. The granite options seen in today's kitchen designs are worlds apart from what was found in a 2003 kitchen.
However, despite its adaptability, granite must compete with newer, trendier materials, such as quartzite and quartz, for the coveted spot in modern kitchens. These materials are able to boast cutting-edge innovation or raw, organic beauty that seems to be capturing the attention of contemporary clients.
Nevertheless, this does not render granite completely obsolete. With the right styling choices, it can still hold its own in modern kitchen designs. "To make granite more stylish and contemporary, strip it down," suggests Judi Cooper from Kitchens Inside Out. "A minimalist kitchen, without any fuss or frill, is always in style. Forget the ornate edges and reflective shine. Go matte. Go clean. Keep the lines sharp. Then frame it right - granite needs good company."
In essence, the decision to use granite as a kitchen countertop material is not a matter of being outdated or not. Instead, it's about understanding the material's properties, exploring new finishes, and making smart design choices to create a modern, beautiful kitchen space.
- In the realm of interior design trends, granite, once the go-to choice for kitchen countertops, is showing signs of losing its dominance.
- As Rachel Blindauer, a renowned interior designer, suggests, the decline of granite might not be a sign of obsolescence, but rather a shift away from it being the default choice.
- The durability of granite, such as polished granite being the most robust natural work surface, remains appealing for kitchen designs, despite its increasing association with mundane spaces.
- Granite's versatility allows it to adapt to modern kitchen trends, with new finishes and color options keeping the material relevant, like decorative counter edges and contemporary shades.
- While granite may not offer the luxurious appeal of marble, it provides similar natural stone benefits at a more affordable price point and requires minimal maintenance.
- To make granite more stylish and contemporary, designers suggest adopting a minimalist approach, stripping it down, and pairing it with clean, sharp lines and a matte finish in a modern kitchen design.
