Natural granite is an increasingly popular material in contemporary bathroom and kitchen decor. While it is on-trend at the moment, when used appropriately, it adds a level of elegance that is timeless. Here’s what you need to know about using granite in your renovation.
Granite is a large-grained igneous rock made up of various amounts of quartz, potassium feldspar, mica and other minerals. It is one of the hardest natural stone materials, which makes it exceptionally durable — and ideal for use in a busy kitchen or bathroom. It is resistant to heat and spills, and because it is nonporous, it won’t harbor bacteria, making it more sanitary as well.
Granite decor comes in a range of colors. Each piece is unique, which makes your home stand out. Additionally, colors won’t dull or fade over time. Choosing granite countertops for your renovation will add value to your home for years to come.
While granite is a low-maintenance stone, it does require periodic resealing, typically every 3-5 years. Fortunately, this process is fast and easy — most commercially available sealants take only minutes to apply, and don’t require any special equipment.
TYPES OF GRANITEGranite ranges in color from Burlywood to Absolute Black — and everything in between. This is one of the reasons it has gained popularity for use in contemporary decor, but it can be confusing. Different types of granite have different mineral compositions, which gives them a variety of looks and textures. Some of the more common granite varieties include Santa Cecilia granite, a soft beige product with flecks of gold and black, and the darker Ubatuba granite, a black product featuring gold and yellow throughout.
The right granite product for you will depend on multiple factors, including the nature of your application and your broader renovation goals.
There are many ways to use granite in a contemporary kitchen or bathroom. Some of the most popular include:
As a countertop: Granite is ideal for use as a countertop or kitchen island surface, as it is heat- and scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Pair it with glass or stainless steel cabinetry, or as a counterpoint to darker colors.
As a vanity top: Granite’s wide range of colors makes it great for use in the bathroom, too. Because granite vanity tops are so sanitary, they won’t accumulate germs or mold. Use richer colors in larger spaces or brighter tones to add a sense of light and openness to a smaller room.
As a basin or sink: Installing a granite basin or sink is an alternative to using it as a complete vanity top. In contemporary bathrooms, lighter granite sinks add a natural touch that contrasts glass, stainless steel and darker colors.
As an accent: A mosaic of broken granite pieces has a highly distinctive look reminiscent of a high-end Art Deco hotel. In your home, it’s an excellent choice for the bathroom floor or on your kitchen backsplash.
When it comes to using granite in contemporary decor, you are limited only by your creativity. If you’d like to explore some of the many possibilities and the ways our products can bring your creative vision to life, find a dealer near you.
