Granite is a top-choice stone for countertops because of its impressive durability and high-end finish. There are also a variety of colors and veining options available. For that reason, finding the right one can be a little intimidating as you strive for your dream kitchen design. Luckily, narrowing down your options is a breeze when you keep the following simple steps in mind.

3 Tips for Choosing Granite Countertops

1. Consider Ambient Lighting

The availability of sunlight has a significant impact on the perceived square footage of a room, but even when completing a full kitchen remodeling project, most homeowners aren't going to sacrifice their budget to add more windows into the space. Additionally, your kitchen may not be situated at the ideal sun-friendly angle.

Thankfully, you can amplify or hinder the impact of ambient lighting based on the surface color. For small kitchens, light-colored stone boosts reflectivity and makes the room appear larger. In large areas, you can help visually ground the space with a dark finish or by opting for two stone colors—one for the border cabinets and one for the island. 

2. Complement Cabinets

Countertops are a focal point of many kitchen designs. If you're not replacing your cabinets, though, you’ll need to focus on them when choosing a stone color. Without this step, you risk creating a design clash that ends up nullifying the aesthetic appeal of both materials. If available, use sample pieces of stone to compare with your cabinets and choose the most complementary. 

3. See It in Person

While samples can help you match the countertops to your color palette, you may find it hard to envision the finished project with such a small piece to guide you. For that reason, consider visiting the stone supplier's showroom or warehouse before making a selection. This step allows you to view the entire piece in person and examine every inch. Look for an option that has similar veining throughout for the most cohesive finish. 

If you're on the hunt for the perfect kitchen countertop for your home, reach out to the knowledgable team here at Gallery 77. Located in Hudson, WI, our family-operated business proudly serves the bathroom and kitchen remodeling needs of residents across St. Croix County. From slab selection and fabrication to installation, we're committed to providing top-quality service. Learn more about our selection of natural stone countertops online and schedule a visit to our showroom today at (715) 808-8232.