What Color of Granite Countertops Go With Stainless Steel Sink & Appliances?

Size

• The size of your kitchen can help determine the color of granite to select for your countertops. Darker colors tend to create the illusion of a smaller, cozier space. Blacks, browns, dark greens and deep reds can enhance a large kitchen that is equipped with stainless steel appliances. Lighter colors tend to open up a room, making it feel more airy and spacious. Smaller kitchens can benefit from light-colored granite, such as white, cream, beige or light blue.

Light

• Consider the amount of illumination in your kitchen before selecting a granite color. The quantity of natural sunlight and artificial light help determine a room's brightness level. Darker granite colors in a dimly lit kitchen can make the space appear dark and gloomy, but would be ideal in toning down a bright kitchen. Lighter granite colors reflect light, making a dark kitchen seem brighter, but may overwhelm a light kitchen. Also, a granite countertop with a shiny, polished finish reflects more light than a matte finish.

Style

• Granite color can complement a kitchen's decor style. Sleek, stainless steel appliances combined with glossy, jet-black granite counters can enhance a contemporary decor. A soft black granite with a subtle finish is ideal for the American colonial kitchen. Muted, creamy white or light beige granite countertops work well with a French country or cottage decorating style. Granite countertops in warm, earthy colors, such as brown, green or red complement a Tuscan-style kitchen.

Other Considerations

• Cabinets are typically a focal point in a kitchen, occupying about 40 percent of the room's visual space. Coordinating the granite color with the existing cabinetry finish creates a harmonizing color scheme. Also, consider flooring and wall colors before selecting a granite. A kitchen backsplash and nearby countertops need to complement each other with an attractive color palette. Neutral black, white or beige granite suits almost any kitchen color design.