The Granite Rainbow

Black. You may think black is well...black. But not when it comes to granite. Choosing black actually means selecting between more options. There is what's referred to as absolute black, which is basically solid black. But other black granites have various color flecks in them, including whites and browns. Either way, black is a classic and goes with any design taste and will coordinate with any color scheme. On the other hand, black granite is rarer than other varieties and may cost more because of that.

Brown. Brown is another neutral that comes in many shades, including beiges and tans and chocolates. There are also colors that have more of a gold tint to them. Brown, like black, is a terrific neutral but brown has the advantage of warmth. So if your kitchen includes a lot of warmer undertones (present in reds, oranges, red purples, and pinks), brown may be the better neutral for you. If you're worried that brown is boring, remember that all granite includes swirls or flecks of other colors, giving it depth and variety.

Green. You can find shades of green granite from sea foam to emerald. If your budget is tight, green may be a good color choice as many of its shades can be relatively affordable. Green is not as versatile a color as black and brown but it will bring in some color and produce a calming effect. A deep, shimmering emerald green can be quite stunning against a neutral background.

Blue. Blue granite may not be the first color that comes to mind, but it can work well with a variety of kitchen settings. The shades of blue available range from light to dark, from very blue to more purple blue. It would work well in a cottage-style kitchen against all white, or coordinate in a modern kitchen against flat-front espresso cabinets. Like green, the cool tone of blue has a calming effect and will contrast well with warmer tones.

Red. Red can be an excellent accent color for any room. Its spicy undertones are perfect for a kitchen countertop. You won't find any flat reds in granite but you will find rich, wine-colored reds and more orange-based reds. If you want your countertop to really take center-stage, then red is your color. This is especially true if the rest of the kitchen is white or beige. However, red can also add color in a darker kitchen, lending itself to a warmer atmosphere.

This is just a taste of the variety of granite colors available. They will vary in availability and price, as well as the exact shade and pattern. Keep in mind as you shop that granite is a natural product and as a stone will never just be a flat, solid color. So no matter what color or shade you choose, your kitchen countertops will surely be a favorite feature of yours and your guests.