Granite was one of the biggest kitchen countertop trends 2017 had to offer. Because of this, it saw a rise in modern popularity and an increase in price. Since it was a much sought-after countertop material, granite had been growing in popularity since the ‘80s. Are things going the other way now? Is granite going out of style? Read on to find out what’s going on in the kitchen world.
“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” - Guy Fieri
Is Granite Timeless?
Because granite is a natural stone, it’s never going to go completely out of style. Granite is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and can only really be damaged by acidic foods. It’s always going to be in a kitchen somewhere, it’s just that the popularity has seemed to wane in recent years, mostly due to the high cost associated with the material.
One of the biggest disadvantages of granite is simply the price tag. Otherwise granite offers the following benefits:
- Chemical resistant
- Fire resistant
- Stain resistant
- Many different color options
- Low maintenance
- Sealed material
- Scratch resistant
- Sustainable material
Which Way Are Kitchen Trends Going?
While granite will always be a classic choice, modern trends are pointing toward slightly cheaper countertop materials. This means that for the most part, a decline in natural stone is going across the board. So laminate types have seen a small boost in sales. Here are a few trends that are conversely on the rise in modern American kitchens:
- Cabinet refinishing
- Tiled backsplashes
- Neutral tones
- Underhaning sinks
- Veining patterns in counters
- Textured finishes
- Quartz countertops
Competition for Granite
As previously indicated, this means that several materials for countertops are actually on the rise inversely proportional to granite. Again, granite will never stop being a choice countertop material, but the market simply doesn’t have enough interested buyers (i.e. homeowners with money to spend) to keep the popularity up.
So instead, homeowners have been purchasing countertop materials that are similar to granite, but cost less. There have been many debates as to which is better, be it marble vs granite vs quartz. This doesn't mean that the materials are inferior quality, just less of an investment for a home. Here are some materials that are like granite, but not as pricey:
- Marble
- Soapstone
- Quartz
- Silestone
- Corian
- (Modernized) Concrete
Trends That are Coming In
With several kitchen trends on their way out, you may be wondering what trends are actually hot right now. Well here’s a look at what new ideas are going to be big soon for your kitchen.
- Stainless steel
- Top triggers
- Neutral tones
- Storage space
- Farmhouse
- Specialty organization
- Mason jars
- Track lighting
- Smaller ovens
Still as Popular as Ever
Long story short, granite will never really go out of style completely. It’s still just as popular as it ever has been, even if fewer homeowners are investing in it. The fact of the matter is that it’s just a quality product that makes for a great counter. The advantages and disadvantages of granite rock make the material very promising for homes.
Natural Stone Forever
In a vein similar to how oak cabinets are technically not in fashion anymore, they’re still not considered a “dated” look for a kitchen. Any countertop made from natural stone will always be a fashionable piece to the kitchen. And just like wood, stone will never go out of style. So you can rest assured that those granite countertops will remain a viable option for your entire life.
Are you on the market for granite countertops? Trying to compare what you have in the kitchen to new ideas? Contact granite countertops pros for a free quote on more ideas for your kitchen. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for the latest kitchen trends.
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