Is granite no longer in style
Look, granite isn't dead. Not even close. But it's definitely not the king of countertops anymore, the way it was back in the 2000s when every flip show on TV slapped it in. The design world got bored. People want softer stuff now—quartz, matte finishes, things that don't scream "I renovated in 2008." That said, granite's still tough as nails and plenty of folks are installing it. What's really changed is which kinds of granite you'd actually want to put in your house. Some are totally out. Others? Making a quiet comeback.
Why are some designers moving away from granite?
Tastes change, man. That's the whole thing. The granite everybody loved a decade ago had these wild, busy patterns—gold flecks, brown swirls, black blotches all over. Designers now call that stuff "dated" and they're not wrong. It's the speckled look that's killing it. The hot thing today? Clean lines. Subtle movement. You walk into a modern farmhouse or a minimalist kitchen and you see quartz or quartzite—smooth, consistent, almost boring by comparison. But that's what sells on Instagram. That's what gets the likes.
What types of granite are currently considered stylish?
So yeah, that old Ubatuba with the golden chunks? Probably skip it. Same with Santa Cecilia. But granite's a big category. Some of it actually looks like marble or soapstone now, and that stuff works. You want a honed finish—matte, not shiny. Here's what people are actually putting in:
- Absolute Black: Just solid black. Clean. Works in any modern kitchen without trying too hard.
- Black Pearl: Dark greyish with tiny silver flecks. Softer than Absolute Black but still serious.
- White Granite: Something like River White or White Ice—light background, grey veins. Basically pretending to be marble.
- Soapstone-Look Granite: Dark charcoal with a matte finish. Tricks your eye into thinking it's soapstone, but cheaper and harder.
Granite vs. Quartz: Which is the better choice for 2024 and beyond?
This one's a real fight. It honestly depends on what you value—do you cook like a maniac or just want something you never have to think about? Here's the breakdown:
| Feature | Granite | Quartz | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Excellent. Can handle hot pans directly. | Good, but can be damaged by high heat. Use trivets. | ||
| Maintenance | Requires annual sealing to prevent staining. | Non-porous. No sealing needed. Very low maintenance. | ||
| Appearance | Natural, unique patterns. More variation. | Cost | Mid-range to high. Depends on rarity. | Mid-range to high. Generally more expensive than standard granite. |
| Durability | Very hard and durable. Can chip if impacted. | Durable but can be scratched or chipped. Repairable. |
Is granite a good investment for resale value?
Honestly? Yeah, it still is. Granite's considered a premium material by most buyers. But here's the catch—if you put in that loud, speckled stuff from 2005, it might actually hurt you. A nice neutral granite with a honed finish though? That reads as luxury. Real estate agents I've talked to say granite is the "safe" choice—appeals to everybody. The trick is picking something timeless. Skip the trends. Go subtle.
Checklist: How to make granite look modern in your home
- Choose a honed or leathered finish: Matte surfaces feel fresh. They hide fingerprints too, which is nice.
- Avoid busy patterns: Solid colors or very low-contrast veining. Don't let the stone scream at you.
- Pair with modern cabinetry: Flat-panel or shaker cabinets in white, grey, navy. Makes the granite look intentional.
- Use a waterfall edge: This is the big one for contemporary vibes. Looks killer on an island.
- Update your backsplash: Keep it simple—subway tile or large format. Let the countertop do the talking.
- Consider a darker color: Deep blacks, charcoals, dark greens. Very now. Very sophisticated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granite countertop outdated in 2024?
Not entirely, but the style that was popular in the 1990s and 2000s is considered dated. Modern granite choices in darker, solid colors or with a matte finish are still very much in style. The key is to avoid heavily patterned, high-gloss slabs with obvious gold or brown flecks.
What is the most popular countertop material now?
Quartz is currently the most popular countertop material due to its low maintenance, durability, and wide range of colors and patterns. However, natural stone like marble and quartzite are also very trendy for high-end projects.
Can I refinish my old granite to make it look modern?
Yes, you can change the finish of your granite from polished to honed or leathered. This is a professional service that involves grinding and sealing the surface. It can dramatically update the look of your countertops without replacing them.
What is the most timeless countertop color?
White, black, and grey are considered the most timeless countertop colors. A simple white marble-look quartz or a solid black granite will never go out of style and will appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Resumen breve
- Granite is not out of style, but it has evolved: The heavily patterned, high-gloss granites of the past are dated, but modern honed finishes and solid colors are still very popular.
- Quartz is the current trend leader: Its low maintenance and uniform look make it the top choice for many homeowners and designers.
- Choose the right granite for a modern look: Opt for black, dark grey, or white granite with a matte finish and subtle movement.
- Granite is still a valuable investment: It adds resale value and is a durable, heat-resistant option that many buyers still appreciate.
