There was a time between the 90s and 2000s when every household in the US wanted the same thing: granite countertops. Granite was considered the crème de la crème of counters, and the colors people sought after, such as browns, blacks, and greens, went well with the moody paint schemes and dark wood cabinetry. But the 90s trends for granite are no more. Design has moved on from the 90s and early 2000s aesthetic to more bright, airy, and peaceful kitchens.

So where does that leave you with your outdated granite countertops? It leaves you in a position to renovate your kitchen, update the design, and breathe new life into your granite countertops.

We’re going to tell you all you need to know and more. Let’s begin.

Is Granite Truly Outdated? Which Colors Are Unpopular?

Some people will tell you that the days of granite are dead, but that’s not entirely true. In reality, it’s specific colors and patterns that have fallen out of favor. Back in the 90s, speckled granite with hues of burgundy, brown, peach, gold, and green was all the rage. Then people discovered the majesty of matte counters when Corian was introduced, and trends have evolved since then.

Outdated granite includes:

• Santa Cecilia
• Sapphire Blue
• New Venetian Gold
• Uba Tuba (Butterfly or Green Labrador)
• Peacock Green
• Baltic Brown

Now, let’s preface the updating tips with some important notes. First, you’re going to have a difficult time with Sapphire Blue and Baltic Brown granite countertops. Aside from the variations in color, these two colors of granite have undertones that are difficult to pin down and cause visual dissonance in the kitchen. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you out with that one!

Secondly, some of the tips given for these countertops aren’t going to work for your particular slab of granite. No two slabs are identical, which means that two houses with Baltic Brown counters could look entirely different. So you’re going to have to look long and hard at the countertop, analyze the colors within it, and then apply the tips that coincide with what your granite countertop is serving up.

Tips on How to Update Dated Granite Countertops

Although your 90s kitchen might be totally functional, its looks might be unappealing and unappetizing. Updating your countertops and other accents around the kitchen can bring the space into modern times. You’ll have no reason not to entertain friends and family then!

Here are some ways to get started on updating your dated granite countertops:

1. Consider The Backsplash

Many people think that other elements in the kitchen pave the way to the renovation, but it’s really the backsplash that steers the wheel. There’s a reason for this. Since the backsplash is within the same visual line as your walls and cabinets, it takes precedence over the countertop.

You’re in luck if the countertop and backsplash match, but there are a fair share of 90s homes with a backsplash that is different from the countertop. For instance, many places with granite counters have a tiled backsplash. Though the color of the counter might be fine for further use, an outdated backsplash will drag the entire look under.

When you have a mismatch, consider freshening up the backsplash first. Then you can coordinate the cabinets and breathe life back into your kitchen.

2. Let The Granite Be The Guide

Okay, once you’ve come to terms with letting the backsplash do some of the negotiations, it’s time to hit you with another truth. In order to update your granite without having to remove it, you’re going to have to choose colors and textures that suit it.

By matching colors for your kitchen to the granite you have, you can harmonize the entire space. It’s also incredibly cost-effective since you only need some paint or wood stain in most cases.

If you have a warm granite, such as Santa Cecilia, New Venetian Gold Granite, or any other patterned granite that has golden undertones, you need to create a visual connection between the counter and everything else. How do you do that? For example, you can paint the cabinets and backsplash an eggshell white, cream, beige, or taupe color then accent that with a dark brown for the kitchen island or any wooden elements, like the counter chairs.

One thing to stay away from with warm granite? Cool undertones. That means you don’t want any blue, purple, or green. If any color you choose even has a touch of coolness to it, you’re going to throw off the whole vibe you’re creating.

What about a cool granite, like Peacock Green? These require a higher contrast, such as a stark clean white or grays with blue-green undertones. For instance, you might choose to paint the walls a lovely slate blue, add in white cabinets, and choose a blue-green tile for your backsplash.

As you can see, it’s important to consider the undertones of granite. If you have something that looks largely black but has purple or gray undertones, you need to go with that.

3. Hone The Granite

Want an easy fix? Matte is in right now, and you can get that easily by having your granite countertops honed. That’s all you need. Honing is a technique that removes the shine of the stone counters, giving them a softer, less reflective surface.

Not only is honing an easy way to bring your counters to the modern-day, but it’s also far more cost-effective than buying new counters. Honing also dulls the speckling and veining, meaning you can get rid of patterns that are no longer trending.

4. Change The Surroundings

We’ve already mentioned how important it is to find cohesion between the backsplash, walls, flooring, and countertops, but have you considered the smaller accents? Updating the knobs and handles on the cabinets, changing out the stools and chairs, and swapping out artwork can also make the kitchen feel updated.

One example is with lighter granite countertops with gold, yellow, beige, pink, or peach undertones. You can find natural wooden shelving with similar undertones and use that, along with similarly colored knobs, handles, and other knick-knacks to create a sense of uniformity.

Have blue granite? You can make it look fresh with white walls, stainless steel accents and appliances, and light blue cabinets.

The main thing to keep in mind is bringing everything together around the granite. Accent the colors in the stone, and you’ll have no problems!

Thinking About New Counters Instead?

After going through all the ways you can give your dated granite counters a facelift, you might decide that such lengths aren’t your style. Maybe you want to change out the counters entirely and go for soapstone, quartz, or even a new slab of granite. Whichever route you choose, Marble Concepts has your back. We can hone old granite and make it look fresh, or we can help you choose a new countertop to suit your renovated kitchen.

Give us a call today to learn more!