I can’t stop taking pics! Hubby still likes Napoli (middle) the best and his opinion is a big one….but keep reading!
(New Venetian Gold)
This is a lot harder than I thought!
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions and opinions of granite, what you like and what you don’t. There sure are a LOT of opinions out there, that’s for sure. With that in mind, I’ve already changed my mind about the oil-rubbed bronze faucet. We do have hard water here and I do not want my faucet looking bad in 5 years. My hubby would be really aggravated if I got a faucet and then it was a mess in a few years, so I really need to get something that will stand the test of time and use. And after seeing a picture from Chris at Just Beachy, who has that exact faucet I was looking at…well, I’ve changed my plans now. I’m going to look for a brushed nickel and I think I’ll really enjoy that too. These first 3 pics are the actual slabs that I took a pic of today in the sunlight. They are all beautiful, so I know I’ll be happy with whatever I get, but I’m only doing this once and want to make the best choice for us.
(Autumn Harmony) This is much more black/gold than it looks here.
So, after thinking I had it all figured out, after reading each and every comment from YOU, I went back to the granite place and brought home a few more samples, most of what I’d already looked at. I think now it’s between New Venetian Gold (which someone showed me a pic of their kitchen with this in place and her kitchen looks SO much like mine with the same colored backsplash and everything, that I have to consider it too.
(Napoli)
I still love the Napoli too and am going to stare at all of these all weekend until we can make a decision. I think any of them will work and look good. It’s hard to get a good pic of the backsplash. It does NOT in person look pink at all, but it’s a very strong golden tone, but I can’t seem to capture it well with the camera.
When I brought the New Venetian Gold home the first time, we thought it might be too gold, but I’m not sure now. The backsplash really looks pink here, but it’s not. It’s frustrating to try to get this on camera. I think it does have a red undertone, but it’s not pink.
Here’s the backsplash above the sink with the light shining on it…see how gold it looks here. I know…lighting is different all around, so some pics are deceiving with color.
Autumn Harmony (black & gold), Napoli, and New Venetian Gold.
Napoli and New Venetian Gold
Autumn Harmony & Napoli
I’m sure I’ll have a lot of differing opinions on this, but I thought I’d throw it out there anyway. I know I’ll never have a consensus from all of you, but feel free to give me your opinion. Me and my hubby will have to agree in the end, so I’ll let you know the final choice. I may very well keep the Napoli choice! I’ll be spending some time over at GardenWeb this weekend and looking through some kitchen posts. I know that site well and it’s a great source of information.
Every Day Blessings says
I like the Autumn Harmony but the
2nd one that you like is a great choice. I don’t like the third one, it is too different than your back splash.
This will be a difficult decision.
Have Fun!
SoBella Creations says
Oh wow what a tough decision. I know I would be frantic.
I would maybe place the tile samples on different parts of your counter. Not all side by side. Then you could see which one really caught your eye.
I did this method when trying to decide which color wood floor to put down. I laid a sample in each room. Just to see how I felt when I walked into the room.
Paula says
I like the Venetian Gold the most, Autumn Harmony second. I think the Napoli looks to light in contrast with your backsplash. But of course, it could be different in person!
kathi says
I like the lighter colors in Napoli. Seems to pick up the tones in your backsplash accent tile? Don’t know really… but what a fun opportunity you have!
I have aqua laminate in my kitchen.
Anything would be better than that!
southerninspiration says
I like the Autumn Harmony one, too. I remembered the name of mine…it is New Caledonian…gray background with taupe, black and silver flecks. I have a brushed nickel faucet too, and really like it!
Suzanne
Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes says
I like the Napoli or New Venitian Gold. I have the latter. Have you seen the slab? Not all New Venetian Gold look alike. Mine has less “peach” and more grey in it. If you stop by at my blog and seach for home projects, you can see how mine looks like with my subway tiles tumble marble. Have fun countertop shopping!
marty39 says
It is always a hard decision to pick out new surfaces. I do like the idea of seperating the samples and then placing them at different spots in different lights and see which one you like the best. What ever you decide will be gorgeous. Good luck. Hugs, Marty
Living with Lindsay says
I like the Autumn Harmony, but it may be because it’s so close to what I have at home. 🙂 It’s so hard to tell unless you see them in person. Be sure to check them out in all kinds of light at all times of day, too. It’s amazing how afternoon sun can make something look so much different than morning sun.
Kristi M. says
I am so glad to see the Autumn Harmony on here. It is one of my new favorites and I have never really noticed it in the past until recently in the stores. What do these look like with your cabinets. Your cabinets are pretty white so I would be afraid that Napoli would be too light. Granite tops with contrast usually look really striking and great. Those similar to Napoli have always been my favorite but recently I have started to change in what I want in my own kitchen. A little contrast always looks great. I woudl go Autumn Harmony first and Venetian Gold second. Just my two cents. Can’t wait to read what you decided.
Lynne says
I agree with Lindsey, I like the Autumn Harmony but I looks like mine too. It’s true that you have to look in all lights. If you cabinets are light, I’d go darker on the counter. Also, it’s important to check the slab. Some slabs of granite can vary slightly in color and pattern.
Mabry's gamma says
They all look really good. I think I have that Autumn Harmony and I love it. Good luck deciding.
Cheri
tales from an O.C. cottage says
Oh, my gosh! I remember when my sister was in this quandry!!
m ^..^
Maureen says
Dear sweet Rhodie! I know your pain! I really like the Napoli, and if you want more contrast, the Autumn Harmony is beautiful too. I think the others have movement that is too tight, for lack of a better word, but that’s just me looking at pix of samples. The true test of all this is when you go to look at the actual slabs and not the representative samples, which can vary a lot. You want to see those slabs! You have a wonderful eye, and whatever you choose, it’s going to be gorgeous! I love the patterns that disguise all the baddies, like crumbs and wine spots! 😉
Maureen says
PS And don’t forget about the Pandora’s box that opened up with my back splash! You may find that after all, you wind up changing it down the road anyhow. The granite may be more permanent than the backsplash is! Be sure to love your choice in granite!
lisa@littlesliceoflife says
My backsplash is very similar to yours and I have the New Venetian Gold and I absolutely adore it! My cabinets are dark mahogany. But I like the Napoli too.
The Bramble Patch says
I just redid my kitchen and we have cherry solid wood cabinets. For the L counter area we selected Venetian Gold granite, backsplash from Shaw Collonade Mosaic in Bone and a stainles undermount sink (60/40) with a single brushed nickel faucet. It works so well. Our center island has a black granite with the gold flecks (can’t think of the name at the moment). Our colors work well for us; but our cabinets are different than yours and we have TONS of light in our kitchen. If you want I can send some pics to you. I am going to blog about it in the future but don’t have it all together yet. I say go with your gut. Love my deep sink!!!
The Bramble Patch says
Sorry for all the typos in the earlier post. Sheesh! Also, it is Colonnade.
TheWritersPorch says
Rhoda……I have the Autumn Harmony and love it!
Carol
Natalie says
Oh my gosh, as wonderful as it is to get granite, I do not envy you right now. I just helped my mom select 6 different granites for her home, and it was agonizing!
Best of luck, and I love all 3 of them, so no matter which you choose I think it’s going to look fantastic. None of them stand out as a bad choice, you know.
Looking forward to seeing it completed,
Nat
Anonymous says
Hi Rhoda,
I’m with your hubby. I think Napoli is beautiful and just right with your backsplash.
Can’t wait to see your kitchen!
Margaret, Virginia