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Granite Choices

March 6, 2009 By Rhoda 58 Comments

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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

(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

(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

(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.

Granite

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.

IMG_4354

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.

IMG_4352

Autumn Harmony (black & gold), Napoli, and New Venetian Gold.

IMG_4345

Napoli and New Venetian Gold

IMG_4346

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.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized 58 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sofia Striffler says

    March 6, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    OH my Rhoda, this is what happens when we keep looking. I do not like the autumn harmony it is dark not enough movement and piazz. I always liked venetian gold. It is pretty, more gold and grey in it than Napoli. Which one has more movement. You are right you can only do the granite once and no going back so be sure. What looks good in someone else’s house does not always look the same in yours based on lighting inside and out. Napoli seems more neutral but venetian gold may go better with everything in your home. Yes nickel is best for the faucet! Good luck and don’t lose sleep over this!

    Reply
  2. Jenna says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    Everything looks beautiful – I posted a picture of my sister-in-law's kitchen granite & backsplash. I think her granite is Napoli (looks like big chocolate chip spots & hides messes wonderfully). I think any one of the choices would look great.

    Reply
  3. Meredith@MerchantShips says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    I think you’re making a great decision with the faucet. I see oil-rubbed bronze kitchens as being out of date in five more years, while silver-toned faucets will always be in vogue.

    What an exciting project!

    Reply
  4. kimnichols45 says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    Hi Rhoda, just stopping by your blog and thought I would give some input on the granite. My sister has the new venetian gold with the tumbled marble backsplash very similar to yours and white cabinets. You can look at her kitchen on rms. Her user code is 11044991 and look at her country french kitchen. Then my kitche is done with giallo ornamental which is lighter in color like your napolli choice, my user code is luv2accessorize, you commented on my new yellow dining room, remember. Just thought it might help. Good luck, Kim.

    Reply
  5. Linda says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Love the Autumn Harmony. Have fun deciding.
    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  6. Darlene - Our Creative Life says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    Hi Rhoda,

    We recently shopped for granite too and the granite guy said if your also thinking about resale go with a neutral granite. So with that in mind I would go with Napoli. I like it best with your backsplash. It looks alot like Santa Ceceila (we have that in our bathroom)

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:53 pm

    Hi Rhoda, I just did my kitchen countertops,which by the way has tumble stone in the shape of subway tiles for the backsplash.I also have white cabs, I chose a granite called tobacco.It looks gorgeous and the contrast with the cabs is perfect. I like the autumn harmony in your samples.

    Reply
  8. Desiree says

    March 6, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    Will the Napoli have enough contrast with your white cabinets?
    I like the Autumn Harmony too, but it seems a little bland.
    The Venetian Gold has a lot of movement, which you will enjoy for a long time because you will never tire of looking at it, and it is a good contrast to both the backsplash and the cabinets.
    I’m glad you decided against the ORB faucet, it think you’ll be happy with that decision.
    Best of luck…follow your gut!
    Have fun with it, don’t get stressed, you WILL make the right decision for YOUR home!
    Desiree (desid on RMS, if you want to look at my kitchen)

    Reply
  9. diana says

    March 6, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    I hate it when I start to overthink… but sometimes it is a necessity. I feel your pain. I agree with hubby.. napoli

    Reply
  10. Reese & Marie says

    March 6, 2009 at 11:14 pm

    I don’t know the name of my granite {it was installed by the previous owners} but it is very very similar to New Venetian Gold. Don’t particularly care for it. I would really LOVE something more neutral like Napoli. I think it goes nicely with your backsplash and I don’t think you will tire of it in a couple of years like you will with the New Venetian Gold. Plus it’s easier to see when it’s dirty. Just my .02.

    Reply
  11. Deb says

    March 6, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    http://southernlady-nancy.blogspot.com/

    Look at the kitchen that Nancy is showcasing on her blog…a lady she met on Rate My Space. The kitchen reminds me a lot of your backsplash and also your kitchen color…you might get an idea of how your granite choice compares to hers!!! Hope this helps!!!

    Reply
  12. Jen r. says

    March 6, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    Love the Napoli the best! It’s very neutral and will look good 15 years from now. 🙂 jen

    Reply
  13. Cote de Texas says

    March 7, 2009 at 1:58 am

    I like the napoli – the stronger contrast with the backsplash which I think will be the most satisfying to you! can not WAIT to see it finished!!!!! congrats!

    Reply
  14. Jessica says

    March 7, 2009 at 5:00 am

    I’ve been following for a couple of weeks now but just thought I would weigh in on this one…I see your dilema…they are all so gorgeous! I wish I was in such a dilema I have builder grade laminate (yuk!)…I would go withe the venetian gold…it seems to have the most character. They are all beautiful, though…I don’t think you can make a mistake…trust your gut…from everything I’ve seen, you have impeccable taste. Good luck and most of all ENJOY!

    Reply
  15. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    March 7, 2009 at 8:09 am

    I spent some time looking and going back; looking again and evisioning etc etc. Anyway…I came to the conclusion that I like Napoli. Contrast, is one reason and another, it does seem to have a bit of gold (re: backsplash).

    I believe you will like the brushed nickel faucet. We do have oil rubbed bronze in the powder room and it is still great after 5.5 years…but that faucet isn’t used a lot + we have a water softener.

    The faucet in the kitchen is brushed chrome. It’s pretty utilitarian, not exactly gorgeous, but the style fits the room and it’s worked wonderfully for us. I would love if it was brushed nickel though.

    Happy decisions Rhoda!

    Reply
  16. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    March 7, 2009 at 8:13 am

    PS:
    I do know how to spell envision!! The reason I came back; I just took another look at the previous post and have to tell you I absolutely love that black kitchen! WOW!

    Reply
  17. paperjunk-lc says

    March 7, 2009 at 8:56 am

    I like Napoli. I think it’s a nice contrast to the dark backsplash.
    Good luck.

    Reply
  18. Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home says

    March 7, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    From the functional and pratical point of view, the lighter colors in the Napoli will show less crumbs and spills than the darker granite pieces. You will find you are not constantly wiping the counter! Darker granite also tends to show streaks after cleaning. I once had a dark green almost black colored kitchen counter and I had to go through three steps when cleaning,(wipe with cleaner, wipe with wet rag, wipe with dry rag). I have heard using vinegar does not streak, but I am not wild about the smell of vinegar.

    Reply
  19. Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home says

    March 7, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Regarding the finish on the faucet, after using various finishes over time, I have circled back around and love the basic polished chrome finish. It sparkles when the light above the sink shines on it. Plus, it is easy to clean.

    Reply
  20. Jennifer Juniper says

    March 7, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    I have Venitian Gold in my kitchen, it looks the same as the New Venitian Gold and I have a cream colored tumbled marble backsplash and Natural Cherry cabinets with brushed nickle faucets.

    I’ve really liked it over the years and it wears well and never looks dirty. Good luck! Let me know if you want pics.

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me?

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