I asked the installer what's been popular...he said he's been installing alot of browns lately. I've noticed on the "kitchen blog" site that alot of kitchens do indeed have darker countertops. Having said that, I have also recently been hearing people with the darker countertops "wishing" they hadn't gone so dark.

Since we will sell in a year or two, should I go with a lighter neutral color or go for what's popular now...those brownish colors?

Thanks

Wanda

I believe the earthy tones will be in for a while. I am going to install something lighter than I originally planned because I feel like it will be more versatile. Granite tiles are what I am using. You may have something else in mind. Get some samples from the store and use a couple of weeks to see how it will look with your cabinets and flooring. Wilson Art has some really pretty "formica (tm)" but natural stones are where you get your equity from if you ever sale plus there is just nothing like the real thing. Corian and Zodiac make countertops also. They have pulvirized stone in them but are man made and from what I know virtually indestructable.

while it is impossible to guess how the new owners are going to decorate - IMHO pick something that can offer lots of possibilities for someone else's decorating tastes.

I agree with the above poster. Countertops will be there longer than most "in colors" so make it versatile and consider a tad lighter color, maybe a tan that would provide more options for future decorators.

Depends. What material are you using? Tile, granite, corian, formica?

I have a suggestion. Go with something a little different, but if you're going to sell in a short period, not something crazy-expensive. Most places will let you pick your slab so even if you get something like New Venetian Gold or Santa Cecelia granite, you can find slabs with more or less of the colors you love. Another great one, I think, is Giallo Ornamental. All of these are on the lighter side. Another option for natural stone would be to go with a soapstone or slate. Like marble, these are softer than granite, but have been used for centuries to build everthing from tables to the temples of ancient Greece (actually, those were marble and travertine, but you get the idea). Don't let anyone tell you they aren't good for counters 'cause that's just not true. You just have to know how to care for them. Slate is my second favorite next to statuary marble. It comes in beautiful grays and browns and is different, but very reasonable.

I would go neutral. Darker shows everything. Darker colors are harder to work with.

If you want to go with something really cutting edge I would suggest going with grey tones. Light or dark, grey is everywhere right now! Granite, slate, laminate even marbalized concrete offer really beautiful shades of grey.

Any of the natural stone colors are popular. Even plastic laminate has colors that mimic granite, slate, and concrete. If planning to sell, a selection that would provide a new homeowner an opportunity to work around the counter with her own color scheme would be best.

Your counter top could be there forever so pick something a potential buyer will want.
Although "popular" is always a safe bet when selling I would always go with a color that is the perfect "fit" first (even if it's not popular at the moment).

You've gotten some good advice. I agree that the more neutral, natural stone or stone-like looks are more versatile than trendy colors. Another tip: a high-contrast look in the kitchen is very appealing. If your cabinets have a dark finish, go with a light countertop; vice versa if your cabinets have a light finish.