Hello haylescakes, I think it just need a bit of care.. I would definitely not mix it.. Granite, like Marble or any other luxury stone, even woods do need some attention.. I have bamboo and that too requires a bit of effort.... Wiping down and a regular re oil.. However I think it is really really worth it. Also it does last and would definitely look all the better for the little bit of effort.. I also made several chopping boards with off cuts!! Gr8 way to use up the material and useful too! For colours I would look to finding something lighter than black.. I think you could really go for something amazing... Firstly though think of the colours in the kitchen... If it's a blank canvas, so to speak and any colour would work... Ie you have white worktops... Then really go for something striking... I have just found a few colours from a company online that are quite interesting..I'd say do some research into pricing and ask for samples.. Or visit a showroom to get an idea... Get as many samples as you need before deciding.. I think the more natural looking as possible... Some of them can look manufactured.. You could also add a small splash back panel.. Narrow is quite tasteful, the have a really chalky matt paint on the walls and matt paint for the cupboards..... Lastly think of finish.. squared off edges are in my eyes more tasteful.. but you can look at that and decide what you like the look of :)) Cosmic black... Siena BordeauxVerde MarinaceKinawa

Hi Emmeline. yes you can get it to look like pretty much any type of marble. I did a lot of research as my husband will go mad if I change them again - this is the third time - and I decided to go for something really durable. In the course of looking into it all sorts of comments and advice emerged - and I have friend who have marble and granite so feedback from them as well. I know that you can seal but really I just want something I can wipe and not worry about.

Granite and quartz can be purchased in hundreds of colours, which change in popularity on a regular basis. Like clothing, what is in fashion one season is out the next. Also it depends upon what type of kitchen customers choose i.e. traditional and shaker kitchens tend to go better with the classic granite colours, whereas many modern kitchens are erring towards industrial effect surfaces such as concrete. Whites, greys and earthy colours are always popular. What colours do you currently offer?

any quartz worktop is usually not considered as a more expensive than granite. If you want cheaper option and don't mind to stick with quartz, go for a different manufacturer. There is Unistone, Cimstone, Technistone, Ceaserstone... Calacatta design become very popular nowadays so a lot of mentioned above might have such an option.