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. Here's a pic of how it would look (similar anyway!). It depends if you want the sink to stand out or for the worktop to look seamless. As you're going for a shaker have you consider a butler or Belfast sink?

Hi We have fitted Honed Granite kitchen worktops for our customers previously and for those who want the look but don't want the extra up keep of a honed finish then we offer customers the Sensa Moak which is a black suede finished granite which is has a great sealant and easier to look after. Hope that helps. Jess

Dawn this is a design forum and the pics on Houzz come from a multitude of sources. The picture that you found should have indicated it's source and the firm that sells it. I searched for the product and this page has a link to a few companies that sell it, but as we can't see where you are, we can't advise on those in your locale. solaris granite If i were you i'd google 'solaris granite' and then narrow it down to your area. If you look at images of it, it's actually a lot darker than you think. It's a dark beige with brown veins. Counteredge is a company on Houzz not part of the granite range. They sell Solaris Granite, which is the colour name you want. I think you might like this colour better - Ivory Fantasy it's readily available from a lot of companies:- It's light and airy with the peach tones that you wanted.