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?

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.

If you are not going to drain anything then no need. Maybe your reasoning for a double bowl sink is to fit one with a draining rack? If you are going to use the granite as a drainer then in my opinion they are required as the slight gradient on them will direct surface water into the sink rather than onto the floor. Black or dark granite colours will also show watermarks caused by standing water, particular if you live in a hard water area. You can choose the shape and size of drainer grooves, so if you keep it simple they will hardly be noticed.