How to Style Brown Granite Countertops: Ideas and Inspo Pics

Brown granite countertops are a common fixture in kitchens throughout the country. They aren’t as popular as they were 20-30 years ago but are still a high-quality material that adds value to a home.

Brown granite countertops

If you’re worried your brown granite countertops are starting to look outdated, some simple fixes, like installing a new backsplash and switching out your paint, can help give them a fresh look.

Here are the most popular types of brown granite countertops and some ideas for styling them.

What are the Most Popular Colors of Brown Granite Countertops?

When it comes to styling brown granite countertops, the best ideas depend on the type of granite you have. Because, believe it or not, there are dozens of types of brown granite ranging from golden tan to brown-black.

Fantasy Brown Granite

Fantasy Brown Granite
Creative In Counters

Fantasy Brown Granite is one of today’s most popular stone choices. But, despite its name, it’s technically classified as marble and sometimes as a combo stone.

If you purchase Fantasy Brown, you may see it labeled as granite, marble, or quartz countertops.

Fantasy brown granite is predominately white with gray to brown swirls and veining. It’s modern and works well for high-end kitchens.

  • Cabinet color ideas: Because Fantasy Brown Granite is predominantly white with many color variations, most kitchen cabinets will coordinate. You can use bright white, wood, black, greige, and even blue.
  • Backsplash Ideas: Keep your backsplash simple and let your Fantasy Brown Granite be the star of your kitchen. Consider a simple subway tile backsplash that matches one of the colors on your countertop. You can also use the Fantasy Brown Granite as your backsplash.

Baltic Brown Granite

Baltic Brown Granite
Legends Granite

Baltic Brown granite comes from Finland and is also known as brown-black granite. This stone is a medium shade of brown with lots of black specks. It’s a great countertop choice if you want something dark but that still has a bit of warmth.

Baltic Brown granite is also known as Baltic Rain or Bruno Baltico.

  • Cabinet color ideas: This countertop works well in rustic spaces when paired with wood cabinets but can look modern with white or colored cabinets.
  • Backsplash Ideas: The best backsplash for baltic brown granite are light tan to brown stone or ceramic tiles. 

Tan Brown Granite 

Tan Brown Granite 
Midwest Marble & Granite

Tan Brown Granite is one of the most common granite countertops and is similar to Baltic Brown.

Tan Brown Granite is primarily brown with black and dark gray specks. The brown in this granite can vary from a deep chocolate color to coppery gold. The color variations give this stone depth and make it look high-end.

  • Cabinet Color Ideas: Medium to dark wood-toned cabinets can help give your kitchen a rustic look when paired with tan brown granite. Consider cream, gray, blue, or light wood color cabinets if you’re after a modern look.
  • Backsplash Ideas: For a backsplash, find a stone or tile that matches some of the brown color variations on the countertop.

Venetian Gold Granite

Venetian Gold Granite
Stone Masters Inc.

Chances are when you think of tan granite, you’re thinking of Venetian Gold. Venetian Gold Granite is primarily tan but may have brown, black, gray, or red specks.

Venetian Gold Granite is one of the most versatile types of countertop. It fits many different decor styles depending on cabinet and color choices.

  • Cabinet color ideas: Venetian Gold coordinates with just about every cabinet color. Consider a simple cabinet in black, dark brown, charcoal gray, or white if you’re after a modern look. For a traditional style, go with white or mid-tone wood. 
  • Backsplash Ideas: Try picking up colors from the countertop for your backsplash. Depending on the variations in your particular counter, you can use a muted brown, gold, or even gray tile.

Coffee Brown Granite

Coffee Brown Granite
Jenni Leasia Interior Design

If you’re looking for a modern granite, consider Coffee Brown. 

Coffee Brown is a rich color that looks black in certain lighting. It has color variations that range from black to dark brown with little specks of white.

You can even get this countertop in a honed or leathered finish to add to the modern aesthetic.

  • Cabinet color ideas: Coffee Brown Granite looks great with white or modern colored cabinets. You can pair it with wood or cream cabinets if you like a traditional or rustic look.
  • Backsplash Ideas: Coffee Brown Granite looks excellent with light backsplashes. Consider a light greige or tan stone or a simple white or light subway tile.

What are the Best Paint Colors for Brown Granite Countertops?

The best paint color for your kitchen with brown granite depends on your style and the other elements in the room.

If you’re looking for a safe paint color choice, choose a neutral. A white, cream, beige, or light gray almost always looks good and coordinates with brown countertops.

If you want to add a little color, consider balancing the room. For example, if you have brown countertops, brown tile floors, and wood cabinets, bring balance with a cool paint color.

Consider a cool gray-green or gray-blue. These colors will contrast the warm-toned elements in the room without being overpowering.

How to Style Brown Granite Countertop: Inspo Pics

If you need ideas for your brown granite counters, here’s a look at how others style them.

Light Tan Granite Counters with Wood Cabinets

Light Tan Granite Counters with Wood Cabinets

In this kitchen, the light tan granite, mid-tone wood cabinets, and light hardwood floors give off a clean but traditional feel.

You’ll also notice a light backsplash. The colors match up perfectly with the countertop and provide a light and clean backdrop.

Black Cabinets with Light Brown Granite

Black Cabinets with Light Brown Granite

In this kitchen, the black cabinets with a Venetian Gold granite counter straddle the line between traditional and modern. The wood tones and light stone backsplash make this kitchen lean a little more traditional.

If you want a more modern look, go for a simple shaker-style cabinet and avoid using mid or dark-toned wood. If you want to add wood accents, make sure they’re light.

Brown Granite with a Subway Tile Backsplash

Brown Granite with a Subway Tile Backsplash

White cabinets with brown granite counters look fresh – especially when paired with a white subway tile and light gray paint.

If you have brown granite in your kitchen from a decades-old remodel, you can bring it back to life by giving your cabinets and walls a fresh coat of paint.

Coffee Brown Granite with Two Toned Cabinets

Coffee Brown Granite with Two Toned Cabinets

Coffee Brown Granite is one of my top picks for modern kitchens. It looks stunning with two-tone cabinets – a white on the bottom and a greige on top.

If you don’t like the two-toned look, you can use coffee brown granite with all-white or all-greige cabinetry.

Fantasy Brown Granite on an Island

Fantasy Brown Granite on an Island

Fantasy Brown is an excellent granite for luxury or farmhouse-style kitchens. It’s a statement-making countertop so you can keep other elements simple.

The great thing about Fantasy Brown counters is that they coordinate with any cabinet color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What paint goes with baltic brown granite?

Use white paint with your baltic brown granite for a fresh and modern look. If you have wood cabinets and wood floors in the room, you can try a light blue-gray to balance out all the warm hues. 

How can I update my granite countertops?

The easiest way to update old granite is to consider the surrounding materials. For instance, heavy wood cabinets paired with dark granite make a space feel dark and overwhelming. To fix this, paint the cabinets a bright or modern color. Also, consider a new backsplash, clearing your counters, and adding simple decor like a bouquet of flowers.

Are brown kitchens out of style?

While brown kitchens will never go out of style, all brown can be a bit too heavy. So avoid brown counters, floors, and cabinets. Instead, try a lighter counter with brown cabinets or a brown counter with lighter or colored cabinets.

Final Thoughts

Brown granite countertops aren’t as popular as they were 20 years ago, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely out of style. If you think your brown granite looks dated, it’s probably due to your cabinets, backsplash, and wall color. 

You can make your granite counters look good again by painting your cabinets or ordering new doors to give them an updated look. Also, consider painting your room a fresh color to balance out the undertones in the space.