Color trends come and go; neutral stone is classic

Color forecasters declared 2017 to be the year of greenery, deep purple and taupe, according to Pantone, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. And while these colors will surely impact home design, it’s unlikely they will dramatically impact natural stone choices.

White and gray continue to be popular stone choices here in the Lowcountry. These neutral choices tend to act as the backdrop for other more temporary colorful elements. Playing it safe often means major fixed surfaces are in neutral tones, and accents with bold pops of color brighten the room.

There’s no denying that color can energize a room, creating a feeling of warmth or coolness as desired. But color is more than just paint on the wall, and natural stone colors can create a unique and colorful kitchen landscape.

Granite and quartz come in a seemingly endless array of color choices, from subtle to bold to wildly abstract patterns.

Carrara and Calacatta marbles continue to be popular, as well as buttery cream and gray quartz. Combining beige limestone with white marble and cabinets is a great way to mix cool and warm tones. One of the most appealing qualities of natural stone is that it evokes a sense of permanence and classic design.

Natural stone can be used in all types of design styles, but what makes it so successful is its ability to bridge the color trends from year to year.

If you want color, chose a natural stone and pair it with an on-trend paint color and accessories. When the times and your mood change, you can easily update colors and paint while your stone seamlessly adapts to your new look.

Color trends tend to come and go. They are influenced by a number of factors, from nature and the arts to the political climate and economic environment.

The only sure thing? Today’s popular colors will change. Retain your flexibility in home interior design by investing in the classics, and keep your options open.

Andrea Antunes McGilton is project manager at Distinctive Granite and Marble, with showrooms in Okatie; Lady’s Island; Pooler, Ga., and on Hilton Head Island.