We built a custom home about ten years ago. We are getting ready to build again. There were many compromises while building because of the sub screw ups. My granite turned out very nice though. My granite has a lot of movement. I think it's a level 4 granite for my kitchen. I had to get use to the movement in the beginning. But I still just love it... after ten years, I am still happy with my selection. Since we're thinking of building again, I 'tried' and am still going to 'try' to go with a custom builder instead of GC'ing it ourselves. But all this 'custom' builder wants me to choose is what's in his 'design' studio. (Barf). I'm sure you all can imagine what unimaginative, bland, boring granite he offers his clients. IF I want to go to a granite yard, which I will, he wants me to go with he "designer" so I don't make any mistakes; and this gal costs money added on to my bill. Well, I don't need any design help. I can choose granite myself, coordinate it all. I am also a Realtor and KNOW what I like. I have been in thousands of homes. I am bored easily with certain 'looks'. I don't CARE the thousands that someone pays for 'this' or that. If it is ugly or UNappealing to ME, then it has little to no value to ME. I would N-E-V-E-R buy some boring granite when my heart was on something a little bit pricier. If I had to wait six months until I saved the money, then that's what I would do. I would live with a plywood counter with a table cloth before I would pay ANY MONEY for something that will just peeve me off every time I look at it. I have been FORCED to live with a custom wood hood over my stove because of a huge measuring mistake by a cabinet maker. Instead of my arched hood with this or that and other corbels under the cabinets like I wanted, I have a rectangular hood and other slightly 'off' corbels, but better than what was there. So every single time I look at my kitchen, I see the COMPROMISES instead of what I actually have. It took two years to fix this cabinet maker's shoddy workmanship. (I griped on Garden Web so much all through the lawsuit that followed. So, I **KNOW** what it's like to live with something I hate.) I would recommend you go in and NEGOTIATE for the granite you want. Do NOT compromise. I had someone steal one of the granite slabs I had paid for in advance, and I had to wait a bit to get another slab that matched. So, patience paid off. I got an upgraded edge and a few other things because of my patience. I would also recommend that after they template, that you are PRESENT when they lay out the template on the slab. When you have a lot of movement in a piece, you want to capture the part of the slab as YOU envision it. I'll post an old link to when we built... So you can see my granite. It is worth the wait to get what you want. It's not too late until you authorize the cutting of the granite. FYI: The thing to 'cut' is the landscaping. You can always add landscaping. The trees can cost a fortune. Cut one tree and you could have the money for your granite. The right flooring and granite can make you money one day. The wrong granite or flooring can cost you thousands of dollars. Carpet is cheaper to replace than a granite island. (If you buy where I purchase!) Also, Definitely SHOP your granite! I went to about 7 or 8 different fabricators before I decided to go with the people I went with. The price varied 100%! Go to the fabricator that has an excellent reputation. The larger their yard, it would seem like they would be the busiest. Also, do not sign any of their contracts that states anything like they get to decide where they seam your granite and placement of the template. CROSS THOSE LINES OUT. IF you buy from HD or Lo's, they have those kinds of statements. You do NOT want your granite SEAMED if possible. IF there is a seam, you want control over the placement. Research 'where' it is necessary to seam. Then decide for yourself. Be blessed. I would love to hear what you decide to do. Here is a link that might be useful: Granite

I have NVG in my bathroom and very similar paint with cherry cabinets. The granite is definitely warm not cool. Your kitchen is beautiful. The paint is beautiful. You don't need to change a thing. I doubt the pictures here are showing the accurate colors of the granite. IMO you just need a neutral subway tile backsplash to finish it off and possibly some accessories in the same color. Honestly, it is a lovely kitchen.

WOW...replacing your counters after one year? I wish my husband wanted to change ours to a solid surface. lol For my past darker granite counter tops, I used CINCH to clean them. It didn't leave the filmy looking streaks like the other cleaners. I loved those counter tops, and unlike you, could see all crumbs because the surface was so smooth. They were always very shiny. I am not that crazy about my new granite counters. They are rough, and so busy that I cannot see the crumbs.

Went back and picked my slabs. My fabricator thought it best that I pick in person because I have a very specific idea of what this should look like...ie, I’m a little picky :) Luckily, the first slab we love also had another that was in sequence, so they have a similar flow. My fabricator also said I can come down for the layout, so that I can get exactly what I want on the island. Thanks for all the tips, it’s going to make this kitchen great! The lighting is dark in these pics, but these pieces are fantastic...so happy!