Granite Kitchen Islands and Carts

1. If you can't afford granite countertops for your whole kitchen, simply add a granite kitchen island or cart as an upscale focal point. Since these units stand alone, they don't have to match your other counters. Stationary islands have a built-in look that will add to the resale value of your home, while carts on wheels are more convenient for smaller kitchens that still deserve the classic elegance of granite.

2. Your granite kitchen cart can double as a cutting board for slicing bread or cutting meat, since the stone top is hard to scratch but easy to clean and sanitize. Granite is also resistant to heat, meaning you can serve hot dishes on your granite cart without worrying about burning the surface. The stone naturally stays colder than room temperature, which is great for rolling out pastry dough.

3. Granite kitchen islands and carts are available in a variety of colors and finishes to harmonize with your existing kitchen decor. If you can't find a perfect match, try a granite island with a contrasting style to create an eclectic look. Get a white cart to brighten up a kitchen with dark cherry cabinets, for example, or add a black island to contrast with your cream cabinets.