i like the first one but then again i may be biased

Granite would be a nice counter top if it were matte. And made of Maple.

And copper.

ok, I have to agree re the dating thing. Granite will be "old" very soon. If you love it and plan to stay in your house for long enough to appreciate the countertops to the point where you feel you got your money's worth, GO FOR IT. But if there's a chance you'll try to sell in the near future....... go for something that's less "right now" and that everyone can "live witth"

I like the first one, the Cosmos Brown, but it appears you already agree with me.

#1 ! It has great contrast. It recedes where the lighter one pops out. The first one would be great for accent colors. You could change it up.

Using the lighter means a you gotta love it to use it. It looks like a high commitment color ( as in are you loving it?) depending on how much you use and how large the area.