Granite & Stainless and other Stuff

One of my favorite websites, Hooked on Houses, has an interesting article on granite counter tops and other design trends that are "so" last decade. She has a link to another one of my favorite websites, Southern Hospitality.
http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/06/09/are-granite-countertops-on-their-way-out/

We've all seen a lot of decorating trends come ago. I remember one of our houses growing up in NY...my parents bedroom wallpaper was that flocked velvet kind of stuff. Fortunately, my mother used a lot of restraint and only wallpapered the wall that the bed was on. That house also had those "harvest gold" appliances (or whatever color that was!). One trend I never liked were those "European" cabinets from the '80's. The white ones with the wood trim? Mauve was also very "in" during the '80's (must have had something to do with Miami Vice) and I've never liked black lacquer furniture. It always screamed cheesy, slimy bachelor to me. I'm not a big fan of "contemporary" or "modern" furniture (just doesn't seem practical or comfortable with two kids). I do like shabby chic but I think my big hulking husband would look terribly out of place siting in a dainty floral arm chair. Nor would I be happy if my entire house looked like the men den and had sports memorabilia every where. If I had a magic wand, the first thing to go in this house would be the kitchen. I hate to cook and really dislike this kitchen. Don't like the white cabinets, do like the Corian counters we installed and do like the stainless appliances, that's about it. I think we're more of a Pottery Barn kind of family. That would probably be how I would describe our style.
I think a house isn't a home until you make it your own. If you're going to be in it for the long haul, decorate in a manner that is best for you and your family (i.e., I saw the most amazing chairs w/ pink & white zebra print cushions in the April 2010 edition of Portico; just can't picture my husband sitting in one! see photo above). If you don't stay in one place for too long, best to stick with neutrals and sought-after materials. So, if granite counter tops and stainless steel became the norm or "builders grade" during the last decade, I wouldn't have anything less if you're planning to sell anytime soon. If you live in a transitional, trendy or eclectic neighborhood, think outside the box. Just my take.