We Asked Designers What Kitchen Countertop Materials Are Out in 2026—Their Answers May Surprise You

When you replace your kitchen countertops, you want it to last. There are some materials that feel timeless, like marble, quartz, and soapstone—yet even within these established aesthetics, there are subtle changes and trends that come and go.

Next year is no exception. Certain stone colors, finishes, and shapes will rise to the top, while others will fade into the background. Read on to learn more about all the kitchen countertop trends that designers predict will be everywhere in 2026.

A Small Ledge

Striking stone countertops that extend from the counter to the backsplash have been the look du jour for years now. It's clean, minimalist, and it's a hit in small and large kitchens alike. However, some designers are taking a slightly different approach to the classic look.

"We're bringing the countertop up the wall, but not all the way up," says Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design. "We go about halfway, and then make a small ledge for a curated selection of items—like small pieces of art, or wooden salt and pepper shakers."

Warmer, More Organic Tones

Designers want a stone that feels natural, even if it's not. That means looking for subtle, warm tones that feel like they've come straight from the earth. Cold, sterile-looking materials are out—so are ones that look as if they were made in a factory.

"We're looking for stone that looks bespoke and natural," says Jaffe. Zebra stripe patterns, for example, aren't the goal. "Think more cream, Calcutta gold, or browns."

Styled Countertop Edges

The default countertop edge has been a straight, squared-off edge for years. Now, homeowners and designers alike are gravitating towards something with a bit more interest.

"We're going back to beautiful edges versus a straight edge. Think ogee and curves," says Jaffe. "We want our kitchens to feel more like furniture and less clinical."

High-Quality Quartz

“Marble isn’t going anywhere—and frankly, it never should," says Darci Hether, the founder of Darci Hether Interior Design. "If it was good enough for the Romans and has stood the test of time, who am I to argue?"

However, that doesn't mean you have to splurge on natural marble, especially since it's a more high-maintenance material. Hether explains that the technology behind man-made quartz is improving every year, and today's options no longer have the pixelated, artificially made look of yesteryear.

"You can achieve the look of marble with far less day-to-day maintenance," she says. "There are so many gorgeous options with subtle veining, nuanced colorways, and a level of consistency that clients really appreciate.”

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Leathered or Honed Finishes

A shiny, glossy countertop is classic, but more designers are gravitating towards finishes that feel lived in and loved. "We're doing a lot of quartzite in honed or leathered finishes. Honed is smooth and flat with a matte finish. Leathered is softly textured," says Sheldon Harte, principal at Harte Davis Interior Design.

Unusual Natural Stones

While marble and quartzite are the traditional stones used in kitchens, other options also offer durability and style.

"Travertine, limestone, and soapstone are everywhere—not just on countertops, but in integrated sinks, furniture, and wall cladding," says Jessica Shaw, interior design director at The Turett Collaborative. 

Farewell to the Waterfall Edge

Lastly, 2026 will be the year that the design world finally moves on from the waterfall edge—and that's good news for everyone. The look simply feels too modern for a residential application. For homeowners, you can also save a lot of money by not buying as much stone. Especially since that stone serves no real purpose—beyond making a statement on the side of the cabinetry.