7 kitchen countertop trends to keep an eye on in 2026

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

Next year is no exception. Certain stone colors, surfaces and shapes come to the fore while others fade into the background. Read on to learn about all the kitchen countertop trends that designers say will be ubiquitous in 2026.

A small lead

Eye-catching stone countertops that extend from the counter to the back wall have been the trend for years. It's clean, minimalist and a hit in small and large kitchens alike. However, some designers approach the classic look a little differently.

“We bring the countertop to the wall, but not all the way up,” says Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design. “We go about halfway and then build a small ledge for a select 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 isn't. That means looking for subtle, warm tones that feel like they're coming straight from the earth. Cold, sterile-looking materials are out – as are those that look like they were made in a factory.

“We look for stones that look tailored and natural,” says Jaffe. For example, zebra stripe patterns are not the goal. “Think more cream, Calcutta gold or brown tones.”

Styled worktop edges

For years, the standard countertop edge has been a straight, square edge. Now homeowners and designers alike are leaning toward something a little more interesting.

“We're going back to nice edges instead of 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, never will,” says Darci Hether, founder of Darci Hether Interior Design. “If it was good enough for the Romans and stood the test of time, who am I to argue?”

However, that doesn't mean you have to choose natural marble, especially since it is a more maintenance-intensive material. Hether explains that the technology behind artificial quartz gets better every year, and today's options no longer have the pixelated, man-made look of yesterday.

“You can achieve the look of marble with far less daily maintenance,” she says. “There are so many beautiful options with subtle veining, nuanced coloring and a level of consistency that customers really appreciate.”

Leather-covered or sanded surfaces

A shiny, glossy countertop is a classic, but more and more designers are gravitating toward finishes that feel lived-in and loved. “We do a lot of quartzite in a honed or leather-covered finish. 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 also in integrated sinks, furniture, and wall paneling,” says Jessica Shaw, director of interior design at The Turett Collaborative.

Farewell to the edge of the waterfall

After all, 2026 will be the year the design world finally leaves the waterfall behind – and that's good news for everyone. The look just seems too modern for a residential application. Homeowners can also save a lot of money by not buying as much stone. Especially because this stone serves no real purpose – aside from making a statement on the side of the piece of furniture.