It’s not a secret kitchen countertop design And as time goes on colors go in and out of style. For example, we can all imagine the avocado green kitchens of the 1970s and 80s and the crisp, bright white kitchens of the 2010s.
Since kitchen renovation is expensive and a lot of expense, it’s not something you want to do more than once, so it’s important to get everything right the first time. If you’re looking to create a fresh, contemporary kitchen space, you’ll want to avoid the four countertop colors and styles cited below, as three interior designers we interviewed noted that they’re outdated-looking and/or impractical.
any shade of granite
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Granite may be seen as a safe, durable countertop option for some, but for many designers, granite countertops are not immediate for several reasons – namely because they evoke memories of new constructions from 20 years ago.
Danielle Davis, founder of 56th Street Design Studio, encourages clients to stay away from granite of any shade, which she says would be considered an early 2000s look that is no longer in vogue.
Granite comes in colors from brown to red, blue to green and beyond. While professionals agree that granite is the perfect finish regardless of shade, Rebecca Ward, founder of Rebecca Ward Design, considers brown granite to be the biggest culprit in terms of color.
“While brown is making a comeback as the color of choice for 2025, Baltic Brown granite was heavily used in the early 2000s,” she says, adding that it gives off a vintage feel.
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quartz
Danielle Chiproot, founder of Danielle Rose Design Company, has been through a lot quartz countertops,
“The obsession with the ‘perfect,’ immutable nature of quartz is beginning to feel stale,” she says.
Instead, Chiproot recommends choosing a countertop material that will hold up well over time, citing marble and soapstone as its two top contenders.
“Embracing vintage natural materials adds warmth, character and lived-in beauty to a home,” she says.
While soapstone is a newer choice for countertops, it is a material known for its soft touch and heat resistance. It is also quite durable, although keep in mind that it scratches easily.
Natural marble countertops are less expensive There are a range of different finishes to choose from, compared to other popular materials, and depending on your desired aesthetic. Choose from warm Calacatta, light brown Carrara, moody black and more.
Laminate Countertops
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Laminate Countertops Commonly used in rental places. However, if it’s up to you, and you’re designing the cooking space from scratch, you may want to avoid using this material in the kitchen, Davis says. She cites lack of efficiency and chipping as her main concerns.
While laminate countertops are known for their affordability and are easy to install, they can be quite difficult to fix if a problem arises.
“If a laminate countertop is damaged, whether from a hot pan or natural wear and tear, you often have to replace the entire countertop section,” says Davis.
ceramic tile countertops
Ceramic is a popular flooring material but is also sometimes used on countertops. However, you may want to say no to ceramic counters in a high-use space like the kitchen, Ward says.
“Kitchen counters get wear and tear on a daily basis, especially with all the food preparation that goes on in a busy household,” she says.
As a result, the grout between ceramic tiles shows signs of wear and then becomes difficult to clean.
“Now is the time to choose seamless, low-maintenance surfaces that work just as hard as you do in the kitchen,” says Ward.
Once again, the marble and soapstone mentioned above are excellent choices that will stand the test of time despite constant wear and tear.