If designing a new kitchen is on your home project list for 2026, now is a good time to consider what you want in terms of aesthetics, style, and materials. along with choosing Perfect kitchen cabinet color and finishYou should also take time to think about your layout. For example, decide, whether you want an island or notAnd choose your device.
But along with these important decisions, you also need to consider another big item: your countertops. Unlike some other elements of your kitchen, Choosing the Right Countertop It’s not as easy as choosing a color for walls or just focusing on functionality.
Instead, you need to consider a combination of materials, style, and how you plan to use your counter space, which can make this one of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make in a room.
To make the decision a little easier, we asked two designers about the one trend they’re seeing in countertops for 2026, and how to let this design choice make a bigger impact.
key takeaways
- Bold countertops in dark colors with deep veins are making a major statement in 2026.
- This makeover can help make a kitchen feel grounded, organic and timeless, as well as luxurious.
- Choose a countertop that looks attractive, but the goal is still to design a kitchen that is warm and welcoming.
Kitchen countertop trend gaining momentum in 2026
After years of white kitchens with simple countertops, designer John Stiveley says 2026 is bringing a more daring wave of counter finishes. will be more inclined towards Rich Veined Organic Stone and Marble And bold, organic movements.
“Countertops are becoming statement pieces,” he says, citing warm, textured stone as the next big thing. “People want countertops that feel natural and timeless.”
Designer and futurist Steven Graffham agrees. “People want warmth and authenticity in their homes again,” he says. “These stones feel grounded, organic and timeless—luxurious but still livable.”
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How to make it work for you
If you’re nervous about committing to a statement countertop, don’t be. Stiveley assures us that this trend is surprisingly versatile. “Add bold, veined stone with simple cabinetry to make it shine,” he says.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to go too simple, you can enhance your cabinet with other elements. Stiveley says relying on interesting textures and using warm metals are two great ways to add interest to a kitchen with a statement countertop—without feeling limited by your aesthetics. “It works in both modern and traditional spaces,” he says.
Along with enhancing the overall look of the kitchen, Grafham says he also predicts that countertops in 2026 will be all about their sustainability and smart functionality. “Think: recycled surfaces, integrated technology, and multi-use islands,” he says. “Kitchens and countertops are no longer just surfaces – they are experience-driven, designed for living, entertaining and making life easier.”
4 other predictions for 2026 kitchen trends
Along with statement countertops, our designers shared their predictions on other trends they expect to see in kitchens next year. Most notably, Graffam says he’s envisioning a warmer, earthier palette with mixed metals. “Comfort and individuality will really take center stage,” he says.
Other upcoming trends include statement lighting as functional art and integrated appliances. “(They) keep the kitchen sleek but comfortable,” says Grafham. But if you don’t want to lean toward warm neutrals, Stiveley predicts another color trend we may see on the rise: soft, moody pastels. “Dusty lavender, sage and blush will create a cool, modern kitchen that feels both fresh and timeless,” says Stivell.
