When designing a kitchen or planning a remodel, countertops are one of the main focal points of your kitchen, especially if you have an island. They should represent your unique style and be functional to meet your daily needs. As trends evolve, new materials, colors, and finishes emerge, each offering unique ways to enhance your kitchen space.
In previous years’ kitchen countertop trends, grey-washed everything had taken over homes, from floors to cabinet paint. Many homeowners also opted for sterile white kitchens without warmth, texture, or contrast. Today’s modern kitchens incorporate moody paint, pops of color, and natural textures.
Today, we’ll explore 10 top trends in modern kitchens. Read on to inspire your next kitchen remodel.
10 Modern Kitchen Countertop Trends
Modern kitchen designs come in various styles and materials, leaving you with limitless possibilities to explore. Below are a few options we’ve seen recently.
1. Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops remain a favorite choice due to their durability and low maintenance. Unlike natural stone, such as granite, quartz is non-porous, making it more resistant to stains and scratches.
The wonderful thing about quartz is its versatility. You can opt for
quartz countertops with bold veining that mimics marble without the cost. Quartz is now available in various colors and finishes, including matte and honed, allowing for more customization.
Speaking of marble, let’s dive into one of our most celebrated natural stone countertop options.
2. Marble Countertops with Bold Veining
Marble countertops exude timeless luxury with their beautiful veining and natural stone look. If marble is not within your budget, quartz and porcelain countertops can offer the look of marble but with enhanced durability (and easier upkeep without the need for frequent sealing.)
Up next is one of our favorite design trends and a real-life kitchen transformation for you to see.
3. White Countertops With Light Wood Flooring
A bright, white kitchen with warm and brassy or golden handles can enhance your space and create a cozy and inviting look. Pair your white countertops and cabinets with glossy mosaic or white subway tiles for a polished finish that adds texture.
Lately, we’re seeing more white countertops paired with white oak or light-colored engineered flooring. Check out this stunning Eagan, MN, kitchen remodel for more inspiration.
4. Thin Kitchen Countertops
While a standard countertop can range from 1.25 to 1.5+ inches thick, thin kitchen countertops are usually 0.375 to 0.5 inches thick. Thin countertops offer a more streamlined appearance that complements contemporary, industrial, and minimalist or Scandinavian kitchen designs.
Materials like porcelain, quartz, and sintered stone are often used for this trend as they maintain durability even in a slimmer profile. Thin countertops can make smaller kitchens appear more spacious and provide a sophisticated contrast when paired with thick, robust cabinets. This trend is perfect for homeowners seeking a light, airy, modern aesthetic without sacrificing strength or functionality.
5. Continuous Countertops
These countertops extend up through the backsplash, providing a sleek and seamless appearance. Whether you use subtle or bold marble looks, either option will look sophisticated and luxurious.
6. Terrazzo-Inspired Countertops
Terrazzo-inspired designs bring a unique blend of color and texture to any kitchen or bathroom. They combine small, polished pieces of marble, quartz, or glass for a speckled effect. The variety of available colors and patterns makes terrazzo countertops a popular choice for traditional and modern interiors.
7. Moody Paint Colors With a Matching Backsplash
Dark, dramatic, and moody kitchen cabinet colors have become popular in modern kitchens. Their versatility accommodates many different design styles, from contemporary to minimalist.
Deep evergreen, navy, and charcoal hues contrast strikingly with white countertops and bold, metallic accents.
Next, we’ll explore how to use length to your advantage.
8. Waterfall Edges
Waterfall edge countertops are one of our favorite styles that instantly make any kitchen look sleek and luxurious.
See how JBDB incorporated a beautiful quartz 2/3 waterfall edge into this modern farmhouse kitchen in Afton, MN.
9. Stainless Steel
Countertops made with modern industrial materials, such as stainless steel, have only recently emerged as a trend, and we anticipate that this remodeling trend will continue to grow.
Stainless steel is non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to sanitize, and has a long lifespan compared to other countertop materials; however, it can be more costly than some natural stone materials, such as quartz.
10. Butcherblock Counters
“Cottagecore” and rural, minimalist farmhouse style enthusiasts often incorporate natural wood and butcherblock countertops into their kitchen designs. Using simplistic, natural, or reclaimed wood is a nod to living a simple lifestyle in a busy and overstimulated world.
Butcher block wood is softer and more prone to scratches, dents, and wear and tear, so we recommend sealing it as directed, cleaning up spills promptly, and avoiding dragging cutlery across the surface.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop
Selecting the perfect countertop involves balancing style, function, and budget. Our friendly Minnesota-based team at James Barton Design-Build is experienced in kitchen remodels and can help you create a functional kitchen that reflects your personality and meets your needs. Schedule a consultation with us today! For more inspiration, explore JBDB’s project portfolio.
