The kitchen renovation landscape is shifting, and if you’re planning to upgrade your countertops next year, you’ll want to know what’s coming. When working with a kitchen remodeling contractor, understanding current trends can help you make choices that feel fresh now while maintaining lasting appeal. After all, replacing countertops is a significant investment—one you’ll want to enjoy for years to come.

We spoke with several interior designers to get their insights on which materials, finishes, and styles will dominate in 2026, and which ones are being left behind.

The Evolution of the Backsplash Ledge

For the past several years, seamless stone countertops that extend vertically from the counter surface all the way to the upper cabinets have been incredibly popular. But designers are now introducing a subtle twist to this established aesthetic.

Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design, explains: “We’re still bringing the countertop material up the wall, but we’re stopping about halfway instead of going to the ceiling. This creates a functional ledge that’s perfect for displaying carefully chosen items—maybe a small piece of artwork, decorative wooden accessories, or even your favorite salt and pepper mills.”

Embracing Earth’s Natural Palette

The countertop color palette is warming up significantly. Designers are actively seeking stones with organic, natural-looking tones—even when they’re using engineered materials. The goal is to create surfaces that feel like they could have been quarried from the earth rather than manufactured in a facility.

“What we’re really after is stone that appears bespoke and genuinely natural,” Jaffe notes. “Those harsh zebra-stripe veining patterns aren’t what we’re aiming for anymore. Instead, we’re gravitating toward creams, Calcutta gold variations, and various warm brown tones.” Cold, sterile-looking materials are definitely out.

Decorative Edges Make a Comeback

The minimal, straight-edged countertop has had its moment. Now, there’s a renewed appreciation for edges with character and craftsmanship.

Here’s what’s trending in edge profiles:

1. Ogee edges – These classical profiles feature an S-shaped curve that adds elegance and dimension
2. Bullnose variations – Rounded edges that feel softer and more approachable than stark right angles
3. Dupont edges – Combining curves at the top with a straight drop for subtle visual interest
4. Waterfall radius edges – A gentle curve connecting the top and side surfaces for a refined look

“The intention is to make our kitchens feel more like thoughtfully designed furniture and less clinical,” says Jaffe.

The Quartz Revolution Continues

Marble has always been prized for its beauty—and it’s not going anywhere. However, the technology behind engineered quartz has improved dramatically, making it an increasingly attractive alternative.

Darci Hether, founder of Darci Hether Interior Design, explains: “If marble was good enough for the Romans and has proven its worth over millennia, it’s certainly still relevant. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option worth considering.”

The latest generation of quartz countertops has overcome the artificial appearance that plagued earlier versions. Today’s products feature subtle veining, nuanced color variations, and consistency that many homeowners genuinely appreciate—all without the maintenance requirements of natural marble. For busy households, this means you can achieve that elegant marble aesthetic without worrying about etching from acidic foods or regular sealing. Working with professionals like Mbremodels, a reliable contractor known for quality installations, can help you navigate the extensive range of quartz options now available.

Texture Takes Center Stage

High-gloss, reflective surfaces are taking a back seat to finishes that feel more tactile and authentic. Designers are increasingly specifying honed and leathered finishes that bring subtle texture to the kitchen.

Sheldon Harte, principal at Harte Davis Interior Design, explains: “We’re installing quite a bit of quartzite with either honed or leathered finishes. The honed finish gives you a smooth, flat surface with a matte appearance, while leathered adds a gentle texture that’s beautiful to touch.” These finishes not only look more organic but also hide minor scratches and fingerprints better than polished surfaces.

Unconventional Stones Gaining Ground

While marble and quartzite remain popular choices, other natural stones are earning their place in contemporary kitchens. Materials that were once relegated to niche applications are now being embraced for their unique character.

Jessica Shaw, interior design director at The Turett Collaborative, observes that “travertine, limestone, and soapstone are appearing everywhere—and not just on countertops. We’re seeing them integrated into sinks, used in furniture pieces, and applied as wall cladding.”

These alternative stones offer distinct advantages:

1. Soapstone – Naturally non-porous and resistant to staining, with a smooth feel that develops a beautiful patina
2. Travertine – Features natural pitting and variation that creates visual texture and character
3. Limestone – Offers subtle, sophisticated coloring with a matte appearance that feels understated
4. Quartzite – Extremely durable with the appearance of marble but more resistant to etching and staining

Saying Goodbye to the Waterfall Edge

If there’s one trend that’s definitively ending in 2026, it’s the waterfall countertop edge—where the stone extends down the sides of the island or cabinets all the way to the floor.

This look has dominated modern kitchens for years, but designers and homeowners alike are ready to move on. The waterfall edge often feels too contemporary and commercial for residential spaces, creating a statement that can quickly feel dated. There’s also a practical consideration: waterfall edges require substantially more material without adding functional value. They’re purely aesthetic features that significantly increase project costs. In 2026, that budget is better spent on quality materials, interesting edge profiles, or other elements that enhance both form and function.

Making Timeless Choices

The shifts we’re seeing in 2026 actually favor longevity. The move toward warmer tones, textured finishes, and decorative edges creates kitchens with more personality and staying power. These aren’t radical departures from classic design—they’re thoughtful evolutions that make spaces feel more human and less formulaic.

Whether you’re selecting natural marble, high-quality quartz, or one of the alternative stones gaining popularity, choose something that you genuinely love. Your kitchen countertops should serve you well for decades, not just until the next trend cycle arrives.