2024 has seen some fabulous countertop trends come to the fore and 2025 promises even bolder and braver designs. There is a general move towards countertops that hold more gravitas in the space, so depth and material are more important than ever. We're also seeing the return of butcher's block-style countertops, bringing the warmth of wood to any kitchen.
When deciding what works best for your kitchen, weigh up your priorities and consider whether you're on a budget, what is realistic within a certain time frame, and of course, the residents of the home must be catered for.
With all the kitchen brands and interior design trends cropping up, there are plenty of exciting looks so you'll be sure to find the on-trend look that works for you. Read on for our pick of the countertop trends to try in your own home.
1. Dark stone with high contrast veining
Veined countertops have been a kitchen trend for a while, but we've noticed designers opt for darker and richer colors. We’re also seeing homeowners and designers lean into materials that have more natural character and patina — stones with natural imperfections, colors that feel rooted in nature, and finishes that blend both rough and refined textures.
This is perfectly encapsulated by this modern kitchen in Deer Valley, Utah, from interior design firm Electric Bowery. The designer opted for a dark kitchen countertop made of soapstone with contrasting veining to enhance the drama.
"We selected the stone in this Deer Valley kitchen to reflect the evergreen hues of the surrounding trees — saturated, bold, and full of character," explains Stephanie Luk, interior design director at Electric Bowery.
"The veining in this particular soapstone gives it a unique texture, while pairing with warm woods, making this central gathering space feel inviting and connected to the natural surroundings. We enjoy finding that balance between subtlety and drama."
2. Matching countertops with surrounding cabinets
For a seamless finish, designers are also taking to matching their countertops with the surrounding cabinets. The look works particularly well in small kitchens, where less visual clutter will help a space feel bigger and spacious.
For this project by Barlis Wedlick, the designers chose white oak where you can clearly see the pattern of the grain. "A new trend for countertops is matching it with the surrounding cabinetry in the kitchen," explains Tina Schnabel, head of interiors at Barlis Wedlick.
"For our Southfield Farm project, the white oak countertop is the same as the cabinetry, elevating the modern farmhouse style and bringing rustic elegance."
3. Stone chip countertops
We've loved seeing terrazzo used as an alternative countertop in kitchens over the last few years, and this has paved the way for something chunkier, with stone chip countertops that bring texture and pattern.
For designer Laura Arledge, who designed this kitchen inspired by a 1970s station wagon in Fort Collins, the stone slab look is a result of homeowners looking for tactile kitchen worktops that feel solid.
"I think people are craving larger, chunky stone slabs for countertops," says Laura. "This is both for texture and to bring in a natural element. It makes a statement and is one-of-a-kind. Pairing this kitchen with solid quartz makes for beauty and long-term ease of maintenance."
4. Smooth curves
Curves have been big for the last few years, with their structural aesthetic cropping up in every room in the home, from sweeping curved sofas in the living room to rounded edges in hard materials, like kitchen islands and countertops.
This fluted kitchen island is hand-crafted with a scalloped timber base, topped with marble, designed by Carter Williamson Architects. The hardiness and weight of the marble is softened in a beautiful way with the curved island top, and makes the space welcoming and hospitable, where pointed edges once felt harsh.
Harsh, sharp lines are being replaced by smoother curves and silhouettes as we seek a more organic and less stark appeal in interiors, and kitchens in particular have become places where we embrace nature in the form of raw, organic surfaces and products.
5. Butcher block style
Butcher block countertop ideas are trending in the kitchen, and not just in farmhouse or rustic kitchens. They disappeared off designers' radars because of their traditional look, but homeowners are bringing them back to modern kitchens, embracing their natural coloring and warmth.
In this all-white kitchen by White Arrow, the North American chestnut butcher block breaks up the use of white and brings a warm glow to the space.
"I love the color, the lower cost, the contrast of warmth with cooler tones like marble or lighter paint, and how the material makes a home feel down-to-earth and casual," says Keren Richter from White Arrow.
Butcher block countertops look great, but might not suit a busier kitchen prone to splashes and spills. Wood must be properly sealed and varnished and homeowners must take care to wipe away daily mess and keep the surface dry. When cared for properly, butcher block countertops can make a beautiful kitchen centerpiece.
6. Countertops blending with backsplash
Blend your countertop with your kitchen backsplash and take the material up the wall for a wow-factor kitchen that feels calm and clean.
In this Massachusetts home, designed by Sashya Thind, the all-quartzite look exudes elegance and refinement.
"The home had a classic feel and we chose to introduce a natural material — quartzite — into the palette to reflect that. We have one material running throughout the backsplash, perimeter countertop, and island due to the modest size of the kitchen," explains Sashya.
The designer further customized the edge detail at the waterfalls to accentuate the material and also created a curved cut on the backsplash to bring a softness to the space. "We love using natural materials where possible to reduce the impact on the landfill if the client is ok with what to expect when specifying a natural material," adds Sashya.
7. Playing with depth
The chunky countertop trend is another look that lifts a kitchen. Typically, countertops measure around 1 inch in thickness, but opting instead for a bigger depth will guarantee impact in your kitchen. Achieve the look by going for a depth of 1.5 - 2 inches.
In this example, interior design firm, Medium Plenty chose a thick countertop slab which contrasts against the calming feel of the space, creating a sleek and tactile finish.
8. Brushed metal
Another countertop material that has been popular in recent years is stainless steel. Previously confined to design history, considered retro and old-fashioned, stainless steel kitchens are reemerging, with a vintage appeal and giving the air of a professional chef's kitchen. It feels sleek and modern, but does run the risk of feeling too cool or modern
Brushed metals feels even more soothing, and stops the metal kitchen from looking or feeling a little on the sterile side. It's also a forgiving finish, meaning it works for a family home where countertops are likely to get scratched and worn.
In this kitchen, designed by Tamsin Johnson, the designer worked with a local metal artist to get the desired look. In contrast with the Calacatta viola marble, the finished look is industrial yet glamorous, and the small space feels larger as a result of the light bouncing off the countertop.
How to style the latest countertop trends
Where countertops used to be considered simply functional work surfaces, designers and homeowners are realising that a little styling goes a long way.
From vases of floral decor to artfully placed bowls and chopping boards, decorating kitchen countertops with stylish accessories helps to make the space feel all the more homely.
"Making kitchen surfaces feel warmer and having the freedom to add layers like artwork and table lamps, makes the kitchen feel livable and inviting like the rest of the home," says Tina Schnabel, head of interiors at Barlis Wedlick.
So how best to style the latest countertop trend? And how do you know when you've overdone it? A good rule of thumb to follow is the rule of three, sticking to accessories in small groups that stop you from over-cluttering your space.
"We like to keep things simple and intentional," says Stephanie Luk from Electric Bowery. "A few natural elements, like fresh greenery, florals, or a hand-thrown ceramic dish, can bring in warm layers without overwhelming the space. The idea is to let the materials of the countertops be seen, as part of the holistic design, not just a singular showpiece."
Now you know about the latest countertop trends, you may be interested to read our edit of the 20 most important kitchen trends for 2025.
