Every year, new trends emerge that can completely upend previous interior design and décor philosophies, and perhaps none have been as ever-changing and evolving as countertop styles. From granite-leaning trends to the emergence and predominance of quartz, it seems like there’s always something novel and exciting happening in the industry.

Countertops — especially in kitchen and bathroom settings — remain a mainstay of renovations, kitchen remodeling projects, and overall interior design. Regardless if your style is classic, modern, unconventional, or anything in between, there is a wide variety of countertop options to choose from and a material and style that is perfect for you and your unique taste. 

The only question is — where do you start?

At Colonial Marble & Granite, we’ve been helping homeowners and commercial builders select, fabricate, and install gorgeous stone products throughout their kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces since 2008. 

Over those years, we’ve seen numerous trends come and go; from Formica to tile and solid surfaces — and everything else — there’s been no shortage of popular fashions and fads when it comes to countertop design. While trends can seem to fluctuate from year to year or season to season, there’s one trend that will always remain intact — our commitment to quality. 

These days, we see a bit of everything when it comes to countertop styles; but recently, we’ve noticed some unmistakable countertop trends that can provide your home or commercial building with sophisticated style, mesmerizing beauty, and a more-than-welcome breath of fresh air. 

So, if you’re looking for inspiration, trendy ideas, or simply something to spark your imagination, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started and take a look at some of the most popular design and countertop trends for your kitchen and bathroom! 

Minimalist Design — Why Less Is More

(Cambria Ivybridge quartz countertop)

With its roots dating back to the early 1970s in American visual art, minimalist design is a relatively new movement. The philosophy behind it is simple: minimalist designers look to express only the most fundamental elements of a space by removing unnecessary features and components. By using varying textures, geometric shapes, and patterns, minimalist design can help evoke a sense of space and elegance. 

Think about it — minimalist design is all around us. From the user interface of your favorite app to the packaging of the last gift you bought, it can be seen just about everywhere you look. When it comes to your home, incorporating minimalism can be a tasteful way to create a sleek, clean look for your kitchen — and it all starts with the countertop. 

Remember, minimalism isn’t just about shapes and colors — it’s about textures, too. Consider a long, uncut kitchen countertop with a matte or leather finish. Not only does the single piece of countertop give off a peaceful vibe (as opposed to a busier, multi-piece cut countertop), but the leather surface provides a distinct, calming tactility. Pair it with some high-gloss kitchen cabinets, and you can strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.  

Additionally, make sure to keep your countertop clear of all items you don’t need, including cooking ware, dishware, and unnecessary appliances, lest you defeat the purpose of having a minimalist kitchen design. Adding some low-light elements, like a hanging light above your countertop, can also help you enhance the minimalist vibe. 

Warm Color Palettes — Go for the Gold

(Antolini Petrified Wood)

By using warmer tones, you can energize your kitchen or bathroom, making the space feel warm and inviting. Not only can they brighten up a room, but warm colors can add a certain coziness to the space as well. In fact, specific colors can stir emotions and even raise or lower your body temperature. 

For instance, shades of yellow can instantly wake up a drab room; lighter shades can help create a soft glow and brighten the space. Orange is another color that can transform your kitchen or bathroom area and even have a calming effect. If you want something with a bit more personality, try some shades of red — it’s even known to stimulate the appetite, making it an ideal addition to your kitchen.

If you’re looking to incorporate a warm color palette but prefer darker shades, try a rich gold or a lighter, cream-colored countertop. Pair it with wooden cabinets that have a darker, nutty finish, add some black hardware, and you have the perfect combination of a warm, inviting, open design with a flair of rustic charm. 

Another way to enhance your kitchen’s overall warmth is through strategic lighting elements. Try recessed lighting, under-cabinet, or pendant lighting to create a counterpoint and brighten up the room. Yellow lights can be best since they can help maintain a captivating and contemporary — yet comfortable and intimate — look and feel. 

Trending Shades — Go Green!

                                                 (While Cliff granite)                                            (Avocado granite)

                                                       (Curitiba granite)                                        (Amazonite granite)                       

As we’ve seen on runways all over the world this year, everyone seems to be going green. From kelly green and bold, electric hues to deeper, darker greens, teals, emerald greens, and chartreuses, there are plenty of shades to incorporate — and it’s not just relegated to fashion design. Not only is green an enlivening, invigorating color that can rejuvenate and renew your bathroom or kitchen, but it can also be used in a variety of settings, both subtle and striking.

When it comes to finding ideas for incorporating shades of green into your home, look no further than your own refrigerator. From the rich, dark color of a lime and the soft, faint shade of a celery stalk to the warm, inviting tones of a Granny Smith apple, there’s plenty to inspire you. In fact, green is actually a highly versatile color and can be used in a variety of settings. 

Many of us tend to think of green as a modern hue, but with the right shade, it can also create a vintage or rustic look; using it for accent colors can also add that special “pop” or pizzazz. Try experimenting with different tints of green throughout your space to see what works best with your décor and style. 

When it comes to choosing a countertop, consider a stunning emerald green or perhaps chartreuse if you’re looking for a more delicate shade. A slab design with splashes or touches of cream can create a harmonious juxtaposition.

Bold Veining — Add a Flair for the Dramatic 

(Cambria Portrush quartz countertop)                

One of the most sought-after characteristics when it comes to countertops is their distinct veining patterns. These meandering lines of color that traverse countertop slabs don’t just provide a colorful, contrasting quality, but they also create dazzling designs and offer a stunning counterpoint to the countertop’s base color. 

Dramatic, eye-catching veining is particularly desirable in quartz countertops but wasn’t always an option. In fact, quartz patterns were quite basic decades ago, with many homeowners opting for solid colors or slightly speckled patterns. 

Now, thanks to recent advances in manufacturing and engineering technology, it’s common to see quartz countertops featuring a wide array of veined patterns — from asymmetric veins to banded veins and more — all of which can mimic the look and appeal of natural stones like granite and marble. 

Not only has quartz itself been widely popular for the last few years, but we’ve recently seen additional trends when it comes to this versatile material. For instance, bold, warm-toned veining on a solid white or cream background seems to be gaining traction these days with homeowners and commercial builders alike to provide that “wow” factor. 

Marble and Granite — Go “Au Naturel”

(Cipollino marble)

Of course, no discussion of trending countertops would be complete without mentioning natural stone countertops like marble and granite. These types of slabs are also trending right now, but do they ever really go out of style? In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like the artful and timeless beauty of natural stone. 

However, just because marble and granite are two of the most classic countertop styles doesn’t mean they can’t be used in contemporary or modern settings. For instance, as mentioned above, we’ve seen a trending design movement towards textured surfaces. While the polished look is still a popular choice, options like honed and leather surface finishes are gaining momentum and popularity as well. 

A honed countertop gives you a matte-like finish with minimal shine — or none at all. Depending on the type of stone, this can impart a very low sheen and smooth surface to the countertop. Honed finishes work particularly well on marble countertops because the lack of shine helps conceal any minuscule flaws, scratches, or other minor imperfections. 

Leather finishes are a newer type of treatment that’s been steadily becoming popular over the last couple of years. Less glossy than a polished slab, leathered countertops have a soft sheen and a singular, one-of-a-kind touch and texture. Not only does a leather finish hide water spots and fingerprints, but it also retains the stone’s natural color, giving it a refined look and feel.

Get Started Today!

If you’re looking for more inspiration or ideas, or if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a captivating brand-new countertop for your home or commercial building, look no further than Colonial Marble & Granite. From our dedicated team of designers to our in-house fabricators and installers, we have the experience and expertise to help you select the perfect countertop and add beauty and allure to your space. 

Contact us today and make an appointment to begin your adventure in one of our showrooms or slab yards!