Choosing a material for a kitchen countertop that is aesthetically pleasing and functional is not an easy task. There are many options, but it's easy to get confused as it's not clear which one is best. Although granite has been a reliable standby for years, making it a durable and sturdy choice, it is slowly fading away as one of the most popular cosmetics for countertops.
To better understand countertop materials that can replace granite, we spoke to interior designers. They had so many sophisticated and stylish options to choose from. Whether you prefer the organic look of natural stone or wood or want to go bold with patterned porcelain, here are his seven ideas for kitchen countertops as an alternative to granite, according to the interior designer.
Are granite countertops outdated?
While granite countertops will never go out of style overall, clients and designers are starting to turn to more durable, long-lasting materials. Many people who are getting experimental and branching out with fresh colors and patterns are turning to quartz, marble, porcelain, and other natural stone countertops to fill the gap. Some choose tile, wood, or mixed materials. The design possibilities for countertops are truly endless.
What are the most popular countertop materials today?
Interior designers say these seven materials have the potential to replace the age-old granite countertop. From big, bold tile designs to pared-back natural stone, there's a little bit of trend inspiration for every style of home.
1. Quartz
(Image credit: Andrea West Design)
While all-natural countertops have always been a stylish, organic option suitable for a variety of interior design styles, engineered quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular. A relatively new material is replacing granite due to its practicality and easily customizable appearance.
'Quartz offers a wide range of colors and patterns, giving homeowners more flexibility in achieving their desired aesthetic. Additionally, because quartz countertops are non-porous, they are very resistant to stains and scratches, which makes them especially attractive for family homes,” says Audrey Scheck, interior designer and founder of His Design. said one Audrey Shek.
Designers agree that quartz and quartzite are excellent alternatives to granite and can minimize kitchen maintenance while maintaining style. And the customizable nature of this material means you can instantly acquire the pattern and look of more natural veined marble or granite.
“As designers, our preference is to use natural stone whenever applicable. Quartzite is a great way to maintain the authenticity of natural materials while minimizing maintenance.” Quartz and Engineered countertops, such as porcelain slabs, are also a great option if you want a more 'marble-like' look, offering a beautiful veined look and ease of maintenance and lifestyle.” adds Andrea West, interior designer and owner of Andrea West. design.
Richard Davonport, managing director of UK-based luxury bespoke kitchen company Davonport, agrees, calling quartz “very durable.” This material makes up some of the lowest maintenance kitchen countertops on the market. He recommends quartz for people who want “a lot of color and pattern choice” at a low price, and says its natural look comes tops time and time again.
“All of these reasons combine to win the worktop battle against granite.” It looks great wrapped around a kitchen island, but be careful: heat can damage it. Therefore, be sure to use a trivet,” says Richard.
2.Marble
(Image credit: Future)
If you want to make a bold statement with your kitchen countertops, marble is probably the way to go. Offering a variety of organically beautiful veined options, marble adds natural height to any kitchen. Rushda Hakim, interior designer and founder of Rushda Hakim Design, is a big advocate of marble as an alternative to granite countertops.
“Think of deeply veined, organically patterned marble as the focal point of your kitchen. Although it can be expensive and high maintenance, our customers embrace its natural qualities and appreciate the natural beauty that develops over time. It accepts the development of stains as part of its appeal,” she says.
Marble has earned a reputation as a coveted and elegant material that adds charm to any space. Kitchen countertops are no exception. You can experiment with different colors and levels of striping to make marble kitchen ideas work perfectly in your space.
3. Porcelain
(Image credit: Mike Chajecki / Shaunn Lipsey + Co.)
If you're interested in marble but can't stand the additional maintenance it often requires, porcelain slabs are another great option that is slowly replacing the popular granite. Interiors His designer and founder of Jessica Cinnamon Design, Jessica Cinnamon, says she is seeing a shift towards porcelain and is completely on board with this change.
“Today, many customers choose porcelain countertops because they are not only extremely durable and come in a variety of sizes and color shades, but they are also easy for manufacturers to work with. Because it’s lightweight,” says Jessica.
When you hear the word porcelain, you may think of it as “delicate,'' but it is actually quite different. When it comes to the kitchen, porcelain is a reliable and durable tile countertop idea that will support you in all your culinary adventures.
Shaunn Lipsey, lead designer and creative director of Shaunn Lipsey + Co, says granite is slowly but surely being replaced by “two of the most popular counter materials.” One of the outstanding materials is, of course, porcelain.
“Porcelain slabs are at the forefront and are now printed with highly realistic images of marble and quartzite. Both of these options not only look great, but are also much more durable than real marble. It’s excellent and perfect for busy family households,” says Sean.
4.Natural stone
(Image credit: Davonport)
Besides granite and marble, other natural stone countertop options are becoming increasingly popular. This is a predictable trend given the recent trend toward spaces that seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors. Richard says the trend of using natural stone gives the home an organic and unique look that is second to none.
'They form naturally in the ground and no two are alike, ensuring a unique look. It is versatile and durable, can be cut into any shape and is scratch, heat and stain resistant, but requires sealing,” he says.
Look for limestone, slate, or travertine as natural material options that also make a statement in your culinary space. These materials, with their organic imperfections, define the overall design of your kitchen when carefully styled.
“Granite is a natural stone, but other options like marble offer unique veining and an elegant touch. Each slab is unique and gives your kitchen a luxurious, bespoke feel,” says Interiors. says Floss Kelly, designer and co-founder of TileCloud.
5.Wood
(Image credit: Future)
“A perennial favorite, wood is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity for worktops and cabinetry overall, rapidly overtaking granite. A material that is easy on the eyes and adds natural visual warmth, wood is , it has natural antibacterial properties,” says Richard.
The perfect addition to any modern or rustic kitchen, these pared-back, minimalist countertops make a big statement. Wood is the best choice for sustainable and long-lasting countertops, even if it's a sleek, contemporary finish that brings natural warmth, texture, and character to your space.
Many people question whether wood countertops are a good idea, but designers argue that its many benefits outweigh the additional maintenance work the material requires.
Types to consider are oak, walnut, beech, ash, and iroko. The former is probably the most popular choice as it comes in a variety of natural shades and is the go-to for most clients,” added Richard.
Floss also suggests wood to add “an element of warmth and nature” to a kitchen design scheme. “Wood is versatile and works well with both modern and traditional designs, and with proper care, wood countertops age beautifully.”
6. Blend material
(Image credit: Janis Nicolay / Knight Varga Interiors)
Newer man-made and blended materials are also making their way into kitchens around the world, offering durable and customizable solutions to the maintenance required of more natural materials. Trish Knight, co-founder and designer of Knight Varga Interiors, says her company's go-to materials when designing for homes where people are expected to be in the kitchen often are her Cosentino materials. Dekton speaks.
Dekton is a type of ultra-compact stone made from a mixture of raw materials compressed under extreme pressure and high heat to create a dense and durable slab. It is known for its excellent durability and resistance to heat, scratches, stains and UV rays. It is also non-porous, making it extremely hygienic and easy to clean. In addition to all these great qualities, they are beautiful and available in many colors, patterns and finishes,” says Trish.
In this kitchen pictured above, Dekton Uyuni provides a simple, clean foundation for a minimalist design style. Trish says the kitchen was installed in a “busy household a year ago” and still looks “perfect.” But no matter your design style or preference, chances are you already have the countertop of your dreams, as there are a huge number of combination options on the market. All you have to do is look for it.
7. Tile
(Image provided by: Mosaic Factory)
In 2024, tile layout trends are bringing fresh and exciting design inspiration to your kitchen countertops. With tiles, the opportunities for artistic and creative (or minimalist and pared-back) style are nearly endless. Get on board with this year's kitchen tile trends by choosing handmade, artisan tiles, geometric shapes, or slab stone tiles.
“There is a huge interest in using tiles for countertops. Tile offers unparalleled versatility in design, durability and ease of maintenance. It allows for creative expression and makes each kitchen its own unique one,” says Floss.
If your granite countertops need a refresh, these seven designer-approved alternatives will instantly upgrade your cooking space. Try marble with bold veining or add a little extra flair with updated tiles to make the entire space feel like new.
