18 Kitchen Countertop Ideas That Are Durable and Beautiful

Dramatically Veined Marble

A bold marble countertop is timeless. It looks as if it stepped right out of an architectural magazine, and it will never go out of style. "This kitchen features a bold black-and-white marble countertop paired with rich, dark cabinetry, creating a striking yet inviting space," says Laetitia Laurent, founder and principal at Laure Nell Interiors. "The warm wood tones and globe lighting add a layer of softness, balancing all of the dramatic elements beautifully."

Dark Dekton

Dekton is a manmade countertop material that mimics the look of natural stone but with a high heat resistance and durability. It's perfect for use in a kitchen where you want a luxurious look but prefer a more practical material (though it will come with a luxurious price tag!).

"In this design, the waterfall-edge island and the rest of the countertops are in this striking, dramatic dark brown background and crisscrossed with veins of gold. The contrast with the cashmere color of the cabinets and the dark countertops really helps to ground the space and define the kitchen from the rest of the house," says Laurent.

Mixed Materials

Mixed materials can be used to separate spaces within a smaller kitchen, using different countertops to indicate a place to eat versus a place to cook. "We used white oak stained Jacobean for the eating area. The sink side of the island is a polished absolute black granite. The two materials together make a large island feel a little more intimate," says Michelle Lynne, CEO of ML Interiors Group.

Quartzite With Movement

Because it's a natural stone, quartzite comes in various color and veining options. Choosing one with deep colors and dramatic movement can give a home a modern, artful look. "Countertops with rich hues are a great way to add personality. Quartzite is even denser than granite, making it a great countertop option for busy kitchens," says Molly O’Neil, owner of Molly O. Architectural Interior Design. "The green and blues in the quartzite chosen for this kitchen warms the space, and the movement in the stone gives a beautiful texture."

Brown Quartzite

Brown is a color that comes and goes in interior design trends but, right now, it's adding warmth and depth to kitchens. "The depth of color and pattern and durability make brown quartzite a great choice for any design. Quartzite is much more heat resistant than other materials and simply gorgeous. These countertops require little maintenance but can still be affected by acids, think vinegar and wine," says Sharon Sherman, owner of Thyme and Place Design.

Soapstone

A dark soapstone is a classic look that will never go out of style, but it's not without its headaches. Expect to spend time maintaining these timeless countertops.
"Not for the faint of heart, soapstone counters do require monthly maintenance to keep them glowing. They are a relatively soft material but fans of this stone are true believers and nothing else looks like this beauty," says Sherman.

White and Gray Quartzite

If you love natural stone, then there are few better options than quartzite, especially since it's more durable than some other stone options, like marble. "Quartzite is a powerhouse countertop material, offering the beauty of natural stone with the practicality required for active households," says Dani Boyd, founder and principal designer of Dani Boyd Design.

Leathered Soapstone

Leathered soapstone has a more textured, dynamic look than regular soapstone, and it gets its name from its resemblance to leather. "Durable and non-porous, leathered soapstone countertops offer practicality and elegance, ideal for high-use kitchens with a luxurious touch," says Boyd.

Pearl Quartzite Waterfall

A dramatic waterfall island is even more stunning when it's done in natural stone. Michaela Farwell, owner and principal designer of Fairspring Design, points out that the organic, well-loved look is what makes natural stone, like quartzite, so appealing. "If you desire a 'lived-in' look and love the patina that comes from staining, quartzite is for you. Love the natural stone but don't want it to patina over time? You can still do quartzite, just be sure to seal it as often as it is recommended," says Farwell.

Extra-Thick Countertops

The thickness of the countertop may not be the first decision that comes to mind when renovating your kitchen, but it's an important detail that can give your kitchen a high-end, luxurious look. "The showstopper in this kitchen is the island’s thickness—4 inches of solid stone, making a bold, sculptural statement in the heart of the kitchen," says interior designer Kristina Philips.

Mixed Sheen Countertops

Not all countertop sheens are created equal. Some have a mirror-like polish, while others have a restrained, matte look. Bridget Giroux, founder and creative director of Bridget Giroux Design, isn't afraid of mixing both. "This kitchen features a tumbled honed slab for the island balanced by polished white quartzite on the surrounds," she says. "People are often nervous about mixing sheen levels, but when you do it right you get stunning results."

Jasper Stone With Ogee Edge

For an alternative to marble, look at manmade materials like Jasper Stone, which is a type of quartz. Make it look even more sophisticated by adding a detailed edge. "Rather than just square it off, a more timeless and soothing edge I am crazy for is called an ogee edge," says Andrea Sinkin, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design. "There is a soft dip with the Ogee edge rather than a strong linear edge. It feels good under your hand and adds a soft curve to an otherwise hard surface."

Black Quartz

A sleek black quartz countertop adds a sharp contrast to a white kitchen, and it's one of the most practical choices you can make. "Since the rest of the space was so light and airy we decided to add contrast by going with the monochromatic countertop and backsplash," says Sarah Bronstein, owner of Sukkah Interior Design. "Plus, it always looks clean."

Laminate

For a budget-friendly kitchen, don't overlook laminate as an option. This affordable material can mimic high-end surfaces. "Laminate countertops are often underestimated, but they offer incredible benefits. They durability, easy maintenance, and eco-consciousness with style," says Wayne Turett, principal and founder of The Turett Collaborative.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops give you a warm, natural look, and they're one of the most inexpensive countertop options on the market. When used in a cottage or farmhouse-inspired kitchen, they look cozy and charming, and, of course, they make an excellent cutting surface.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has an industrial, commercial look, and there's a reason it's often used in restaurant kitchens—it's durable. Stainless steel will stand up to heat, so you can put hot skillets and pans on the countertops without worrying about damaging the surface.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops feel like a nostalgic throwback and, when they're done in a vibrant color, like this royal blue, they have a crisp, fresh look. Just make sure the grout is sealed to avoid staining.

Wenge Wood

Rather than go with a basic butcher block, wenge wood is a medium-dark alternative wood that offers a richer feel. "Wenge wood countertops offer an enduring surface that contrasts with the adjacent quartz and stainless steel countertops in this refined rustic kitchen," says Jeff Kaper, owner and principal of Spectrum Design Group LLC.