In last month’s blog article, we looked at kitchen design trends for 2023. Now let’s talk about kitchen countertop trends in 2023, from materials to designs.
Kitchen countertop materials: engineered quartz, black granite
Natural granite had long been the king of kitchen countertop materials, but it is not nearly as popular as it used to be. This is due in part to the influx of new and more engineered stone products, which have much more realistic-looking patterns today than in years past. Given the kitchen design trend toward more natural looks and soft marble patterns, engineered quartz is leading in popularity today. It offers durability and longevity compared to natural marble, which is often impractical for everyday cooking.
However, all is not lost for granite, as there are black granites that are still popular, such as Absolute Black, Black Pearl, and Via Lactea. Their simplicity—without a distinct color pattern—means they never go out of style for anyone who wants the timeless look of black granite to be part of their kitchen design.
Another plus about black granites: they are extremely dense and durable stones, less porous than lighter colors. Additionally, these stones have many finish options beyond the typical polished finish such as honed, leather, flamed, and brushed (more on finishes below). These finishes, with their organic look and feel, are becoming more popular for kitchen renovations throughout the Hudson Valley.
Other popular granite options are those with lighter colors, more solid colors, and veined granite. You can look at granite, engineered quartz and other countertops here.
2023 trends for countertop finishes
With the countertop and kitchen design trend skewing toward more organic looks, that means bringing in more textured surfaces. So it’s no surprise that the leathered finish on countertops is gaining in popularity. A leathered finish has a soft sheen that is less shiny than the typical polished surface, and has a dimple-like texture. This finish gives the countertop a truly natural look that catches the eye.
Honed surfaces—which are a matte finish with little or no shine—look beautiful on granite, marble, and quartz countertops.
Natural stone countertops are gaining popularity
Quartzite is a natural stone that is making its way into kitchen countertop rotation for its more exotic tones and look. Unlike quartz, which is manmade from natural materials, pigments and resins, quartzite is highly durable and offers the subtle organic colors that homeowners are seeking now.
Quartzite also has beautiful veining and consistent coloring (which is hard to find with granite countertops). At Affordable Granite & Cabinetry, popular colors among our customers are creamy off-white, warm grey, taupe, and pale green tones—colors that are in line with kitchen design trends this year.
About that veining: When it comes to quartz kitchen countertops (or any for that matter), the trending choices are those with more depth in the vein to achieve a more realistic pattern, as well as those with hints of warmth and variety in both veining tone and size. These characteristics make the quartz countertop look less manufactured and closer to the real deal. In fact, realistic veining is a sought-after look in 2023 that adds character to any countertop.
NOTE: For Hudson Valley homeowners who want quartz, we work with two of the best names in quartz countertops: Cambria and Caesarstone. They are forward-thinking brands that offer unmatched quality, backed by the best technology, warranties, and financing options in the industry. Cambria is known for its broad color selection while Caesarstone products are often chosen for their softer, organic options (with quartz countertops that look like marble or even concrete!). Ask our kitchen designers to show you our selection of quartz and quartzite countertops.
Other countertop trends
Soapstone is another natural stone that holds up well over many years, in both style and function. It is usually a darker grey (and darkens naturally over time), but you can find soapstone in black, blue, and green as well. In its natural state, soapstone has a chalkier appearance than other materials, but it can be oiled to give it a high-contrast background to the vein color. Soapstone is nonporous and antimicrobial, it resists stains, and it won’t crack easily, making it an excellent option for busy home cooks.
Outdated kitchen trends (from the counter and up)
While we are fans of engineered quartz in general, the ultra-trendy, cold white and grey marbled quartz is no longer in fashion. These particular products have wavy patterns of color in them that lack the depth and warmth homeowners are seeking now (as we note above). People undergoing kitchen makeovers in 2023 want more realism in their countertops rather than something that looks printed or heavy.
Another outdated kitchen design trend is the 4-inch backsplash. As we shared last month, full backsplashes are the kitchen trend in 2023. The short backsplash is usually reserved for bathrooms now, while kitchens are using tile from the countertop to the bottom of the wall cabinetry. A 2023 trend is to use the same material for the backsplash as the countertop—without any joints or grout—offering full coverage of the wall space. However, mixing the countertop material with a tile backsplash offers homeowners and kitchen designers space for more creativity.
Hudson Valley kitchen renovations start at Affordable Granite & Cabinetry
Our kitchen design and renovation professionals will guide you every step of the way—from space planning to materials selection through the construction phase. We are a full-service home improvement company with designs and products—from flooring to countertops to cabinetry—in homes throughout Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties. Call us at (845) 564-0500 to see what’s on trend—and what’s possible for your kitchen—at Affordable Granite & Cabinetry.
