It’s a new year, and we’re looking at the 2026 design forecasts. Kitchen countertops are taking center stage with some bold—and sometimes impractical—trends. While we love a fresh look, not every style is worth the investment. We’re excited to see some of the kitchen countertop trends of 2026, but we’re opting out of others.
Here’a look at the 2026 trends we’re skipping. Our reasons just might help you make the right choices for your kitchen countertops.
Ultra-Gloss Mirror Finishes
High-shine, reflective countertops are having a moment, promising a glamorous, light-bouncing effect. But in reality? They behave more like a magnet for smudges, fingerprints, and scratch marks. Unless you enjoy constant polishing, this finish can quickly go from stunning to stressful. It also tends to highlight every crumb and water spot. That’s hardly ideal in the hardest-working room of the house. We’re sticking with soft-matte or honed textures that age gracefully and don’t require a full-time maintenance schedule.
High-Contrast Veining Overload
Dramatic veining has been gaining popularity over the last few years, but 2026 takes it to the extreme with oversized, multicolored streaks meant to make a “statement.” The problem? Statement pieces can become tiresome fast. These hyper-busy patterns also limit your overall design flexibility, boxing you into a very specific aesthetic. If you ever want to refresh your cabinets, backsplash, or hardware, your countertop might suddenly clash with your upgrades. We prefer veining that feels organic and timeless rather than attention-demanding.
Trendy Colored Concrete
Colored concrete countertops are being pushed as the customizable, modern option for 2026, from dusty lavender to terra-cotta red. While beautiful in curated photos, colored concrete is notoriously prone to staining and requires regular sealing—more than many homeowners expect. Repairing chips or discoloration can also be difficult because color batches vary. And unless the rest of your kitchen is extremely neutral, these tones can date your space quickly. Natural concrete or warm neutrals offer the same contemporary vibe with far fewer long-term drawbacks.
Install Timeless Kitchen Countertops with Spencer Granite
2026 brings exciting design ideas, but durability and flexibility remain key when choosing countertops. Trends come and go, but your counters are a major investment that you’ll live with daily. If a style requires high maintenance or limits your future design choices, it’s completely okay to skip it. Opt instead for materials and finishes that balance beauty with longevity, ensuring your kitchen stays stylish well beyond the trend cycle.
Our team at Spencer Granite is here to help you choose the right materials for your new kitchen countertops. Contact us today to get started.