Stunning Kitchen Countertop Types Home Designers Are Loving In 2024, According To Our Interior Design Expert
Trends come and go, even when it comes to things that feel as permanent as kitchen countertops. What was popular in the last decade, let alone last year, might not be popular now. So we decided to reach out to an expert to find out what countertop materials they think will have a big year in homes. Bilal Rehman is an interior designer and owner of Bilal Rehman Studio, a residential and commercial design company with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Rehman revealed the two countertop types he predicts will be popular in 2024.
Quartzite and terrazzo were his top predictions, "due to their durability and unique aesthetic appeal." Quartzite is a natural stone material cut from sandstone that has been compressed by pressure and heat, and it looks a great deal like marble but is much harder and more durable, with a 7/10 ranking on the Mohs scale in comparison to marble's 3/10. Terrazzo is not a naturally occurring stone, but a composite made from chips of fragmented materials such as granite, glass, and marble. It's mixed with either an epoxy or concrete medium, cast into molds, and polished to reveal the shiny surface and mixed media materials. Terrazzo is a very durable countertop substance with a Mohs hardness scale of 5-7, depending on which medium was used — epoxy equals less, concrete equals more. Both are beautiful and hard-wearing, so it's no wonder they're Rehman's selections.
Which one has more staying power?
While Rehman believes either or both of these countertop materials could be the top choice for homeowners in 2024, it's worth noting that they have very different looks. Quartzite, like marble and granite, has a ton of natural variation, and no two slabs are alike. But the colors are generally more neutral and often feature veining and other patterns in a contrasting color. Terrazzo is a bit funkier thanks to the many types of materials used, can be made to be any color, and has variation between glossy, transparent, and opaque materials — this is sort of like the cool aunt of other countertop materials. Both are completely gorgeous in their own way.
But in an exclusive conversation with House Digest, Rehman revealed that if he had to choose which one leans a bit more ageless, he'd opt for quartzite, saying, "Out of the two, Quartzite is likely the most timeless choice, as its natural beauty and durability tend to outlast any trends that come and go." Natural stone is pretty timeless in the kitchen, as we've seen time and time again. On the other hand, terrazzo countertops are a great way to make your home stand out. Though it may not seem quite as classic as stone, terrazzo was actually invented in 15th century Italy, so this countertop material certainly has some staying power, and there's no reason to believe terrazzo is going out of style soon.
Let's talk about price
Kitchens are one of, if not the most, expensive rooms to build out and renovate, because you aren't just making aesthetic choices, and they require both major electrical and plumbing work. So naturally, you're going to want to find a budget-friendly option when possible. Unfortunately, according to Rehman, neither terrazzo nor quartzite fits that bill. For instance, terrazzo and quartzite countertops cost approximately $50-$100 and $50-$120 per square foot, respectively. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, kitchens in the US are between 103-238 square feet on average, so you'd be looking at a very costly investment. Thankfully, Rehman didn't leave budget buyers totally hopeless. In his exclusive interview with House Digest, he stated that, "These materials might not be budget-friendly, but alternatives like laminate and ceramic tile offer cost-effective options without sacrificing style."
Ceramic tile and laminate are some of the most affordable countertop materials available, and they come in a ton of different patterns, colors, and textures. In fact, you can even find terrazzo-patterned porcelain tiles and quartzite-style laminates, and vice-versa, if you want to replicate their look. Remember that inkjet printers and other manufacturing tools have come a long way, so there's usually a way to get the high-end look you want for cheaper, you just may have to get a little creative.