All-White Kitchens Are Officially Out: The Moody Countertop Trend Taking Over

Light and bright kitchens — featuring white cabinetry and similarly hued, gleaming quartz countertops — have been on-trend for decades, particularly because of their crisp, clean look and because they have the ability to complement a wide range of diverse decorating styles, from modern and minimalistic to farmhouse. However, a new trend is emerging that may knock this aging trend off its pedestal. Homeowners have begun adding warmth, depth, and even a touch of drama to their kitchens in all sorts of ways, including adding darker countertops, such as those in porcelain, soapstone, or natural wood. These countertops may showcase deep veining or boast earthy tones like walnut, terracotta, dark taupe, or even bold green or burgundy. As a result, all-white spaces are among the kitchen trends that are being left behind in 2025 and beyond to reveal a broader palette of kitchen options. If you'd like to embrace this emerging and colorful trend but aren't sure how to choose a countertop color that gives your kitchen the right vibe, a versatile resin terrazzo countertop, which incorporates multiple colors into one dazzling surface, might be something you could consider.

Of course, fully adopting any trend can backfire, since kitchen styles have a way of shifting faster than you may expect. What feels fresh and exciting today can easily feel tired in just a few years. Therefore, when choosing new countertops or any kitchen feature, start by selecting a style that truly speaks and appeals to you. For even more staying power, look for materials and styles that can also enhance your home's existing character and pair well with other kitchen elements, such as your cabinetry and flooring choices, so they will maintain their appeal over time.

While deeper hues are trending for kitchen counters, you might not want to pick a shade that's too dark, whether it is a purple-veined slab or a green stone, even if it's trendy — especially if you want something that will have a long-lasting staying power. Instead, go for something that'll continue to have a broad appeal long after 2026 draws to a close, such as a countertop in a more versatile, neutral color. For instance, instead of going with a soapstone countertop or a granite one with dark black tones, look for a cool gray one instead. Or, rather than choosing a countertop with extra-bold, marble-like veining, look for one with medium-toned, more organic patterns. By doing so, you can incorporate today's movement toward more saturated hues in the kitchen but still have some flexibility if you decide you want to modify your kitchen's appearance a few years down the road. Your toned-down countertop will pair more effortlessly with any new cabinet style, wall color, or flooring you choose.

Eco-friendly options are also expected to grow in popularity in 2026, so you could consider selecting an environmentally-friendly countertop material. One such option is porcelain, which is made from natural materials, can mimic natural stone, and is fully recyclable. Or instead, opt for one made of reclaimed wood. Such choices can be gentler on the environment than materials like granite or marble, which require substantial natural resources and energy to quarry and transport. By balancing fresh design trends with sustainable choices and a focus on longevity, you can create a kitchen that feels current, reflects your personal style, and endures beautifully.