The Polished Countertop Trend You'll Be Seeing Less Of In 2026

Choosing a countertop that gives your kitchen the right vibe might seem straightforward, but this small design choice can have a big impact on the room's overall appearance. Since they take up so much surface area, countertops tend to catch the eye right away. They need to be aesthetically appealing and functional — after all, this surface is where you'll be doing the bulk of your food preparation.

Though high-gloss kitchen counters were once in, some interior design experts aren't feeling them for 2026. This mirror-like style looks sleek, but it highlights fingerprints and smudges. In other words, avid home cooks will want to steer clear of countertops in this high-maintenance finish. They tend to be ultra-modern in appearance, too, which might not be the aesthetic you're after. If you're planning to replace your kitchen counters in the new year, here's everything you need to know to make a design choice you won't regret.

With high-gloss kitchen countertops on their way out, you might be wondering what styles to try instead. Bold, colorful stone countertops are one variety that's expected to be trendy next year. "Countertops have emerged as the true focal point of today's kitchen design, with bold veining and a shift away from predictable whites and grays," countertop designer Mor Krisher told Better Homes and Gardens. You can find stone countertops in a range of eye-catching hues and non-glossy finishes, from marbled, textured black to rich, speckled gold. It's a great way to give your kitchen some extra personality.

Material-wise, you can't go wrong with quartz. It's 2025's best kitchen countertop material, according to a recent report from Consumer Reports. This engineered stone is versatile, timeless, and resistant to stains and surface wear. Best of all, quartz is projected to remain popular in 2026 — unlike marble and granite, which aren't expected to be particularly trendy, according to industry experts. You could even double up on trends by choosing a bold-colored countertop made of lava stone, another gorgeous countertop style that will be everywhere next year. It can be a pricier pick, but if you have the budget for it, lava stone's beauty and durability might be worth the investment. You can achieve the glossy look of a traditional stone countertop minus the fussiness.