The Granite Countertop Color You'll Be Seeing Less Of In 2026

While granite has been slowly going down in popularity, being replaced with materials like quartz and quartzite, it appears that this material might soon be winning the hearts of homeowners once again in 2026. Certain colors, though, could be left to rot in the graveyard of abandoned trends, with brown being one of the main colors expected to fall almost completely out of style. Even designers who argue that most granite is outdated agree these shades are the worst of the bunch. However, while browns as a whole are the ones being called out, it's really just a few color patterns that are heavily frowned upon. Designer Rebecca Ward, while talking to The Spruce, stated that particular types come across as the most outdated. "While brown is making a comeback as a go-to color for 2025, Baltic brown granite was hugely overused in the early 2000s," she explained.

This shade and styles like tan and tropical brown were some of the most overused options in the early 2000s when granite was all the rage. Unfortunately, these shades did not stand up to the test of time. While they are still beautiful colors, they can instantly make a kitchen feel outdated. Heavily speckled designs are a dated granite countertop style that isn't likely to make a comeback anytime soon, with today's more desirable granite styles leaning toward chic natural patterns. The styles that some stones, such as Baltic brown, have are definitely losing popularity going into 2026, with swirls, veins, and solid colors gaining more attention.

There are a few reasons why brown granite may not be one people flock to any longer. Texas-based designer Lauren Saab (via Southern Living) explained the problem with brown granite, "Its busy pattern distracts from the architecture and can make a kitchen feel generic." In reality, it's not necessarily the color that is causing a problem for outdated kitchens. There is a reason professionals specify colors like Baltic brown. It's a mix of color, pattern, and finish that make a certain stone feel outdated. The reason these heavier styles are falling off in the kitchen is because popular designs are pushing towards clean lines and organic patterns, which brown granites may not have.

Part of the reason comes down to how often it was seen in older homes, and some of it is based on the boldness. While a nice bold color or lines in marble are still possible, the harsh clash of colors in these particular brown shades really makes them hard to fit alongside the rest of your 2026 trends. Combine that with the heavy speckling, and it's clear you have a pattern you will probably see less and less in the future.

Instead of browns, look to whites, grays, and blacks for more updated aesthetics, thanks to their solid colors that fit well in many designs. They may sound boring, but they allow you to add pops of color in other areas of your space, and there are many kinds to choose from, such as breathtaking white granite countertop patterns to transform your kitchen or the popular Absolute Black. Additionally, search out stone with veining more than dappling, and ones that look similar to still-popular quartz. According to the Boston Granite Exchange, bold veins are a definite win for 2026. If you want a bit more color, you can find slabs with dashes of contrasting tones like blue and gold.

Some people have also changed up how granite looks in their kitchen by going with less shiny finishes and choosing something more flat and natural, like leathered or honed. In fact, leather finish is one of the granite countertop finishes that'll turn your kitchen into a rock-solid work of art and create a space that feels timeless. If you are really dedicated to the browns, though, it still is an option. However, you want to stick with softer and more muted colors. For example, lean towards a lighter beige shade rather than a dark one, and go for one without bold designs. Going with simpler patterns for the backsplash and matte-painted cabinets can also help make your outdated brown granite look a little more modern.