The Countertop Finish You'll Be Seeing Less Of In 2026

With every new year comes a new wave of design trends, bringing in updated looks and sending off some of the styles that have started to lose their appeal. We're seeing homeowners become more thoughtful about their design choices, focusing creativity on unique textures and color palettes, rather than settling for standard styles. This shift is especially evident in the kitchen, as people are moving away from minimalist countertop styles and embracing bold, layered trends. It's not just countertop materials that are in the spotlight, but finishes as well — an often overlooked layer of our kitchen design that can have a significant impact. As a result, we're bound to see less of those once-popular, glossy countertop finishes, with many designers agreeing that this style is ready to cycle out.

When speaking with Southern Living about the changing countertop trends, design professional Libby Baker expressed, "I hope to not see any more of a highly polished countertop. They show scratches and smudges easily and can be hard to maintain." These glossy finishes are not only impractical but also outdated in today's home decor. While it may seem like a simple decision, a glossy finish can make your kitchen feel dated, so it's worth considering a more modern style if you're planning a countertop refresh for 2026.

In the past, glossy countertops may have seemed like an easy choice. They're sleek and modern, which are two characteristics that tend to feel welcome in kitchens. However, home design trends have been quietly leaning in a more natural, grounded direction that will likely become the standard of style come 2026. We're bound to see fewer shiny finishes and more organic materials and textures, with trendy kitchen countertop designs that take natural stone to the next level. That said, a gloss finish doesn't exactly scream "natural," so it might be out of place in this aesthetic shift. Gloss can also have a bright, dramatic effect on the kitchen design, while trends are indicating that homeowners are starting to prefer a more subtle approach by using textures that feel calming and balanced.

Beyond losing relevance in today's design trends, gloss finishes also pose practical concerns that make them easier to leave behind. Glossy countertops are highly reflective against natural and artificial lighting, and while this makes things brighter, it can feel distracting. It tends to draw attention to scuffs, fingerprints, and stains. Kitchens are high-traffic areas where these kinds of blemishes often appear, and keeping up with them will require frequent cleaning. For many homeowners, the demanding maintenance might be enough of a disadvantage to consider a more appealing countertop finish.

As glossy countertop finishes edge out of fashion for 2026, there's an opportunity for new trends to rise, many of which take a very different approach. In clear contrast to outdated gloss finishes, matte countertops are quickly becoming a go-to choice. Plenty of designers are discussing this as a growing trend, including kitchen expert Nathan Kingsbury, who told Livingetc, "Matte surfaces can often be described as honed, brushed, or leathered and bring a lot of warmth and texture to the kitchen." 

Aside from the practical benefits, matte finishes feel more aligned with natural, subtle aesthetics. Muted, cool hues dominated nearly every paint color of the year in 2025, and countertops offering an earthy texture are more harmonious with these palettes. The warm style of these countertop finishes will also be a big advantage for many homeowners, especially those looking to make a cozy kitchen feel as relaxing as the living room.

Matte finishes also make a great alternative for the fading glossy trend due to their versatility. Their ability to soften colors helps to create a sense of balance and cohesion in the kitchen, making it easier to explore a variety of cool and warm tones and popular material pairings, such as wood and concrete. While materials like granite and quartzite often have a gloss finish, pairing them with brushed or leathered finishes can be a more stylish way to incorporate those tasteful, earthy textures without the distraction of a gloss' reflective shine.