The Granite Choice That Is Seriously Outdating Your Kitchen Countertop

Let's face it: Countertops take up a lot of visual space in the kitchen, so choosing one that blends with your design scheme while also offering timeless appeal is essential. With so much visual say in your space, an outdated countertop can really weigh down your kitchen aesthetic. And when it comes to granite, there's something about the heavily-speckled, multi-colored, beige and gold stone of the 1990s and 2000s that, frankly, makes us cringe. 

For many, busy granite countertops feel outdated and are too reminiscent of the splotchy, cluttered patterns of past decades, so real estate professionals advise against multi-toned, excessive granite if you want to boost your home value. Gold and beige-toned granites like Santa Cecilia or New Venetian Gold are out of style as folks favor more minimal and modern aesthetics. Warm-toned Baltic Brown, multi-colored Juparana Bordeaux, and deep red Dakota Mahogany are also types of granite that typically clash with today's interior design preferences.  

In a time where clean lines, solid colors, and dramatic, swirling veining reign supreme, heavily-speckled slabs don't blend with other kitchen features, making the kitchen look cluttered and often overwhelming the space. However, multi-colored speckled granite isn't the only expression the stone has to offer.

Not all granite countertops look like they walked right out of the early 2000s. For example, white or black granite can appear more timeless and elegant, featuring more subtle, monochromatic speckling patterns. White granite, like White Ice or Super White, works well with current design preferences because it's light, bright, soft-toned, and clean. However, it is important to note that while varieties like Super White are sold as granite, names can vary by seller, and often, Super White is actually a dolomite, which is a type of marble. Given marble is ultra-trendy in kitchens right now, especially when utilized in countertops that extend into slab backsplashes, it's no surprise that this type of "granite" is more favorable than varieties of years past. 

Granite slabs with dramatic veining are also still quite popular, sometimes used as an alternative to marble. Kyle Dutton of Kyle Dutton Homes told Livingetc that some of his favorite granites with veining "include Stream White, Virginia Mist, and New River White from MSI Surfaces."

If you have an outdated granite countertop and updating it isn't feasible for your timeline or budget, you can improve other features in your kitchen to detract from a busy, outdated countertop. Some experts suggest finding the lightest and coolest tone in your speckled granite countertop to paint onto your cabinetry or walls, offsetting the warmth of beige or gold granite while still maintaining a cohesive color palette.

If you are ready to invest in a countertop refresh, you don't have to stick with granite. Aside from kitchen countertop colors and materials you'll want to avoid in 2026, there are a few trends worth keeping in mind. Quartz and quartzite countertops in light colors like white, cream, and cool-toned beige are still trending. Deep veining, particularly on marble and quartz, and warm, earthy hues are also likely to become more prominent in our kitchens. Alternatively, experts also suggest choosing slabs of natural stone in solid tones. 

Some speculate that Taj Mahal and Perla Venata quartzite will be uber-trendy in 2026. These stones offer a soft, flowy veining that is subtle and elegant, often featured in a pale cream neutral tone. Granite varieties like Alaska White or Colonial White would be comparable alternatives. And, if you're choosing between Taj Mahal quartzite and granite, the two are relatively evenly matched regarding durability and maintenance, though granite can be a little more affordable. 

Still, some experts predict bolder, more adventurous takes with kitchen countertops. Despite busy speckled granite falling out of favor, some folks speculate that patterned, speckled stone like terrazzo will gain popularity in the coming year.