8 Retro Countertop Styles We Are Begging To See In Kitchens Again

Your countertop is one of the most defining parts of your kitchen. It is a multi-purpose surface that you can either make the dazzling centerpiece or the subtle backdrop of your space, depending on the design and aesthetic you choose. While granite and quartz have been two of the most popular countertop material choices in recent years, there's been a change in how homeowners are tackling their kitchen design. They're bringing back the nostalgia, and we could not be happier about it. We're talking old-school vibes, from checkerboard tile to butcher block countertops. The minimalist era has started to wane, and many people are embracing the aesthetic of childhood. This means incorporating more textures, colors, patterns, and materials in the kitchen, starting with old-school countertop styles like wood, stainless steel, and terrazzo.  

It's only natural that once-outdated interior design trends come back into the mainstream cycle — that's just how trends evolve over time. Stark and minimalist kitchen styles are now being replaced by the warm tones and personality of earlier decades. "These trends mirror culture at large — how we live, what we value and how we want to feel when we wake up in the morning and come home at night," writes Vogue's Hannah Coates. "We're collectively starting to embrace a more lived-in, time-worn aesthetic." If you're ready to give your kitchen a stylish "old-meets-new" upgrade, these retro countertop styles are a great place to start. 

You may not have considered wood for your kitchen countertop, but this material was a popular choice for homeowners throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Not only does this material add a warm tone to your kitchen, but it is also more environmentally friendly than a granite alternative. Surface damage on wood is also easier to repair than stone, as scratches and burns can easily be sanded away. Some preferred types of wood for countertops include walnut, oak, and cherry. Note that a wooden countertop can be different from a butcher block countertop, which we will discuss.  

This once-dated kitchen countertop trend is making a low-key comeback in 2026. If you're someone who loves a pop of color in your home, consider updating your countertop to ceramic tile. Popular in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, tiled countertops have started to come back into style in recent years. Ceramic tiles are very customizable, more budget-friendly than other countertop options, and can even be eco-friendly if you source recycled tile. You can keep it simple with white or black tile, or create a vibrant checkerboard pattern.

Thanks to their affordability, laminate countertops exploded in popularity in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s with top brands like Formica making their way into countless homes. Homeowners also preferred this material because it was easy to clean, low maintenance, and available in countless patterns — we're talking neon boomerang and starburst prints in every color imaginable. Though laminate decreased in popularity as natural stone options made their way into the picture, the plastic-based countertop has started to come back, now boasting better design and longer-lasting durability. Today, laminate allows you to achieve the look of a high-end stone countertop for way less. 

Did you know that butcher block was the countertop style that Julia Child had in her own kitchen? A type of wooden countertop, the butcher block found its original stride in the 1980s and 1990s. It has since may its way back into the mainstream, not really ever losing its popularity. While similar to a basic wooden countertop in its appearance, butcher block differs in its make. It is built by adhering thick strips of wood to each other to create a super sturdy and durable surface for your kitchen. While they do require regular oiling and maintenance, butcher block countertops are incredibly long-lasting and will infuse your kitchen with a welcoming and earthy aesthetic.

Marble countertops have always been a sign of luxury in a kitchen. This style started gaining popularity in the early 1990s, though marble's usage for culinary purposes has been traced back to the 1300s. While many kitchens have turned to quartz and granite countertops, we think it's about time marble came back in style, full force. Not only are they timeless, but marble countertops are ideal surfaces for cooking and baking due to their smooth texture and natural cool temperature. They also pair well with numerous types of wood, which can make a gorgeous duo for your kitchen. 

Now we know what you're thinking — terrazzo countertops can make a kitchen feel instantly outdated. However, when selected and installed correctly, this retro material can add a unique and stylish aesthetic to your kitchen. Terrazzo has its origins in Italy and dates back to the 15th century. It's made from a mixture of multiple materials such as cement, resin, quartz, marble, and glass, and it rose in popularity during the Art Deco movement after World War I. In recent years, the style has started to come back thanks to its extremely customizable nature. Whether you prefer a bold and dramatic aesthetic or subtle elegance, the terrazzo options are endless.

This is the choice for all the serious chefs out there. While a stainless steel countertop may make you think of an industrial kitchen, this material can give your kitchen a timeless and sleek aesthetic. Plus, it is a very practical choice for those who love to cook. Stainless steel countertops rose in design popularity in the 1920s, thanks to their functionality. Not only is stainless steel easier to clean than other countertop styles, but this material is heat-resistant and super durable. Consider a dedicated food prep station with stainless steel countertops, and quartz or granite countertops for the eating area.

While newer to the interior design scene than the others on this list, cement is a countertop style that deserves a comeback. Believe it or not, the late 1990s are now considered retro, and this is when industrial-style cement countertops became popular. Made of an aggregate, which is usually comprised of sand or rocks, along with water and a binder, concrete countertops can last for decades if taken care of correctly. Concrete countertops are highly customizable, durable, heat resistant, and visually striking. If you're unsure whether to get precast or cast-in-place concrete countertops, here's how to figure out which type is best for your kitchen.