10 Kitchen Countertop Ideas People Are Doing Right Now

Quartz continues to reign supreme for kitchen design, but there are other kitchen countertop ideas trending in 2022.

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High-Contrast Marble

While a slab of marble looks clean and elegant, choosing kitchen counter design options with bold veining pattern creates a dramatic look in your kitchen. By the way, these are the best countertop paint and refinishing kits to keep your countertops updated.

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Butcher-Block Countertops

A functional countertop for the cook, butcher-block countertops are an aesthetically pleasing choice that allow you to spread out your food and prep away.

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Concrete Countertops

Concrete is a trending material that’s making its way all over the inside and outside of the house, concrete countertops included! Choose a customized concrete slab for your kitchen counter design and bring a unique and sleek look to your space.

Psst—do you use oven cleaner on kitchen countertops? This is what you need to know.

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Integrated Sinks

The integrated sink trend is on the rise, creating a seamless look in your kitchen. If you’re looking to replace your kitchen sink and the countertops, this is the perfect idea. The design involves using the same material for the sink as the rest of the countertop, instead of placing a sink in a hole cut into the countertop.

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Metal

Metal may be big in modern-styled homes already, but it’s becoming a kitchen counter design trend in all homes thanks to its durability. Most metal countertops are made to withstand rust and surface dings. The beautiful shine is just a plus!

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Countertop Thickness

Traditionally, countertops are 1-1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch thick. Now we’re seeing variances in the thickness (both thicker and thinner, as shown here) to create a subtle yet intriguing focal point. You can try a ton of different designs in your kitchen but once you change the thickness of your countertop materials, nothing gives quite the same feel.

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Patterned Stone

In a measure to resemble natural slabs of stone, patterns are making a presence in stone countertops that are usually made of round particles. Quartz countertops are a go-to for creating swirled patterns that make for a fun look in your kitchen.

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Mixed Materials

While the most common countertop consists of just one material, there has also been a spike in kitchen counter designs that feature more than one. Think: stainless steel and wood. This option works particularly well in kitchen island design ideas.

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Flush Countertops with No Overhang

While a countertop typically protrudes past the face of the doors and drawers, a new trend is little or no overhang, which makes for a flush, sleek space.

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Waterfall Countertops

The “waterfall’ countertop—where the counter comes to the edge of the cabinetry and makes its way down the vertical face to the floor—is having a moment. The unusual design creates a seamless look.

Alexa Erickson
Alexa Erickson is an experienced lifestyle writer who has contributed to Family Handyman, Reader's Digest, Martha Stewart, Bob Vila and Thrillist. She’s written more than 50 articles for Family Handyman on a range of topics, including home design, DIY home improvement projects, and storage and organization. Additionally, she runs her own website, Living by Lex, where she writes about home decor, travel, tech and more.