We Asked Designers for the Countertop Colors That Instantly Upgrade a Kitchen—And They Chose These 4 – Shared Article

Key Points

Simple updates—refinishing, adhesive covers, curated styling—transform countertops on a budget.

Designers are leaning into nature-inspired countertop colors like earthy greens, creamy beiges, and blue-grays.

Black countertops remain a top pick for their sleek, high-impact look.

I read this article HERE. By Cori Sears

When it comes to creating a kitchen that feels fresh, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, the countertop color you choose can make all the difference. From warm neutrals to bold, dramatic tones, designers are embracing a wide range of hues that reflect both personality and practicality. With 2026 nearly upon us, countertop trends are shifting toward nature-inspired palettes, tactile finishes, and unexpected color pairings that redefine what “classic” really means. But there are some countertop colors that designers turn to again and again—despite the changing tide of trends—when they’re looking for a fresh, modern, and sophisticated kitchen look.

We spoke to three professional interior designers to find out which countertop colors they consider their favorites for instantly upgrading a space—and their answers surprised us. Find out their top four picks, along with their expert predictions for the next wave of countertop color trends ahead of the new year.

Meet the Expert

Samantha Tosti is an interior designer, and the co-founder of design and woodworking firm Tosti Design.
Reanna Channer is the founder of Design to Elevate, a Seattle-area interior design studio.
Brittny Button is the founder and principal designer of Button Atelier, an interior design firm based in Los Angeles, California.

Countertop Colors That Upgrade a Space

Kitchen with black slab countertops. — Credit: Button Atelier

According to interior designers, these four countertop colors are their go-tos for creating modern yet classic spaces that feel elegant and livable.

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Black

Black is always a timeless choice for countertops. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and versatile, pairing well with various cabinet colors and design styles. Plus, you can find it in a number of unique materials and finishes. From luxurious black marble and soapstone to more affordable choices like granite or laminate, there’s no shortage of ways to add this sleek countertop color to your kitchen.

Blue-Gray

Blue may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of countertops, but designers agree it can be a timeless and sophisticated choice. The key, they say, is to choose natural stone slabs with hints of subtle color. Think: blue-gray quartzite (Cielo or Fusion quartzite, for example), slate blue quartz, and marble with subtle blue veining.

If you’re up for something a little more vibrant, interior designer Samantha Tosti says that Azul Do Mar quartzite is another great option as well.

Earthy Greens

Earthy green hues continue to make a splash in the interior design world, and countertops are no exception. Like blue, designers say the key to incorporating green countertops in your space is to use the color sparingly, opting for subtle incorporations. When done right, earthy green hues can act as a neutral in your space, lending subtle yet dramatic color.

Quartzite is repeatedly mentioned by designers as the go-to in organic shades like sage, eucalyptus, and olive. Though it can also function as a neutral, this chic and unexpected color choice can make countertops pop, too—making them a standout feature within your kitchen.

Creamy Beige

White countertops have had their moment, but designers agree that creamy beige and off-white countertops are where it’s at if you’re going for a classic, timeless look. Once again, quartzite comes out as the enduring favorite among all three designers we spoke to, with Taj Mahal quartzite singled out as one of interior designer Reanna Channer’s favorites. “It truly is the chameleon of all countertops,” Channer says. “It’s warm beige tones mixed with soft grays creates a neutral palette that works seamlessly with almost any cabinet color, from rich burgundy to sage green or midnight blue.”

Opt for a honed or leathered finish rather than glossy to bring softness and a sense of grounding to your space.

Budget-Friendly Countertop Upgrades

A complete countertop renovation isn’t always in the budget, and that’s okay. If you’re looking to give your countertops a facelift without replacing them entirely, you have several options. According to design pros, these include refinishing, covering, and restyling. Countertops can be professionally refinished or tackled as a DIY project. For example, micro-resurfacing kits and epoxy overlays are excellent choices for laminate countertops, and professional re-honing can upgrade the finish of existing natural stone countertops.

Alternatively, you can cover your countertops using peel-and-stick adhesives (a good option for renters), tile, or even paint. “There are some incredible faux marble and quartz adhesives on the market. Look for ones where the pattern doesn’t repeat often, as this will trick the eye into thinking it’s real stone,” says Brittny Button, the founder and principal designer of Button Atelier.

Lastly, don’t discount the power of restyling your countertops to give them a fresh look. Ceramics, layered wood cutting boards, greenery, a well-styled tray, or even a small piece of artwork can instantly upgrade even the most dated countertop.

2026 Countertop Color Trends

Kitchen with striking blue-green countertop. — Credit: Tosti Design Inc / Nader Essa Photography

Interior color trends for 2026 are leaning warm, earthy, rich, and moody, and countertop colors are no exception. From warm neutrals to deep earth tones, designers agree that countertops in 2026 will strike a delicate balance between sophisticated and unexpectedly playful.

Green and blue-toned countertops, in particular, are a trend designers say to watch for in the new year. Though these colors have been popular with the world’s top designers for a few years now, we can expect more and more homeowners begin to embrace these earthy countertop colors, too. These grounding, timeless hues will be especially popular for natural stone countertops, such as quartzite. “Green quartzite like ‘Amazon’ has striking white veining and pairs perfectly with lighter woods, such as white oak cabinets,” says Channer.

Texture is another key element of countertop design in 2026. Leathered and soft-honed finishes will replace ultra-glossy finishes, and natural stone with movement and depth will replace flat, one-dimensional countertop materials.

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