Your kitchen countertop is not just a place to drop your keys or whip up your latest baking treat—it’s also one of the best long-term investments you can make for your home. Installing a new countertop might be pricey, but experts agree that the return on this investment can be huge.
So whether you’re searching for something sturdy for your food prep or preparing to sell and want to install a countertop that’ll really impress potential homebuyers, there are plenty of functional, stylish options out there.
But with the sheer number of kitchen countertop looks that exist, we thought it would be helpful to round up our favorite trending designs—along with advice from the designers on how to steal the looks. Here are five kitchen countertops we spotted on Instagram that we could get used to seeing over and over again.
1. XL island
One of our favorite kitchen island trends right now is this mattress-sized countertop that’s big enough for an entire party spread. The best part? It looks just as good when wiped clean and staged with one spare bouquet, like we see from @amystormandco.
“I like to call these kitchen continents,” says kitchen designer Michael Reeve, of Kitchinsider. “Kitchen islands have always been very popular, and there’s also a growing trend to make the kitchen multifunctional, so naturally the island is growing in size to accommodate that.”
Get the look: Create your very own kitchen continent by creating a custom design with Home Depot.
2. Two-tone countertops
Two hues are better than one, right? Although the difference is subtle, we can’t get over these two-tone countertops from @21_design_construction.
“Having a different countertop on the island can help to make it more of a focal point and standout feature,” says Reeve. “It’s not only visually appealing, but it’s also for more practical reasons since certain stones—marble and limestone especially—can scratch and stain easily and may not be suited for busy areas in the kitchen.”
Get the look: Try pairing this concrete countertop for your working areas with this white laminate one for your bar top to create a seamless two-toned look.
3. Dark stone countertop
Long live the tuxedo kitchen! Dark countertops are especially striking when paired with lighter walls (as in this feature from @hellomillerdesign). The best part about a dark countertop? No one will even notice when you spill your morning coffee.
“There’s a certain sexy sophistication and chic moodiness that comes with the application of a dark stone in your kitchen,” says designer Ana Cummings, of ANA Interiors. “Whether you’re looking for a high-contrast effect or wanting to add a little drama alongside your millwork, a black countertop is a timeless choice.”
Get the look: Add some dark mystique to your kitchen with one of these granite countertops.
4. Wood countertop
When your aesthetic leans more rustic, a wood countertop like this one seen in a post from @kitchen_posts_daily answers the call perfectly.
“Wooden countertops are a great budget-friendly option, are typically much cheaper than natural or man-made stones, and can be installed much quicker,” says Reeve. “They’re also a good choice if sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority.”
Get the look: Bring a sustainable surface into your kitchen by shopping this collection of custom-size butcher blocks.
5. High-contrast stone
When you really want to add a wow factor to your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a high-contrast stone countertop like this one from @thelifestyledco.
“A natural or composite surface, complete with insane veining, is having a true design moment right now,” says Cummings. “This material works for islands, backsplashes, and any high-visibility surface that you want to highlight. It’s visual candy!”
Get the look: Create some contemporary appeal in your space with this marble countertop.
