What countertops are outdated?

Outdated kitchen countertops often include ** tile (especially with grout lines), laminate, and granite with busy, dark patterns**, as these have been replaced by more durable, seamless, or subtly patterned alternatives like quartz. High-gloss finishes and trends like “waterfall” edges (which reduce storage) are also fading, with designers favoring honed or matte surfaces and more functional designs.

What countertops should I avoid?

Good options include porcelain slabs, quartz, and some natural stone. Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin.

Are granite countertops out of style in 2025?

As we move into the new year, granite countertops continue to reign supreme in kitchen and bathroom design for their natural beauty and timeless durability. In the new year, the trend is all about striking combinations of texture, color, and versatility.

What countertops will not go out of style?

Because of its durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to offer consistent designs, quartz countertops are a modern choice that continues to rise in popularity and will not easily fall out of style. For homeowners looking for kitchen countertops Zionsville, IN, quartz delivers on both aesthetics and practicality.

What countertop colors are considered outdated?

Any Shade of Granite

Danielle Davis, the founder of 56th Street Design Studio, encourages clients to veer away from granite in any shade, which she says will read as an early 2000s look that is no longer in vogue. Granite comes in shades ranging from gray to red to blue to green and beyond.

How to Choose a Countertop | Ask This Old House

What is the most popular countertop for 2025?

Warm Hues: The Biggest Design Movement of 2025

Warm hues are poised to dominate the world of quartz countertops in the new year. Featuring creamy or white bases with warm gold or cinnamon veins, this trend brings a touch of classic sophistication to kitchen countertops while staying fresh and contemporary.

What makes a kitchen look outdated?

Outdated Cabinetry

Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.

What trend is replacing granite countertops?

While granite countertops have been a top choice for many years, engineered stones like quartz are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after alternatives. Engineered stone, particularly quartz, offers several advantages over granite, making it an appealing option for modern kitchens.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on quartz?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for quartz countertops and is actually recommended for daily cleaning by many manufacturers and experts, but use it sparingly with warm water and a soft cloth to avoid a soapy film, and never with harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. A simple mix of mild dish soap and water is perfect for cutting grease and maintaining shine on your engineered stone surfaces.
 

Is quartz still in for 2025?

As we move through 2025, many homeowners, designers, and builders continue to ask whether quartz remains a top choice. The answer is yes, absolutely! In fact, quartz countertops are so popular that they outsell all other types of stone countertops combined.

What countertop is replacing granite?

Great alternatives to granite include quartz, offering low maintenance and modern looks; quartzite, for natural stone beauty without porosity; porcelain, providing extreme durability; solid surfaces (like Corian), for seamless, non-porous designs; soapstone, with a classic, low-maintenance feel; and budget-friendly options like high-quality laminate, wood (butcher block), or concrete for unique styles, with quartz and porcelain often favored for mimicking granite's look.
 

What backsplash is out of style?

Many times, kitchen designers would install a backsplash that was made out of the same granite or marble as the countertops, Russell says. At the time, this was "considered practical and seamless," he says. Not so much in 2025. "It feels unfinished and uninspired today," Russell says.

Why is granite losing popularity?

Everything from white granite countertops and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens.

What is the hottest trend for countertops?

The hottest countertop trends for 2025 focus on dramatic natural stones (quartzite, granite with bold veins), dark & moody colors, unique specialty quartz, textured/honed finishes, and seamless bookmatched slabs for a cohesive look, moving beyond simple whites and grays for more personality and artistry, with quartz still leading overall for low maintenance. 

Is Dawn dish soap safe on granite?

Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite for cleaning; it's safe and effective for daily cleaning and cutting grease when mixed with warm water, but use it sparingly to avoid stripping the sealant, and always rinse well and dry the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals like vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners that can damage granite's sealant.
 

Can I put a hot cup of coffee on quartz?

Quartz countertops offer heat resistance but fall short of being completely heatproof. They can withstand moderate levels of heat, yet exposing them to extremely high temperatures, for instance, a pot directly off the stove or a steaming cup of coffee placed right on the surface, may trigger thermal shock.

Is magic eraser ok to use on quartz?

You should generally avoid using Magic Erasers on quartz because their abrasive nature can dull the finish, scratch the surface, or remove the sealant, leaving dull spots, even though some sources suggest very careful, minimal use for tough stains. Quartz is very hard, but the melamine foam acts like fine sandpaper, removing the top layer and ruining the polish, so it's best to stick to soft cloths, mild soap, or pH-neutral cleaners, and isopropyl alcohol for tough spots.
 

What makes granite sparkle?

Granite shines because of its naturally crystalline structure, especially high quartz content, which is brought out by a professional polishing process using diamond abrasives to create a smooth, reflective surface, while minerals like mica add natural shimmer; maintenance with proper pH-neutral cleaners and occasional sealing keeps this luster, but it's the grinding and polishing that create the gloss, not just chemicals.
 

Can I use Windex on my quartz?

You can use ammonia-free Windex on quartz for occasional cleaning, but it's best to use it sparingly and rinse well, as the classic blue Windex contains ammonia, which can damage the resin over time. A gentler, safer alternative for daily cleaning is warm water with mild dish soap, or cleaners specifically designed for quartz, avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia. 

What is the fake granite called?

"Fake granite" refers to many materials designed to mimic natural stone, commonly called quartz (engineered stone), solid surface (like Corian), laminate, sintered stone, or even artificial/synthetic granite (resin-based composites); these alternatives offer granite-like looks with varying durability, maintenance, and cost, with quartz being a very popular engineered option.
 

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartz?

No, you should avoid using Clorox wipes regularly on quartz countertops because their citric acid and other chemicals can break down the resin, leading to dullness, discoloration, etching, and loss of shine over time. Stick to mild dish soap and water, or a quartz-specific cleaner, for daily cleaning, and use rubbing alcohol or a dedicated disinfectant for sanitizing when needed, to protect the non-porous surface. 

How much does it cost to remove and replace granite countertops?

Cost of Replacing Granite

Typically speaking, the cost for replacing granite can be $45-$200 per square foot. This price changes depending on location, type of granite, size of the countertop, edging options, removing old countertop, and location.

What will all new kitchens look like in 2025?

One look at the latest kitchen inspiration and you'll see mid-century modern style is making a big comeback in 2025. Think clean lines, warm natural wood tones, and bold accents. This style is all about simplicity and functionality, with a touch of vintage charm – perfect for those who want a timeless yet trendy look.

What is the kitchen 3 rule?

Kitchen work triangle guidelines

The three points of the triangle are your sink, stove and refrigerator. The distance between each point of the triangle should be no greater than nine feet apart, but no less than four feet. Cabinets should not intersect any of the pathways created by the triangle by more than one foot.

What color kitchen doesn't date?

A white or neutral colour scheme

White and neutral tones are popular choices in a timeless kitchen design for one reason: they don't date. Before you start to worry about it being boring, remember the more bold your design choices are in the kitchen, the bigger chance there is of you changing your mind down the track.