7 Countertop Choices That Elevate (or Cheapen) Your Kitchen

A blue and white kitchen with Dupont countertop edges — (Image credit: Copper Sky Design + Remodel/Anastasia Alkema Photography)

Choosing the right countertops for your kitchen goes beyond color. They are one of the most prominent surfaces in the room, which means every detail matters – especially if you want to create a more luxurious look.

In fact, several features can either elevate or completely cheapen the look of your entire space, even if they might seem like a minor detail of your kitchen countertop ideas. That's how impactful they are on your overall design.

And your countertops are not a feature you want to replace after a short time. To ensure you make the right choices the first time, these are the choices that interior designers say will either elevate your space or totally cheapen it.

Elevates: A Countertop Chosen in Harmony With Cabinetry

kitchen with brick wall, wooden cabinets and wooden gallery shelf with decor — To maintain a more rustic, natural look, wooden countertops have been introduced to this New York kitchen, tying in with the exposed brick walls and paneled cabinetry.

It doesn't matter how beautiful your kitchen cabinetry looks or how luxurious your countertop material is if the two don't feel like a harmonious pairing. Cohesion is key, and the right countertop is key.

'Consistency is key. When the tones, finishes, and materials are aligned, the kitchen feels more intentional and considered,' says Katie Parry Stone, Retail Expert at Cosentino.

'Choosing a surface that complements the cabinetry and overall palette, rather than competing with it, will always result in a more elevated finish.' This could mean choosing contrasting colors or materials that lean entirely classic as a pairing.

For example, wooden cabinets pair seamlessly with a marble countertop, while inky blue expertly complements copper surfaces, and deep soapstone contrasts nicely with lighter neutrals.

Cheapens: Poorly Places Seams

A blue and white kitchen with marble countertops — Marble countertops run smoothly around every corner in this kitchen, proving a small installation adjustment can make a huge difference.

You could choose the most elevated stone available for your countertops, but it will still look cheap if you don't get the installation right. And the biggest mistake that cheapens the look? Seams that aren't thoughtfully joined.

'Poorly placed seams are on my naughty list. Not only do they cheapen the look of a space, but they are also a functional issue because they weaken over time and can lead to bacteria build-up, cracking, and widening. It's important to consider the maximum size of a slab and the natural break of a countertop to avoid seams altogether,' explains Leah Hook, Founder and Principal Designer of Gray Oak Studio.

And she's not the only one who highlights this faux pas. 'Bad seaming and corners that change direction,' agrees architect Andrew Franz. 'If you have an inside corner, best not to select a directional stone. Choose something that looks like it naturally flows around the corner.'

Elevates: Beautifully-Designed Edge Profiles

A blue and white kitchen with Dupont countertop edge details — The Dupont countertop edge has been taken a step further here, mimicking the shape of the island legs to further elevate the design.

The smallest details are often the most impactful, and your countertops are no exception. A detail that instantly elevates your design is a well-considered countertop edge profile, whether it's a classic mitred edge or a more elegant ogee.

'Introducing detailed stone splashes and countertop edge profiles, like Dupont or ogee edges, are great ways to create visual impact using countertop materials,' says Jessica Flake, Senior Architect at Copper Sky Design + Remodel.

'We recently designed an island countertop to follow the profile of the island legs and added a Dupont edge profile. This move took a relatively simple quartz counter and made it memorable,' she explains.

Cheapens: Gray and Stark White Countertops

A white kitchen with statement marble countertops — You don't have to choose a colorful stone to avoid stark neutrals. This chic kitchen is filled with statement stone, bringing drama and interest in abundance.

There are a few kitchen countertop colors and materials going out of style this year, and choosing them is a fast way to cheapen the look of your kitchen, with grays and stark whites topping the list.

'Gray and white can feel soulless and clinical; instead, one of the most popular design choices at the moment is bold, expressive stone with heavy veining and organic movement,' explains Isabella Pacelli, Junior Sales Designer at Roundhouse Design.

Choosing a more statement stone doesn't have to mean marble. In fact, there are plenty of options that give a luxe look with durability. 'Natural quartzite is becoming a popular choice, as it is more hardwearing than marble, and each slab is one of a kind,' she adds.

Elevates: Natural Stone

A large kitchen with beige cabinets, a wooden island, marble island countertops, and black granite perimeter countertops — This kitchen showcases a mix of natural stones, from the marble island countertop to the dark granite on the perimeter cabinetry, proving how elevated they make a scheme feel.

Talking of stone, nothing feels more elevated than natural materials, which is why designers always recommend it where possible. Each slab is different with unique details, making them a truly characterful addition.

'A natural stone countertop with understated movement instantly elevates a kitchen because it adds depth, authenticity, and timelessness. Details like mitered edges, full-height slab backsplashes, and integrated stone elements make the kitchen feel custom and intentional,' says Corinne Ekle, Principal Interior Designer at C2 Design.

'Soapstone and quartzite are distinctive natural stones that instantly create a sophisticated, high-end look. Marble is always a great choice, and has proven it can stand the test of time,' agrees Natasia Smith and Sandy Baisley, Co-Founders of RE-FIND.

Cheapens: Countertops That Offset the Balance of the Kitchen

A classic kitchen with olive green cabinets and matching wall and ceiling, marble countertops and backsplash, a gallery shelf with antique picture frames, and sconce lighting on the wall. — This moody period home is the perfect place for a heavily veined marble countertop, further elevated by continuing the stone up the walls.

Your kitchen will instantly feel cheap if you don't choose countertops that feel at home in the architecture. This is never more true than in historic properties, but it still applies to more modern kitchens, too.

'It often comes down to how well the worktop fits with the overall style of the home. Bolder patterns or stronger colours can work well in the right setting, but if they feel out of place within the wider scheme, they can disrupt the symmetry of the space and make the kitchen feel less resolved,' Katie explains.

It's about understanding the colors and materials that feel in keeping with the bones of the home, and the design it calls for. A moody Victorian kitchen benefits greatly from a bold, busy marble, but a more rustic abode would feel more elevated with wood or soapstone.

Elevates: A Well-Chosen Finish

A marble kitchen with an island and a built-in dining table — Not too shiny yet not too matte – this design nails the countertop finish to bounce natural light without creating harsh reflections.

We often talk about kitchen paint finishes and the impact they have on the overall look and feel of a room, but the same applies to countertop finishes. Your counters are visible from every angle and will inevitably see a lot of natural light, and the finish will be highlighted.

'Whether you choose a honed, leathered, or polished finish, each option brings its own unique style and beauty. Just as varying paint sheens can add dimension to a space, selecting the right stone finish can enhance the character and depth of your countertops,' says Natasia and Sandy.

For a while, glossy countertop finishes were the most sought-after, but as the way we approach kitchen design evolves, so has the look people want to create. And a more matte finish is key to a more authentic, lived-in look.

'Leathered or honed finishes are becoming more desired over a highly polished countertop. They feel more earthy and can aid biophilic designs where clients like an indoor-outdoor feel,' Isabella adds.

Whatever color or material you choose for your kitchen countertops, take note of these designers' dos and don'ts for a truly elevated scheme, rather than a cheap one. Make sure you avoid outdated kitchen countertop trends, too, and they will also impact the endurance of your space.

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I’ve worked in the interiors magazine industry for the past five years and joined Homes & Gardens at the beginning of 2024 as the Kitchens & Bathrooms editor. While I love every part of interior design, kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most exciting to design, conceptualize, and write about. There are so many trends, materials, colors, and playful decor elements to explore and experiment with.