What makes a kitchen countertop look cheap? 5 things to avoid for a chic, elevated design

Countertops are an investment piece when it comes to designing your kitchen. They aren't a feature you can change frequently like you can with wall colors or decor and they have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your scheme.

So, it probably comes as no surprise that your kitchen countertops are a feature worth paying attention to, even if you're not planning a remodel any time soon. And if you're wondering what makes a kitchen look cheap, tired countertops are usually top of the list.

That doesn't always mean you need to replace them, though. These are the things that make a kitchen countertop look cheap, plus how to fix them for a chic, elevated design.

5 design mistakes making your kitchen countertops look cheap

Whether it's time to upgrade your countertops or you just need to make a few tweaks to the decor surrounding them, no one wants their kitchen design to feel low-budget. Here's what to avoid and how to rectify the most common things that make a kitchen countertop look cheap.

1. The material of your countertops

It's a change that will require the most investment, but your kitchen countertop material could be the reason they look cheap. In particular, materials like laminate tend to look tired and worn out much quicker than other designs.

'A tatty countertop is the tell-tale sign of a cheap kitchen, possibly a laminated chipboard or something similar which just doesn’t stand wear and tear,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

'I recommend using a natural countertop material every time (marble, copper, stone, wood), as natural products age with more beauty, patina, and style and can look good and invariably better the more they are used.'

However, if you want a more affordable alternative to natural stone, countertop materials like porcelain offer a more durable design with the look of stone – a smaller investment that will still elevate your kitchen.

'Another option is countertop materials such as quartzite or high-end engineered stone as we can often replicate the unique veins and textures for a seamless, high-performance surface,' adds Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

2. Your countertop and backsplash pairing

Whenever you're trying to decipher what's making your kitchen countertops look cheap, we always recommend looking at the features that surround it. One area that could be cheapening the look of your counters is your kitchen backsplash.

Outdated tiles, discolored or worn grout, and even the pattern and layout could be the problem rather than the countertops themselves. This one is relatively easy to fix – though you will need a bit of DIY experience on your side.

Swap out your existing backsplash for a more up-to-date alternative. Look to this year's kitchen backsplash trends for textural tiles like this stylish scheme, grout-free designs, or even a tile mural backsplash for a real statement design.

3. The style of decor on your counters

Kitchen decor can be tricky to get right. You want to add personality and character to your kitchen, yet you don't want your surfaces to feel cluttered. And it's the wrong decor choices that contribute to making your countertops look cheap.

Pieces that clash with your kitchen or that are simply a bit tired can impact the look of your surfaces. Instead, invest in some luxurious decor options that will not only complement your counters but make them look more expensive, too.

We love making the functional pieces in a kitchen double up as decor – swap out a standard fruit bowl for a pedestal wooden bowl or a marble design, update your soap dispensers for refillable ones, and add new ceramics and artworks for a really curated design.

4. Not paying attention to the finer details

When it comes to countertops, paying attention to the finer details is really important. You can choose a beautiful natural stone or high-quality porcelain, but if you don't make sure they're finished to a high quality, they will look far cheaper than they are.

'A kitchen countertop can often appear cheap if it has visible seams, or features low-quality finishes that lack depth and character,' says Richard.

'Paying attention to the detailing – such as having polished, mitered edges or opting for a continuous surface without visible joins – can make a huge difference in making your countertop appear more refined and expensive.'

5. The color combinations in your kitchen

Countertops run throughout the entirety of your space, and if you have an island, they're at the heart of your kitchen, too. With such a presence in your design, it's important to choose kitchen colors that complement them if you don't want to make your countertops look cheap.

Marble is a really good example – the veining in your stone is a great place to find complementary colors. If your marble has blue or green tones, curating a color palette around it will ensure your scheme feels cohesive and more elevated.

Equally, if you've chosen mostly white countertops, avoid using a stark white hue on your cabinets and walls. Instead, opt for a contrasting shade for an injection of color or a neutral hue that adds warmth to the space. We love how the pink cabinets pair with the gray countertops in this kitchen.

There's no reason to live with kitchen countertops that look cheap – whether it's the material or finish that needs some attention or you backsplash and decor needs and update, there so many ways to bring you countertops back to life for a more expensive look.