'90s Countertop Material Experiences a Shocking Resurgence, alongside 3 Other Adored Kitchen Design Trends by Design Professionals Currently
Designing Your Dream Kitchen in Style
Ready for a kitchen makeover? The countertops are a crucial aspect, and top designers are sharing this year's hottest trends to elevate your kitchen's look and function. These picks combine style, sustainability, and a touch of artisan flair.
- *Nicole Alexander*, owner of Siren Betty's interior design
- *Maggie Goodrich, interior designer at Third Street Architecture
- *Patrice Rios McCollum*, founder of Patrice Nichole Studio
- *Amy Studebaker*, creative mind behind Amy Studebaker Design
Recycled Glass
Showcasing your eco-conscious side has never been more fashionable than with recycled glass countertops. Nicole Alexander, Siren Betty's founder, often incorporates these earth-friendly wonders into her projects. She highlights a local Chicago manufacturer, Gilasi, which produces countertops with 77-85% recycled content by weight[1]. The glass comes primarily from recycled containers, windows, and even repurposed hand-blown fixtures. With a look reminiscent of quartz and terrazzo, the endless color and size options let you customize your countertops as you please.
Detailed Edges
The race is on to outdo ordinary countertop edges with those that boast intricate details[1]. Patrice Rios McCollum, Patrice Nichole Studio's owner, is currently enamored with scalloped and reeded profiles, which add a sculptural artisan touch. envisioning a kitchen featuring reeded natural marble countertops is almost as stunning as jewelry adorning cabinetry. This trend has been captivating designers due to its resonance with the detailed millwork that has been trending lately.
Marble

Classic materials are here to stay, and marble is no exception. Interior designer Amy Studebaker considers marble her go-to, even incorporating it into her personal kitchen and bathrooms. She appreciates the material's subtle etching and embraces its unique imperfections as it ages gracefully[1]. Maggie Goodrich, Third Street Architecture's interior designer, shares this sentiment, noting that natural stone will continue to be a staple in 2025[1]. Natural stone's ability to evolve with the home, gaining charm over time, and its longevity with proper sealing and maintenance are qualities that make it appealing for homeowners looking to infuse personality into their spaces.
Marble: A timeless and enduring choice, marble adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any kitchen. Its ability to evolve with the home, adjusting to the environment and aging gracefully with time, makes it a top choice among designers[1]. Proper sealing and maintenance ensure that marble can stand the test of time without losing its appeal.
Granite
The granite of today is light years away from its '90s counterparts. It features more natural movement and organic veining, providing a refined, artisanal look[1]. Modern designers also favor honed or leathered finishes, as they offer a softer, matte appearance that showcases granite's natural beauty without the dated, glossy shine of the past.
Maggie Goodrich, interior designer at Third Street Architecture
"Natural stone will continue to be a staple in 2025! As homeowners look to bring more personality into their spaces, natural stone offers the perfect blend of character, beauty, and longevity. Unlike engineered materials, stone evolves with the home-it ages gracefully, gaining charm over time. With proper sealing and maintenance, good stone can last for generations without losing its appeal."
- For those seeking to embrace a greener lifestyle and high-fashion aesthetics, recycled glass countertops, like those used by designer Nicole Alexander, are the epitome of sustainability and style.
- Intricate edging profiles, such as scalloped and reeded, have emerged as the new trend in countertop design, adding an artisan touch that resonates with the current millwork trend.
- The everlasting appeal of marble continues to captivate both homeowners and designers, with its sophisticated look, evolving character over time, and ability to age gracefully with proper care.
- Amy Studebaker, a renowned designer, adores marble and even uses it in her personal spaces, appreciating its subtle etching and embracing its unique imperfections.
- The contemporary granite used by modern designers offers a more organic and refined look compared to its '90s counterparts, featuring natural movement and beautiful veining, along with honed or leathered finishes that showcase its natural beauty.
- In line with this renewed interest in natural materials, Maggie Goodrich, an interior designer at Third Street Architecture, predicts that natural stone will remain a staple in design trends for years to come, offering a perfect blend of character, beauty, and longevity.
