Are Granite Counter Tops out? Here are the newest counters to consider

The Kitchen Show New Countertops that could be the next BIG thing:

Tempered Glass: The thick, translucent material is tough and has a pleasant tactility, while still remaining easy to clean. According to company reps, it’s also available in a huge variety of colors.
Ceramic counters, which one representative described as the “closest thing you can get to indestructible.” The material is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and cool but not cold to the touch.

Referred to as a “nanotech matte material,” the Fenix NTM countertop is anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, self-healing, and soft to the touch without being... well, soft. It felt great under our hands, and looked great in modern kitchens.


We saw solid wood and wood-finished countertops everywhere at the show, often contrasting with or overlaid on a stone or synthetic material. Everything from mahogany and ebony to light pine and bamboo was used, and often paired with matching cabinetry to create a minimalist yet warm look. In some cases, wood was even paired with granite, though that was less common.

Look, stainless steel is nearly as played out as granite. In fact, we just ran a whole story about why it’s probably a terrible idea to overdose on gleaming silver in your kitchen. But plenty of designers at the Kitchen show made a virtue out of this particular vice and made stainless countertops look fresh and new again.

When it comes to countertop finishes, Tile is pretty old school. It’s a style that’s generally beholden to a certain era or area, for instance. At least one designer at the show is aiming to bring them back.