White Kitchen Countertops Are Over: Here's What's Replacing Them

White countertops used to be the no-brainer choice — the thing you picked when you wanted your kitchen to look clean without overthinking it. But tastes have moved on. Warmer palettes are everywhere now, and trendy kitchen paint colors have made bright white feel a little too spotless, almost like a space waiting for a contractor to finish the job. People still want simple, but they also want rooms that look lived-in and intentional, not like a showroom that hasn't been touched.

Some designers say the mood has changed for good. Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors noted to Martha Stewart that homeowners are asking for kitchens that feel custom, not cloned from a template. On a backdrop of richer tones and textured finishes, a plain white counter can look flat — almost like it's missing something. Add in some depth or contrast, and suddenly the whole room feels warmer without sacrificing the clean lines people still love.

There's a hint of the warmer kitchen trends from the '90s making a comeback, but with a more polished take this time around. Today's kitchens aim for personality without clutter, and homeowners are finding that selecting a counter with a little character is an easy way to get there.

The rise of warmer kitchens has opened the door to countertops with more color, depth, and variation than old-white slabs ever offered. Designers say homeowners are gravitating toward stones with movement — dramatic veining, textured finishes, and moodier tones that give kitchens a layered look. On large islands, porcelain and other engineered materials are getting special attention for their ability to mimic bold natural stone without the upkeep.

Neutrals are shifting too: Warm taupes, soft beiges, muted grays, and earthy shades are emerging as more dependable choices for people who want something timeless but not clinical. Darker tones are increasingly trending, from charcoal and espresso colors to deep green slabs that align with the rise of moody kitchens. Against these richer backdrops, hardware, tile, and wood grain stand out more clearly — details that often got swallowed up when everything was bright white.

Homeowners aren't abandoning white altogether; they're just using it more selectively, something Victoria Holly has noted. "White kitchens are not completely out — they still have a place." A bold island paired with quieter perimeter counters has become a go-to mix, adding contrast without making the room feel busy. The approach fits easily with warmer palettes and textured finishes, and even a few good kitchen decor pointers can change the overall look without requiring a complete overhaul — sometimes that's all it takes to make the space feel like it finally matches the rest of the home.