15 Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas, Materials, and Designs
Countertops are the true workhorse of a farmhouse kitchen, so you want to pick right.
By Amy Mitchell
We demand a lot from our kitchen countertops. We want to them to be pretty, long-lasting, hardworking, stain- and water-resistant, and did we mention pretty? The true workhorse of a farmhouse kitchen, countertops take a beating as we roll dough, cut produce, and put hot pans on them, not to mention the homework and other "life" happening in the kitchen daily.
As you start to pull together farmhouse kitchen ideas for your next renovation, take the task of choosing kitchen countertop materials very seriously. Ask yourself some important questions to find the right countertop material for you and your family. What will my kitchen cabinet colors be? Simpler white kitchens can handle a stone pattern with some movement in the veining, while a more colorful design plan calls for a quieter, more solid countertop. How much do I want to spend? If the answer is less than average, butcher block is a solid option for farmhouse kitchen countertop ideas on a budget. Look into affordable laminate too—the choices have come a long way. If you're up for splurging and love a classic farmhouse look, go for a handsome marble kitchen countertop. Do I want a kitchen island? If the answer is yes, consider unique kitchen island countertop ideas, like an impressive waterfall edge design, or repurposing an antique to add loads of patina to your space.
Read on for new kitchen countertop ideas, including granite countertops (polished and honed), quartz, soapstone, concrete, and even stainless steel.
Black Polished Granite Kitchen Countertop Idea
For a modern touch among this fully pine kitchen (the walls and cabinetry in the same finish), consider sleek black appliances, faucet fixtures, lighting, and countertops, like this polished granite.
Ornate Backsplash and Sink Bump Out Kitchen Countertop Idea
In this sunny yellow kitchen, classic marble countertops extend into an ornately carved backsplash behind the sink. This pretty detail, along with the depth-changing countertop and cabinet, set the bumped-out sink apart from the rest of the lower cabinetry to create a unique "antique cabinet" look.
Concrete Kitchen Countertop Idea
Hardworking concrete countertops sit atop rustic cabinets made from reclaimed wood. Concrete countertops are heavier than other materials and require cabinet reinforcements, so be sure they are installed properly.
RELATED: See more of this rustic North Carolina mountain cabin.
Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Idea
How clever is this indoor-outdoor bar-height counter?! This clever idea, shown here with thick terrazzo countertops, helps this tiny kitchen live larger. Install bifold windows the width of the countertop to throw open when the weather's right.
Waterfall Kitchen Countertop Idea
A waterfall edge island design brings sleek, sophisticated style in this modern farmhouse kitchen. Plan your budget accordingly to pull off this impressive look, as the material costs will increase. Popular materials for a waterfall countertop include quartz and marble for their eye-catching vein pattern.
Mixed Materials Kitchen Countertop Idea
You don't have to stick to one countertop material. Mix it up as needed, like this space with marble on the sink wall and wood on the sides. This same idea is widely used in farmhouse kitchens with center islands, with one type of stone on the outside walls and a different material on the island.
Decorative Edge Kitchen Countertop Idea
The detailed edging on a countertop can change the overall look of a kitchen. Here, a decorative Ogee style edge detail on the island's Silestone "Charcoal Soapstone" top elevates the style to a more formal vibe. White countertops along the perimeter have a simple square edge, keeping the space from being too fancy.
RELATED: See more of this beautifully renovated Mississippi farmhouse.
Phenolic Resin Kitchen Countertop Idea
At first glance, you might think the black countertop shown here is soapstone or quartz, but it's actually a material called phenolic resin. It's often found in a chemistry lab setting due to its durability, which is what makes it a good (and also economical) choice for farmhouse kitchens where countertops should be able to take a beating.
Marble Kitchen Countertop Idea
This impressive 10-foot island is no doubt the heart of the kitchen. The cool marble countertops provide a pretty, neutral palette as well as the ideal place to bake.
Antique Butcher Block Kitchen Countertop Idea
Old breaks the mold in this renovated galley kitchen. The treasured antique butcher block table adds an additional prep and serving surface, as well as much-needed warmth and patina. Everything else here is new, including the marble-inspired quartz countertops and butcher block window seat beyond.
Island Overhang Kitchen Countertop Idea
Create a comfortable island eating area with a right-size countertop overhang. A typical overhang range is 12-18 inches, but confirm the dimensions before installation because it does matter. For instance, 12 inches doesn't leave room to tuck away most counter stools, but longer overhangs may require support brackets or posts.
Reclaimed Marble Kitchen Countertop Idea
An old printer's table topped with reclaimed marble serves as a storage-friendly island. The curved ends of the island topper create enough overhang for a small stool on each side.
Honed Granite Kitchen Countertop Idea
In this Tennessee cabin, black honed granite countertops top painted poplar cabinets. Honed surfaces, which are stripped of their reflective shine, are popular for their matte finish that hides scratches and their modern farmhouse look.
RELATED: See more of this restored Tennessee log cabin.
Heated Kitchen Countertop Idea
Thanks to an electric mat installed underneath, the quartz countertop (Calacatta Laza) on this 7-by-5-foot kitchen island is heated.
RELATED: See more of this gorgeous newly-built Minnesota lake cottage.
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertop Idea
This lake house kitchen boasts a casual, friendly vibe, thanks to a happy hodgepodge of barstools, nostalgic finds like the "café" sign, and practical design choices like butcher block countertops and painted floors.
RELATED: See inside this Missouri lake cabin.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
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