Latest kitchen benchtop trends for 2024

Are you in the midst of deciding what you want from your upcoming kitchen renovation? We understand how difficult it can be to select the right fixtures and fittings. You want it to look great, work well, and remain timeless.

A kitchen benchtop is perhaps the most defining characteristic within the space, and it contributes to the 'personality' you're trying to create. In addition, the right kitchen benchtop ensures that your kitchen is functional. Practically speaking, the kitchen benchtops are where you prepare meals and keep anything you need close at hand when working in the kitchen.

So, with your kitchen surfaces in mind, here are the latest trends for your home renovation in 2024.

Article Summary

1. Marble
2. Stone
3. Warm Aesthetic
4. Laminate
5. Other Options

1. Marble

Marble, with its opulent aesthetic, can instantly elevate any look. Marble is a timeless stone that looks great in every kitchen, whether it's country, contemporary, Hamptons, or otherwise, and it's also really easy to maintain. If there are no feature colours or texture contrasts to add warmth and visual appeal to an all-white kitchen, it may feel sterile. So, if you're going with white, think about what other elements you might add to visually balance the room.

Heavily veined marble is making a big comeback in the design world and has become associated with high-end luxury. Marbles with naturally heavy veining make a bold statement and create a textural contrast between other polished surfaces, metals and woods.

2. Stone

Stone, or, more accurately, engineered or composite stone, is the most common option for kitchen benchtops among renovators. It comes in a wide variety of colours, from bright whites to dark greys, and is made from natural aggregates combined with resins. To add appeal, pick a solid colour or one with flecks of different-coloured stone running through it. A skirting fixed to the edge will achieve a chunky look, but the latest trend is a 20mm thick edge for a smoother, slimline appearance.

Stone benchtops have the advantage of being extremely sturdy and easy to clean. The non-porous surface is stain and scratch-resistant and needs no ongoing maintenance. Quartz is a common engineered stone benchtop. Once a product that was considered 'exclusive', there is now a vast range of modern engineered stones.

3. Warm Aesthetic

Kitchens have traditionally been rather cold, as evidenced by the materials used: stone slabs, ceramic tiles, crisp white cabinets, and chrome door handles. However, there is a trend towards a warmer, more natural look. The aesthetic has shifted from sleek and cool to warm and chic. The temperature is turned up in both spaces, and they tend to feel more nature-inspired in terms of the finishes used.  

Kitchens are becoming more organic not only in terms of lines, such as curved islands and walls, but also in terms of materials, such as wood grains and composite stone. Wood, which had gone out of style for a while, is now experiencing a return. To bring out the warm tones, use fine-grained ash, which is paler than oak or walnut.

4. Laminate

If you're renovating your kitchen on a budget, laminate is the way to go, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Laminate comes in the widest variety of colours and designs, and it can be made to look like more costly materials such as timber, stone, or even concrete. That means you can get the look you want without paying a fortune. It's stain-resistant and easy to clean, but it's more prone to scratching and scorching, so use a cutting board and use caution when using hot pots and pans. Modern laminates that closely imitate the appearance of marble are especially common, and they cost a fraction of the price of genuine marble.

5. Other Options

Because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability, porcelain benchtops are becoming increasingly common. They can withstand high temperatures, scratches, and stains, and their low porosity makes them an extremely sanitary option.

Granite is a beautiful and long-lasting surface for your kitchen benchtop. You'll need a big budget too, because it's the second most expensive material after marble. On the plus side, it comes in a dazzling array of designs and colours, and it can handle just about anything you throw at it. To maintain the shine of granite, clean it with warm water and soap.

Stainless steel is a great material that also has a lot of practical uses in the kitchen. It has a non-porous surface that makes it water, heat, and stain-resistant. If you want a bacteria-free countertop and a splash-free surface, stainless steel is an excellent idea. A chef's favourite, stainless steel can also be the texture you need to balance your palette.

A little bit of thought can bring to life a well-designed and easy-to-access kitchen. Need help renovating your kitchen?

Further Reading

• How Much Do Caesarstone Benchtops Cost? | Cost Guide
• Best House Renovation Ideas for 2022
• 5 Space-Saving Kitchen Renovation Ideas