2024 Stone Countertop Trends
Stone countertops play a pivotal role in many construction and home redesign projects. Stone countertops have given designers and homeowners the ability to meet their design needs without having to compromise. As the stone market evolves and new materials emerge, there are many upcoming trends we can expect in 2024.
Emerging Stone Countertop Materials
Many people are familiar with granite and marble countertops as they have grown popular over the years. However, with the growing demand for stone countertops and changes in design trends, contractors and designers are constantly looking for new stone materials to incorporate in their redesign projects. Stone materials that are expected to trend in 2024 include:
Quartz Countertops
Quartz has become one of the trendiest countertop materials and is expected to dominate the stone countertop industry in years to come. It remains a popular material for all types of applications including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and shower surrounds. Quartz is a non-porous stone so it repels liquid and bacteria, and it is stain resistant. Quartz is one of the most versatile stone materials. Unlike natural stones, quartz slabs are man-made and handcrafted using a mix of quartz, resin and pigments. It can be made in certain colors that can range from black, blue and neutral hues.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a natural stone material that has grown more popular in recent years. It offers similar traits to granite, including durability and heat-resistance. However, quartzite colors are more subtle with strokes of color and veining ranging from taupes and whites to blues and grays. Quartzite has become an extremely appealing countertop material.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a unique stone material with characteristics unlike other stones. It is a softer material than other natural stones, so it may be more susceptible to scratches. But despite this, it remains a durable and dense stone. It comes in hues of gray and gives off a powdery matte-like finish. Depending on your needs and preferences, soapstone can make an excellent choice for countertops, adding character and definition to your design.
Design Trends in Stone Countertops for 2024
In 2024, new trends in colors and patterns, finishes and edge profiles are expected to emerge in stone countertop design.
Colors and Patterns
Bold veining is also becoming more sought out because it brings character and texture to your design for a more prominent look. This unique feature varies in every natural stone slab, giving you the option to hand-pick a slab with the veining and pattern you envision for your room or space.
Surface Finishes and Textures
Natural stones are given a final finish or texture during their fabrication stage. This contributes to the overall look and feel of your stone design. Surfaces and finishes that are expected to gain popularity in the upcoming year include:
- Leathered: Leathered stones have a soft sheen that helps define the natural texture of the stone. This finish is more popular in darker colored slabs because it enhances the earthiness and richness of the stone.
- Honed: Honed finishes are becoming more popular with a satiny, buffed look. It gives a warmer feel compared to a polished or shiny finish. This is becoming more appealing as we see a decline in polished finishes.
- Matte: A matte finish is similar to a leathered finish, but has a softer look. The matte eliminates any glossiness on the slab for a more dull and smooth appearance. This is a more modern finish that has become more common in recent years.
Edges and Customization Options
The edges and customization options that are available for stone countertops have made them appealing in the design industry. The edge profile contributes to the function and aesthetic of your design. Edge profiles that we see gaining popularity are:
- Waterfall edge: The waterfall edge is a design statement that is often done on a kitchen island or peninsula. This profile is created by conjoining the countertop slab with a slab that wraps around the side of the island or cabinetry. This alludes to a larger surface area with a continuous flow of color and texture. This timeless design is expected to keep in trend in 2024.
- Chiseled edge: A chiseled edge countertop is raw and textured edging that gives more of a natural look. This is perfect for a rustic or industrial design where textures are exposed. This edge profile is becoming more popular and appealing in home redesign projects.
- Straight edge: The straight edge is the most common edging that we don’t expect to see a decline in anytime soon. This edge profile is timeless and goes with every design style. It is a 90-degree angle for a smooth, clean and modern look that will remain on trend as fads come and go.
Aside from textured finishes and edge profiles for stone countertops, stone offers many customization options. Designers and homeowners enjoy the ability to completely manipulate their stone by taking advantage of new and improved technology to achieve complicated or intricate designs. Some of the latest innovations in stone fabrication include laser templating, waterjet cutting and seam producing technology.
Integration of Technology in Stone Countertop Design
As technology advances, stone fabrication and customization has evolved to create new opportunities in home redesign projects. With state-of-the-art machinery and cutting-edge technology emerging, fabricators are able to achieve the design expectations of their customers. The integration of technology in stone countertop design has led to:
- Advancements in cutting and fabrication techniques
- Incorporation of smart features
- Ability to achieve design aesthetic and improve functionality
Cutting and Fabrication Technology
The emergence of waterjet saw machines such as the CNC Waterjet Saw allows for precise cuts and versatility to cut any material into any shape or size. In addition, the Seam Phantom is a new system that produces high-quality seams in all types of stone materials. These innovations and technologies have several advantages and have advanced the stone design industry.
Smart Features in Stone Design
Advancements in technology have led to further customization options for stone countertops, including the incorporation of smart features. Backlit stone is becoming more and more popular, adding a unique touch and illuminating the character of the stone. This is achieved by placing LED lights beneath the surface of a semi-translucent stone.
Smart features such as integrated wireless charging and heated countertops are also emerging as technology develops. Wireless charging uses charging pads directly beneath the stone’s surface to easily charge smartphones and devices. This is an appealing feature that combines function with aesthetic. Heated countertops and flooring have also become more popular as technology improves and becomes more streamlined. Heated stone applications are often seen as a luxury and used in colder climates. Stone fabrication and technology integration are expected to rise in popularity in the upcoming years as additional advancements in technology develop.
Technology’s Effect on Stone Design
Technology is influencing the aesthetics and functionality of stone countertops by making sophisticated designs come to fruition. New tools and equipment have given fabricators the ability to take accurate measurements, make precise cuts and achieve certain fabrication techniques on all stone materials. Technology has increased speed and performance by helping to streamline the fabrication process and ensuring consistency in quality. Without today’s technology, stone countertop design would not have the appeal it has gained over the years.
Choose Granite and Marble Design for Your Upcoming Stone Countertop Project
Granite and Marble Designs always stays ahead of the latest design trends, providing the most popular and modern stone slabs along with the latest fabrication techniques. We offer many types of stones including granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, soapstone, and more. We also work with many suppliers who can provide the exact stone that you would like to use for your project. As a fabricator, we use the most advanced and cutting-edge machinery that allows us to make clean and precise cuts, fabricate edge profiles, produce quality seams and ensure quality-control for every project.
Our expert craftsmanship and advanced technology set us apart from our competitors. Granite and Marble Designs would like to work with you and help you achieve your upcoming stone countertop design.
Call 303-551-6000 or request a free project quote.