What’s the Deal with Countertops? Redoing Your Kitchen Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Style)

Let’s talk countertops.
Because somewhere between "I'm just going to update the cabinets" and "Why does my entire house look like a construction site?"—you’ll find yourself staring into the abyss of countertop choices like you're about to take the SATs.

Now here’s a little behind-the-scenes honesty:

David and I have been dreaming about redoing our kitchen for years. YEARS. You’d think, as Realtors, we’d know exactly what we want—we see beautiful kitchens all the time. (We also see some dogs, let’s be honest.) But even we are as confused as everyone else when it comes to choosing countertops.

Right now, our kitchen proudly sports cream-colored Corian. Yes… cream. Corian. The countertop that no one, in the history of ever, has said, “Please give me the cream-colored Corian countertops for my dynamic and engaging kitchen.” It’s not exactly the crown jewel.

Which brings us to the point: Countertops are the crown jewel of your kitchen.
They’re the first thing people notice. They anchor the space. They set the tone. And with so many choices, it’s easy to spiral.

So, let’s break it down. Here's your countertop crash course—no design jargon, no judgment, just real talk.

1. Granite: The Tried-and-True OG

What it is: 100% natural stone, quarried from the earth, sliced into slabs, and polished to high-gloss fabulousness.

Why people love it: It’s strong, heat-resistant, and each slab is unique—Mother Nature’s version of bespoke.

Best for: Home chefs, classic kitchens, and anyone who still uses their oven for more than storage.

But be aware: It needs to be sealed periodically (think once a year), or it’ll absorb stains faster than you can say “red wine reduction.”

Trend rating: Still beloved, but not the it girl she once was. Solid choice, just not the newest flavor on the design block.

2. Quartz: The Crowd-Pleaser

What it is: Man-made using crushed stone and resin. It’s like the charcuterie board of countertops—composed, curated, and always a good time.

Why people love it: Non-porous, super easy to clean, no sealing required, and the color options are endless. It can look like marble without the drama.

Best for: Busy households, messy cooks, neat freaks, and anyone who doesn’t want to babysit their counters.

But be aware: While it’s durable, it does not love heat. You’ll want a trivet or two for those hot pans.

Trend rating:
Hot. Especially in creamy whites and veined patterns that mimic marble. Major design crush status.

3. Marble: The Diva

What it is: Luxe, luminous, and made of calcite—aka, delicate and prone to mood swings.

Why people love it: It’s stunning. Timeless. Romantic. The runway model of countertops.

Best for: Bakeries, patisseries, and people who don’t mind a few “character marks” in exchange for that show-stopping aesthetic.

But be aware: It stains. It etches. It scratches. And it wants to be babied. If countertops were in therapy, marble would go weekly.

Trend rating: Always fashionable, but not always practical. Looks fabulous on islands or in small doses if you're commitment-shy.

4. Quartzite: The Strong, Silent Type

What it is: A natural stone that’s often confused with quartz, but this one is au naturel. It’s harder than granite and prettier than most prom queens.

Why people love it: Looks like marble, performs like granite. Best of both worlds.

Best for: People who want beauty and brawn.

But be aware: It still needs to be sealed. And it can be pricey, but worth it if you want natural stone without the high-maintenance attitude.

Trend rating: Rising star. Becoming a designer favorite, especially with names like “Taj Mahal” and “Sea Pearl.”

5. Soapstone: The Cool Kid

What it is: Natural, smooth, and darkens over time like a fine wine.

Why people love it: Soft to the touch, heat-resistant, and gives off those “old world charm meets modern cool” vibes. You can set a hot pan down without a second thought.

Best for: Cottagecore kitchens, farmhouse chic, or anyone who dreams in moody neutrals.

But be aware: It’s soft, so it’ll scratch. But some people love the patina. (Think of it like leather—it ages with flair.)

Trend rating: Quietly cool. A little under the radar, but beloved by design insiders.

So, What Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

Do you cook a lot? (Go for heat-resistant.)
Do you want low maintenance? (Quartz might be your bestie.)
Do you want natural stone? (Granite, marble, soapstone, or quartzite.)
Do you want to impress your neighbors and Instagram followers? (Marble’s your showstopper.)
Do you want to future-proof your kitchen? (Look at quartzite and quartz—trendy and lasting.)

And while we’re being real—trends come and go, but function is forever. Just because waterfall edges are having a moment doesn’t mean they’ll age well. (Anyone remember avocado appliances?)

Kitchen Remodel Rule #1:

Pick what you love, and pick what you can live with.

You're going to look at those counters more than you think—morning coffee, midnight snacks, questionable leftovers—so make sure they work for your life, not just in your photos.

And if you need someone to talk you off the design ledge or connect you with a rock-solid countertop installer (see what I did there?), you know where to find me.

The Cobb Group | eXp Luxury Realty
Strategic Moves. Lasting Relationships.

Contact Allison Cobb
Call/Text: 843-422-8680
Email: allison@thecobbgroup.com
Website: www.thecobbgroup.com

Written by Allison Cobb

The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.

Posted by The Cobb Group on April 2nd, 2025