5 kitchen countertop mistakes designers warn to avoid if you want a cooking space that is equal parts pretty and practical

A kitchen is one of the biggest investments for your home, so each element needs to be thoughtfully chosen. And if there's one feature that people often get wrong, it's the countertops.

We've all been there – faced with a ton of kitchen countertop ideas, materials, and options, all with their own pros and cons. But there are a few errors people commonly make that designers say are always really noticeable.

But what are they? I've asked the experts to share the kitchen countertop mistakes you need to avoid if you want a cooking space that is equal parts pretty and practical. And honestly? Their responses make a lot of sense.

5 kitchen countertop mistakes to avoid

Designing a kitchen is a long process, filled to the brim with important decision-making – choices no one wants to get wrong. To ease at least a bit of the pressure, interior designers have shared the kitchen countertop mistakes that you will live to regret, which in the long run, will help you to avoid a costly error.

1. Choosing a glossy finish

When it comes to choosing your kitchen countertops, it can be tempting to make choices based on tones and colors to match your scheme.

But a mistake many designers see all too often is all about the finish. A factor you probably thought was reserved for paint, but there are cases where people choose materials with a shiny finish that can really cheapen the look of your kitchen.

'Countertops can feel outdated when they lean into trends. We steer clear of polished or glossy materials, heavily speckled granite, and intensely veined quartz,' says Lauren Williams, of MV Architects.

'Instead, we encourage clients to choose natural stones like marble or soapstone with honed finishes that add texture and warmth. These options provide a classic, timeless appeal that's still fresh.'

Of course, this is a time and a place for a statement stone with bold veining and distinctive colors, but unless you have your heart set on a busy, bold kitchen, it's a look that you will probably tire of quite quickly.

After all, there is a beauty in subtlety that stands the test of time. Opting for a more matte finish with a pared-back look will not only age well as styles interchange, but it gives you a great base to go bold or neutral with the rest of your design, like paint colors and accessories.

2. Faux marble paint

We know you've seen the plethora of DIY home projects all over TikTok, and yes, some of them work. But when it comes to your countertops, those seemingly fun and affordable hacks will turn out to be your greatest kitchen renovation regrets.

And we get it, few countertop materials bring the same luxurious feel and visual delight that marble does, but for many people, it's a material that's just out of the budget. But trying to replicate the look cheaply is a countertop mistake you'll want to avoid.

'Some of the trending ideas with countertops are to do a faux marble paint over existing stone countertops. This is an absolute NO for us for many reasons. First, it never quite turns out like the TikTok videos show, and it wears very quickly,' says Josh Goldberry, of Third Street Architecture.

'Additionally, cleaning and maintaining a painted surface where you do most of your meal prepping and cooking is a nightmare. Instead, we prefer clients to explore natural stone countertops for both durability and some extra accent to a space. Natural stone provides a solid surface with low maintenance and even a bit of drama to the space.'

However, if natural stone is out of the budget, there are plenty of great marble countertop alternatives, such as porcelain, soapstone, and quartzite, just to name a few – all of which are much more sophisticated than a badly painted surface. And Josh has some more affordable suggestions that always prove stylish.

'If that is out of the budget, we often encourage clients to look at remnant pieces of natural stone, which can be a great solution at a lower cost. We tell clients to avoid the man-made stone countertops like Quartz, because the conditions under which they are made have a high negative impact on those cutting and fabricating due to the high levels of silica in the product,' he adds.

3. Choosing style over function

Your kitchen countertops need to work hard in many ways. Not only do they need to match the aesthetic of your space, but they also need to be durable and stand the test of time, especially if you're investing in a beautiful natural stone.

'Falling in love with a surface just for its beauty without thinking about how it will wear day-to-day is a huge mistake. Soapstone, for example, has a classic look, but it’s softer than other stones and can scratch or chip more easily,' says interior designer Hattie Sparks.

'If you really use your kitchen (cooking nightly, hosting friends, kids pulling up stools) it’s not the best choice. Countertops should make your life easier, not leave you stressed about every nick and spill,' she explains.

In some kitchens, these softer stones are great (especially if you don't commit to cooking big, complicated meals often), but in busier households and family kitchens, something a bit more durable is more appropriate.

'On a recent project, my private chef client initially wanted soapstone, but we chose a leathered granite instead. It gave her the same soft, understated look, but with far more durability. By selecting a slab with minimal veining, we achieved the feel she loved while making sure the space could handle real family life.'

4. Underestimating how much countertop space is needed

Kitchen countertop mistakes often revolve around the material itself, but others need to be considered earlier on in the planning stages. And this particular mistake is something that should be factored in when you're planning your kitchen layout.

'One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how much countertop space is needed. A countertop is rarely just for cooking – it also becomes the place for serving, family meals, homework, or working from home,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

It's an easy mistake to make, especially if you are remodelling before you move into your new home. You haven't had a chance to live in your space, so knowing how much countertop space feels right can be a tricky thing to guess. But Lauren has some useful tips that will help you make better decisions.

'Countertops are one of the hardest-working elements in a kitchen. If there is not enough space, the whole room can feel impractical, no matter how beautifully it is designed,' she explains.

'Always allow more countertop space than you think you will need – it is one of the simplest ways to make a kitchen genuinely functional.'

5. Cabinet and island countertops have to match

There are a lot of decorating techniques that are championed in kitchens, from two-tone kitchen cabinets to the trend for a statement island. But when it comes to your kitchen countertops, people often think they have to keep things uniform.

'Another misconception is that islands and wall cabinets must always match. In fact, a considered contrast can add visual interest and make a statement, while still feeling cohesive within the space,' says Lauren.

Two-tone kitchen countertops are a great opportunity to have fun with your design, create contrast, and add a new texture that instantly brings your design to life. And it's an approach Lauren recommends for a number of reasons.

'When it comes to kitchen islands and wall cabinetry, keeping everything uniform can sometimes mean missing the opportunity to make a statement and bring greater depth to the overall design,' she adds.

'Don’t be afraid to contrast the countertops on your island and wall cabinetry. Done with thought, it can bring balance and personality while keeping the overall scheme harmonious.'

We appreciate that choosing the right material, color, and design can be a tricky decision, but hopefully, these common mistakes will help you avoid any bad choices. You can also look to this year's kitchen countertop trends for inspiration – just avoid these countertop materials going out of style.