Glowing countertops – the feature that demands attention in the kitchen

It’s easy to make a statement in the kitchen with your choice of countertops. 

Through the choice of materials, colors, and textures, there are endless kitchen countertop ideas that can make them the focal point of your space. 

But what if we were to tell you that a new and striking kitchen countertop trend has emerged that might become part of your kitchen lighting ideas, too? Glowing countertops are set to make waves in kitchen design. Here's what you need to know about this fabulous statement feature.

What are glowing countertops? 

Glowing countertops elevate statement marble island countertops by using a translucent backlight that turns the stone into a luminous feature. 

'Statement marbled island tops have been popular for a long time, and in the past, going thick, ultra-thin, or adding downstands has been a way to accentuate the stone as a focal point,' says Alice Hood, a senior designer at Roundhouse. Alice worked with Interior designer Zoe Murphy at Stealth Design and lighting designer Marcus Steffen from MS Lighting Design to create the kitchen photographed throughout.

'Now, for the unexpected wow factor, there is another option: setting the island aglow. With certain countertop options offering a translucency waiting to be backlit, one can create a new dimension to the central showpiece and make it truly dazzle.'

How to introduce glowing countertops

With their luxe aesthetic – and certain ability to provoke conversation – it is easy to introduce glowing countertops into a contemporary home. However, there are some design strategies worth using to ensure this feature makes the unrivaled statement it should. 

1. Tone down the surrounding colors  

Alice explains that you may need to consider decluttering as well as dialing down the volume on other kitchen ideas to stop your space feeling too intense.  

'In the modern home, there is often a need for balance between a clutter-free space and comforting warmth, and this can be achieved by adding textures rather than contrasting color pops or too many objects,' she says. 

2. Combine with neutrals for a soothing aura  

Glowing countertops, such as the one pictured above, have a lava-like appearance and are likely to blend crystalline textures with golden tones that shine in the dark. To emphasize the countertops, Alice recommends paring these tones with 'warm neutrals and metallics' so the colors will complement one another perfectly. 

Meanwhile, 'the swooping waves found in onyx are accentuated to give a soothing feel', she says. 

3. Showcase the countertops’ texture 

Glowing countertops are designed to impress, so it's only right that you do everything you can to highlight their texture. 

'Maximizing the texture in the stone worktops with a backlight and creating this beautiful feature will not only show off the one-of-a-kind internal structure but can also introduce a holistic-like warmth across the scheme linking it with nature and inner calm,' Alice says. 

This will create a 'sanctuary-like space' an atmosphere that dominates interior design trends at present. 

‘Glowing countertops are a trend with mileage,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘We expect this feature will be at the top of wishlists for many seasons ahead.’