2026 Countertop Trends - What is right for you?

When choosing countertops, selecting the right material for your lifestyle and your family’s needs is just as important as the look. In this week’s blog, we’re sharing a visit to an importer of these beautiful materials, along with helpful insights into four of today’s most popular countertop options, which include manmade quartz and the natural stones of quartzite, marble, and granite, suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and more. These materials continue to be favored by designers, builders, and homeowners alike for their durability, beauty, and ability to create unique and elevated living spaces, while significantly enhancing long-term property equity.

⭐ Quartz Countertops - What is quartz and where does it come from?

Quartz countertops have become a top choice for homeowners seeking a blend of durability, style, and low maintenance. Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made primarily from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. Unlike natural stone countertops such as granite, quartzite, or marble, quartz countertops are man-made, which allows for greater consistency in color and pattern, as well as enhanced durability. Quartz countertops are an engineered stone, not a naturally occurring slab like granite or marble.

The modern quartz surface was pioneered in 1963 by Marcello Toncelli of Breton S.p.A., an Italian company. Breton developed and patented the technology that combines natural quartz crystals (about 90–95%) with resins and pigments to create a highly durable, non-porous surface. This process—often referred to as the Bretonstone® technology—became the foundation for most quartz countertop brands used today. While the quartz mineral itself is mined globally, the engineering, mixing, curing, and finishing determine the final product’s performance and appearance. This is why brand reputation and manufacturing standards matter when selecting quartz for a kitchen or bathroom. Quartz countertops are manufactured worldwide, using similar engineering processes, but quality can vary by brand and facility. Major manufacturing locations include:

• Italy – The origin of quartz technology and still home to premium manufacturers
• United States – Many leading brands produce quartz domestically
• Spain – Known for high-quality design-forward surfaces
• Israel – Home to early innovators and global brands
• China & India – Large-scale production; quality varies by manufacturer

What are the key benefits of quartz countertops?

1. Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth, making quartz countertops highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. This durability ensures your countertops will maintain their beauty for years to come.

2. Non-Porous Surface: Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they do not absorb liquids. This makes them highly resistant to stains and bacterial growth, promoting a cleaner and more hygienic kitchen or bathroom environment.

3. Low Maintenance: Because quartz countertops don’t require sealing or special treatments, they are easy to clean with just mild soap and water. This low-maintenance aspect is perfect for busy households.

4. Variety of Styles: Engineered quartz can be produced in a wide range of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of natural stone. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a classic design, there’s a quartz countertop to match your style.

5. Consistency: Since quartz countertops are manufactured, you can expect uniformity in color and pattern across your entire surface, which is ideal for large installations or matching multiple slabs.

⭐ Quartzite Countertops - What is quartzite and where does it come from?

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock formed when sandstone's quartz grains recrystallize and fuse due to intense heat and pressure deep within the earth over millions of years. This process transforms the sandstone into a dense, hard stone with a beautiful, often marble-like appearance. Quartzite countertops are slabs cut from this natural stone, prized for their unique patterns, subtle veining, and a wide range of colors that can elevate any kitchen or bathroom design. Each slab is unique, which is a big part of its appeal. Backlighting quartzite is a top trend today for designers that is creating high-impact kitchens. While it only works with specific types of quartzite, the dramatic effect is undisputed. Major sources include the countries of:

• Brazil
• India
• Italy
• Turkey
• United States 

What are the key benefits of quartzite countertops?

1. Natural Durability: Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones, even harder than granite in many cases. This makes quartzite countertops highly resistant to scratches, chips, and heat, making them ideal for busy kitchens.

2. Elegant Appearance: With its natural veining and color variations, quartzite offers a sophisticated, timeless look that can mimic the luxurious appeal of marble but with greater durability.

3. Heat Resistance: Quartzite can withstand high temperatures, so placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface is less likely to cause damage compared to other materials.

4. Unique Patterns: Because quartzite is a natural stone, each slab is one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness adds character and charm to your countertops, ensuring your space feels truly special.

5. Maintenance: While quartzite is more porous than engineered quartz, sealing the surface upon installation and periodically thereafter helps protect it from stains and moisture, keeping it looking pristine.

⭐ Marble Countertops - What is marble and where does it come from?

Marble is a natural stone formed from limestone that has undergone intense heat and pressure over millions of years. This process, known as metamorphism, causes the limestone to recrystallize, creating marble’s signature smooth texture and elegant veining. Because it is a natural material, every slab of marble is unique, with variations in color, pattern, and movement. Marble is quarried from the earth in regions known for rich geological formations. Some of the most well-known marble sources include: 

• Italy for Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario marbles.
• Greece is one of the oldest marble-producing regions in history.
• Turkey is a major global supplier with wide color variations.
• Spain is known for warm-toned and very distinctive marbles.
• The United States quarries are in Vermont, Georgia, and Colorado.
• India & Brazil are growing sources with dramatic veining and color. While marble does require some maintenance to prevent staining and etching, its timeless beauty and unique character make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

What are the key benefits of marble countertops?

1. Classic Aesthetic Appeal: Marble is renowned for its unique veining and natural patterns, which create a sophisticated and luxurious look. Each slab is one-of-a-kind, adding character and charm to any space.

2. Heat Resistance: Marble naturally withstands heat, making it an excellent surface for baking and cooking areas. You can place hot pots and pans on marble without worrying about damage, though it’s still wise to use trivets for protection.

3. Cool Surface: Marble remains cool to the touch, which is especially appreciated in warmer climates or for baking enthusiasts who need a cool surface for rolling dough.

4. Increased Home Value: The elegance and prestige associated with marble can enhance your home’s market appeal and potentially increase its resale value.

5. Versatility: Marble comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to find the perfect match for your design style, whether traditional, modern, or transitional.

6. Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, marble countertops can last for decades, maintaining their beauty and functionality over time.

⭐ Granite Countertops - What is granite and where does it come from?

Granite is a natural igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, known for its natural strength and timeless beauty. It forms deep within the Earth’s crust through the slow cooling and solidification of molten magma. This process creates a dense, hard stone with a unique, speckled appearance that varies widely in color and pattern. Granite countertops are slabs cut from large granite blocks, polished to a smooth finish, and fabricated to fit your space. Granite countertops are a popular choice for homeowners who want a durable, elegant surface that adds lasting value to their kitchens and bathrooms. Once extracted, the granite blocks are transported to fabrication facilities where they are cut, shaped, and polished into countertops ready for installation. Granite countertops remain a top choice for homeowners due to their combination of natural beauty, durability, and long-term value. Granite is quarried from natural deposits around the world, with major sources including:

• Brazil
• India
• China
• United States. 

What are the key benefits of granite countertops?

1. 
   Exceptional Durability: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. It stands up well to daily wear and tear, ensuring your countertop looks great for years.
2. Heat Resistance: Granite can withstand high temperatures, so placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface won’t cause damage. This makes it ideal for busy kitchens where cooking is frequent.
3. Unique Natural Beauty: Each granite slab features distinctive patterns and colors formed by nature, giving your countertop a one-of-a-kind look that adds character and elegance to your space.
4. Increased Home Value: Granite countertops are highly desirable among buyers and can boost your home’s resale value by enhancing its overall appeal.
5. Low Maintenance: When properly sealed, granite resists stains and bacteria, making it easy to clean and maintain. Routine sealing helps preserve its appearance and longevity.
6. Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, granite can complement virtually any design style, from traditional to modern.

Our visit to an Atlanta stone importer. What an adventure!


With over 30 years of experience in real estate, I’ve seen how investing in quality features like quartz, quartzite, marble, and granite countertops can make a significant difference in your home’s marketability and enjoyment. If you’re considering granite or other upgrades, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to me, Ann Milano of House America Group,  to discuss how an upgraded countertop can enhance your home’s beauty and, more importantly, its value!

Who is Ann Milano and the House America Group


Overall, Greater Atlanta offers a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and community, making it a highly desirable place to call home. For those interested in exploring the opportunities within this remarkable community, Ann Milano and the House America Group are here to guide you every step of the way. With a motto of "Luxury at Every Price," Ann and her team are dedicated to helping you find your perfect home in this idyllic setting. Reach out today to discover how you can become part of this extraordinary community.

Need to Sell Before You Buy?
See what your current home is worth by clicking the link that will redirect you to an online estimate from our database, and it will give you a rough idea immediately. Be sure to sign up for our monthly market reports to keep track of what your home's value is, as it can change daily. If you would like a more accurate analysis, feel free to Contact Us directly for an in-home evaluation at your convenience. At House America, Ann Milano and her team don't just put the "Sign in the Yard," they make it work for you.