Current Styles in Granite and Marble
Modern kitchens continue to evolve. Homeowners now look for surfaces that blend beauty with function. Granite and marble remain top choices. But the way they’re used has changed.
Granite Is Still King — With a Twist
Granite has always been known for its strength and rich patterns. Lately, we see more neutral tones — whites, soft grays, and even jet blacks. Busy, speckled slabs are fading out. In their place, slabs with clean movement and flowing veins are trending.
On the flip side, dramatic granites with bold color streaks are making a comeback in high-end, statement kitchens. Think black granite with gold veins or blue tones with crystal specks. These pieces work well as centerpieces — like an island or accent wall.
Marble Gets Modern
Marble is softer than granite but brings timeless class. Today, we see a push for large-format marble with subtle veining. Calacatta and Carrara are two popular choices. Calacatta has bold, thick veins, while Carrara is softer and more cloud-like.
A newer trend? Bookmatching. This is where two slabs are cut and polished like mirror images, creating a stunning pattern when placed side by side. It’s used in backsplashes or feature walls behind cooktops.
Finishes: Honed vs. Polished vs. Leathered
The finish you choose changes the entire feel of the kitchen.
Polished Finish
This is the classic high-gloss look. It brings out the colors and veining in both granite and marble. Polished stone reflects light and makes small kitchens feel larger. But it shows fingerprints, smudges, and scratches more easily.
Honed Finish
Honed stone has a matte or satin look. It’s smooth but not shiny. This finish has gained popularity because of its modern, understated feel. It also hides scratches and fingerprints better than polished stone. However, it may need more sealing, especially with marble.
Leathered Finish
This finish gives the stone a textured surface. It looks rich and feels soft but has a bit of ruggedness to it. Leathered granite is especially popular for dark slabs — like Absolute Black — adding depth and character. It resists fingerprints and offers a unique tactile experience.
Edge Profiles: More Than Just a Detail
Edge design may seem like a small thing, but it shapes the personality of the kitchen. Let’s go over a few popular ones:
Eased Edge
Also called a straight edge with slightly rounded corners. It’s clean, modern, and the most popular right now. It works great with minimalist styles.
Beveled Edge
This edge cuts the top corner at a 45-degree angle. It adds a little flair without going overboard. It fits transitional kitchens well.
Ogee Edge
This one is more classic and ornate. It has an S-shaped curve. People often choose this for traditional or luxury-style kitchens.
Mitered Edge (Waterfall Look)
This is a newer trend, especially with thick countertops. A mitered edge joins two slabs at a 45-degree angle, making the stone look 2–3 inches thick. It creates a bold, high-end look. It’s often used on kitchen islands and waterfall sides.
Real-Life Examples
A client in Downtown Chicago recently asked for a black granite island with a leathered finish. We went with a mitered edge, giving the stone a heavy, grounded feel. The finish resisted smudges, which was perfect for their busy home with three kids.
Another job in Buffalo Grove involved a minimalist kitchen with white cabinets and Carrara marble countertops. We honed the marble to match the soft tones of the cabinetry. The eased edge kept the lines crisp and clean. The result was simple, but elegant.
One more example — a Long Grove condo renovation. We installed a dramatic blue granite slab with natural crystal flecks as a waterfall island. Polished finish. The slab caught every bit of sunlight from the open windows. When buyers walked in, it was the first thing they saw.
Practical Implementation and Benefits of Modern Granite and Marble Trends
Where to Use Each Trend
1. Countertops
The most obvious place, and still the most important. Granite is best for high-use areas like kitchen counters and islands. It’s tough, heat-resistant, and easy to clean when sealed. Honed or leathered granite works especially well in busy kitchens because they hide wear better.
Marble, while softer, still holds its place in counters for people who cook less or want a showpiece. Honed marble is ideal for low-traffic surfaces, like a breakfast bar or baking station.
2. Backsplashes
This is where marble shines. A full-slab backsplash with bookmatched marble creates a high-end, seamless look. It’s not just about design — fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning.
Granite backsplashes are less common but can work well when they match or contrast with the countertop. If a client wants a bold, unified appearance, using the same granite on both surfaces creates impact.
3. Waterfall Islands
If someone wants a modern wow-factor, suggest a waterfall island. This is where the stone flows over the edge and down to the floor. It works beautifully with both granite and marble — especially when using a mitered edge.
A polished finish will emphasize the natural colors and veining. On the other hand, a leathered or honed finish brings a more subtle, matte statement.
4. Feature Walls
More designers and homeowners are using natural stone as vertical art. One slab of granite with wild veining or deep color tones can completely transform a wall behind a range or inside a niche.
Honed marble panels in a grid can bring a spa-like softness into the kitchen. Perfect for open-concept homes where the kitchen is part of the living area.
5. Edge Styles in Real Use
For most projects, I recommend eased or beveled edges. They’re clean, modern, and safe — especially around kids.
Ogee or double ogee is great when someone wants that traditional luxury kitchen look. But I always remind folks: fancy edges take more time and cost more. They also collect more dust and grease.
A mitered edge, especially on islands, offers a chunky, high-end feel. But it needs solid install skills — not everyone can get that seam tight and smooth. Let’s just say, that’s where the real fabricators shine (yes, I mean us!).
Why These Trends Matter – Real Benefits
Function Meets Form
These trends aren’t just pretty — they solve real problems. Honed and leathered finishes hide smudges, which makes cleaning easier. That’s key in open kitchens where mess is on full display.
Durability
Granite is nearly indestructible when sealed properly. It handles hot pans, spills, and even the occasional “oops, I dropped the cast-iron skillet” moment. Leathered granite adds grip too — fewer chances of a wine glass sliding off.
Value Boost
Modern kitchens with updated stone finishes boost resale value. Buyers love natural stone, and trendy styles — like waterfall islands and full-slab backsplashes — make listings stand out. It’s not just design, it’s a smart investment.
Custom Style
Because granite and marble are natural materials, no two slabs are the same. When clients choose bold veining or bookmatching, their kitchen becomes one of a kind. That’s something quartz can’t fully offer.
Sustainability
Believe it or not, natural stone is a green choice. It’s durable, long-lasting, and doesn’t need replacing every 10 years like laminate or cheaper synthetics. And if it ever gets tired? A polish, reseal, or small refinish can bring it back to life.
Final Thoughts from the Field
After more than two decades, I’ve seen trends come and go. But granite and marble stay strong. Why? They’re real, they last, and when used right — they turn kitchens into showpieces.
Of course, each home and budget is different. Not every project needs bookmatched slabs or a 3-inch mitered island. Sometimes, a well-sealed honed granite top with a clean edge is all it takes to make a kitchen shine.
And hey — if someone’s unsure, a good consultation (like the kind we do on-site) helps sort the dreams from the reality. That’s where the magic happens.
