The natural stone countertop landscape is evolving in exciting new directions as we move into 2026. Driven by a desire for warmth, sustainability, and personal expression, Twin Cities’ homeowners are embracing bolder materials, richer colors, and more natural textures. Based on findings from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and design leaders nationwide, here are the defining trends shaping next year’s kitchens and baths, with insights from All American Granite, the Twin Cities authority in natural stone design, fabrication, and installation.
Quartz Still Reigns… But Natural Quartzite Is Rising Fast
While engineered quartz continues to dominate the countertop market, natural quartzite is rapidly gaining traction. According to NKBA research, over 60% of design professionals expect quartzite’s popularity to surge in 2026. Homeowners love its warm, organic veining and the fact that it’s a sustainable, heat- and scratch-resistant natural stone. Quartzite offers the authentic look of marble with the durability of granite, a perfect blend for busy kitchens.
At All American Granite, quartzite options such as Taj Mahal and White Macaubas are among the most requested surfaces for high-end kitchen remodels in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
Warm, Earthy Neutrals Replace Cool Grays
The color palette of 2026 leans toward warm taupes, creamy beiges, sand tones, and terracotta hues. These natural shades reflect the growing trend toward cozy, grounded interiors that pair beautifully with wood cabinetry, matte fixtures, and organic textures. Homeowners are trading sterile whites for surfaces that bring subtle depth and timeless warmth to their kitchens and bathrooms.
Bold Veining and Expressive Slabs
Minimalist stone selections are giving way to slabs that make a statement. Designers are specifying materials with dramatic veining, strong movement, and high-contrast color patterns. Slip-matched and continuous-flow installations are replacing the once-popular book-match, resulting in a more natural, sculptural appearance. These bold slabs often serve as the visual centerpiece of modern kitchens, especially in waterfall island applications.
Color Returns to Countertops
After years of neutral trends, color is making a comeback. Deep greens, burgundy marble, and even purple-veined quartzites are finding their way into design-forward homes. This resurgence reflects homeowners’ growing confidence in using stone to express individuality. These vibrant choices pair perfectly with soft neutral cabinetry or minimalist hardware for balance and sophistication.
Material-Specific Trends
Quartzite: The Sustainable Star
Quartzite’s growing popularity stems from its authentic beauty and superior performance. It offers a natural alternative to manufactured quartz, without the resin-based environmental concerns. Homeowners love quartzite for its durability, heat resistance, and ability to maintain its beauty even under heavy use, making it ideal for active family kitchens.
Marble: Classic Elegance Reimagined
Marble never goes out of style — it simply evolves. In 2026, expect to see bold, colorful marbles like green, burgundy, and gold-veined varieties joining timeless Calacatta and Carrara. These stones are being celebrated for their individuality and natural aging process, which adds character over time. All American Granite’s artisans often recommend honed finishes to enhance marble’s soft, organic appeal while reducing glare and visible wear.
Soapstone: Understated Luxury
Soapstone continues to rise in popularity for its matte texture, deep tones, and ability to develop a natural patina. Its tactile warmth and durability make it a favorite for homeowners seeking a lived-in, yet luxurious look. Soapstone’s low maintenance and natural resistance to bacteria also make it an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms.
Granite: A Modern Reinvention
Though traditional speckled granite has faded in popularity, modern granites with flowing, marble-like veining are enjoying renewed interest. These new varieties combine granite’s unbeatable durability with the elegance and movement today’s homeowners crave.
Matte and Honed Finishes Dominate
High-gloss finishes are giving way to honed and matte surfaces that highlight a stone’s natural texture and color variation. Beyond aesthetics, these finishes are more forgiving of fingerprints and scratches, offering a soft, contemporary feel that fits seamlessly into today’s organic design trends.
- Better slip resistance and tactile comfort
- Subtle, modern aesthetic
- Enhanced visibility of natural veining
- Reduced glare in bright kitchens
Edge Details and Sculptural Islands
Edge profiles are no longer an afterthought — they’re becoming design statements. Styles like cove bullnose, ogee, and Dupont edges are trending, showcasing craftsmanship and adding personality to kitchen islands. At the same time, ultra-thin slabs (as slim as 1 cm) are enabling sleeker silhouettes and more creative applications, from floating vanities to wrapped waterfall edges.
Stone Backsplashes and Seamless Surfaces
Full-slab stone backsplashes are now preferred over traditional tile, delivering a clean, unified look with minimal grout lines. Quartz and quartzite remain the top choices for this trend, blending the countertop and wall into a single, continuous surface. The result: less maintenance, a high-end aesthetic, and more visual impact.
Bathrooms Embrace Natural Stone Luxury
Bathroom design is following the same organic and nature-inspired direction. In 2026, expect to see freestanding tubs framed by marble, soapstone, or quartzite, sculptural microcement vanities, and natural stone walls that flow seamlessly into the shower area. Light-filled bathrooms featuring soft beige, clay, or forest green tones will define the luxury spa aesthetic of the year.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Environmental responsibility continues to influence material choice. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to natural stone for its low carbon footprint, recyclability, and longevity. Unlike manufactured alternatives, natural stone requires minimal chemical processing and lasts for decades, making it a truly sustainable design investment.
Expert Insight from All American Granite
At All American Granite, we’ve seen firsthand how these trends are transforming Twin Cities homes. We partner with 10 leading Twin Cities slab selection centers to offer the area’s most extensive range of premium natural stone.
From warm quartzites to statement marbles and modern granite, every surface we fabricate is precision-cut and expertly installed for lasting beauty. Whether you’re designing a new kitchen, updating a vanity, or planning a full remodel, our specialists will guide you from slab selection to final installation, ensuring your project reflects the very best of 2026 design innovation.
Looking Ahead
The countertop trends of 2026 represent more than just a shift in style, they signal a return to authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to nature. As homeowners seek materials that balance durability, sustainability, and individuality, natural stone stands unmatched. And in the Twin Cities, All American Granite continues to set the standard for quality, service, and artistry in every project we create.
Ready to explore the latest natural stone trends for your home? Visit our Burnsville showroom or schedule your free consultation today.
