In 2026, glossy kitchen countertops are falling out of favor due to their tendency to show fingerprints and smudges. Designers are favoring honed and leathered finishes that absorb light and provide a softer aesthetic. These materials offer a more authentic and tactile experience, moving away from overly polished looks. The trend reflects a desire for surfaces that require less maintenance and feel more organic, enhancing the overall ambiance of the kitchen space.
"Glossy finishes on countertops are simply too revealing. A high-gloss surface reflects everything: fingerprints, smudges, watermarks, even the wrong kind of lighting. Luxury today is more about not having to work too hard, and the more attention and maintenance a surface requires, the less refined it feels."
"I'm drawn to honed and leathered finishes - they absorb light rather than bounce it, which immediately softens a space. A honed marble, for example, feels almost velvety; it has presence without being loud."
Read at Tasting Table
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