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The Best Countertop Types, From an Interior Designer’s Perspective
Jun 3, 20254 min read

The Best Countertop Types, From an Interior Designer’s Perspective

Looking for an interior designer’s insight on the best countertops for kitchens, countertops for bathrooms, and countertops for laundry rooms? See my favorite countertops I've been using recently and their price, durability, and looks to make an informed decision on which to use in your home!

Kitchen countertops designed by Texas interior designer

How to decide which countertop types to use: 

There are many factors to consider when choosing which countertops to use for your home. As an East Texas interior designer, the main things that I compare countertops on are style, price, upkeep, and durability.  You also want to think about how different materials of different qualities can affect the value of your home in the long run. 

If you are designing a luxury home, you want to choose a luxury countertop that looks the part and has the quality you’re looking for. See my breakdown on five countertops I have been using and loving recently: Soapstone, Mont Blanc Quartzite, Carrara marble, Nero Mist Granite, and Statuario Quartzite. 

Kitchen interior design with countertop ideas for kitchens
Photography by Stacy Markow

Soapstone Countertops:

Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone and a very timeless & classic countertop look. The two main kinds are black with white veining, and then one in a more grey color. When choosing a color of soapstone, you'll want to think about the rest of your room design - your cabinets, your hardware, your decor, etc. 

While Soapstone does not need to be sealed at all and imperfections can be buffed out easily with mineral oil, it is a bit of a softer stone, so it is susceptible to chipping! Overall, soapstone is fairly low-maintenance if you're careful in taking care of it. 

Pros of soapstone countertops: Timeless, low upkeep, more affordable, and easy to hide imperfections

Cons of soapstone countertops: Softer stone can chip more easily, and a more limited color palette

Laundry room countertops

Mont Blanc Quartzite Countertops: 

Mont Blanc is a beautiful white quartzite with beautiful veining. It looks like a luxury, high-end Italian marble, but without as high of a price tag! It is a very classic, very luxury-looking material to use.

Quartzite is a very durable stone and will not etch, but as far as upkeep goes, it will need to be sealed every year. While it is slightly more high-maintenance than other materials, Mont Blanc is worth it because of how gorgeous it is and how much luxury it adds to your space. 

Pros of Mont Blanc countertops: Gorgeous & versatile, luxury without as high of a price tag, and durable

Cons of Mont Blanc countertops: Must be sealed yearly, higher cost 

Mont blanc quartzite countertops

Carrara Marble Countertops: 

Carrara marble is timeless and has a lot of gorgeous options for more exotic veining. It is a more inexpensive stone, but it does require upkeep. 

Carrara marble does need to be sealed every 6 months. Without sealing it and performing the required upkeep, carrara marble countertops can stain easily and are more prone to damage. However, if you are diligent about upkeep and consistently cleaning your counters, it is fairly easy to keep up with and keep looking pristine.  

Pros of Carrara Marble Countertops: Inexpensive & timeless

Cons of Carrara Marble Countertops: Requires consistent upkeep & must be sealed every 6 months

Countertops for bathrooms

Nero Mist Granite Countertops: 

This black granite mimics a black soapstone look, so it gives you that classic feel, but for a cheaper price tag. Granites are typically one of the most durable and inexpensive countertops, but are overlooked because of their tendency to appear speckled. However, this black granite gives you a timeless and elegant feel for your countertops and make a perfect choice for any luxury kitchen.

Pros of Nero Mist Granite countertops: Affordable, classic, and durable

Cons of Nero Mist Granite countertops: Not every Nero mist granite will have veining -  some will be more speckled, so you have to search a little harder to find one with movement like the one below

Nero mist granite countertops

Statuario Quartzite Countertops: 

Statuario quartzite is a gorgeous grey color with unmatched beauty and durability. While it is pricer than some of the others mentioned, this is a stunning option for any luxury home. Statuario quartzite countertops are a great option for any luxury interior design if you're willing to spend a bit more. 

Pros of statuario quartzite countertops: Luxury feel & very durable

Cons of statuario quartzite countertops: On the pricey side

See how statuario quartzite countertops look in this kitchen interior design: 

Kitchen countertop ideas

What's the Best Affordable But Quality Countertop? 

If you're looking for luxury, durability, and quality in a countertop but wanting to keep that affordable price tag, Nero Mist Grande countertops are the way to go. They are the most affordable countertop mentioned here and still one of my favorite to use as they have aesthetic appeal. 

Which Material Makes for the Best Kitchen Countertops Overall?

The best kitchen countertop for you really depends on your lifestyle. If you are really hard on your countertops then maybe you might want to do a granite or quartzite since they are typically the most durable.

If you can keep up with taking care of and cleaning your countertops consistently, marble is always a great choice. It is natural stone, so marble countertops will eventually get a little wear and tear, but that adds to the beauty of them in my opinion!


If you learned more about my top five favorite types of countertops for interior design and you’re ready to book an East Texas interior designer for your home, click here to book a consultation with me today, and we’ll find the perfect countertops for your home. 

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