Top Stone Trends for Holiday Kitchen Remodels

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners look for ways to refresh their kitchens to accommodate gatherings and festive cooking. One of the most impactful upgrades is choosing a new stone for your countertops, backsplashes, or even flooring. Stone surfaces bring elegance, durability, and natural beauty to any kitchen space, but with a range of materials and styles available, it can be challenging to decide on the perfect look. Here, we’ll explore the top stone trends for holiday kitchen remodels that balance functionality with style, ensuring your kitchen is both beautiful and holiday-ready.

While light-colored stones have long been popular, dark stones are making a strong comeback, adding depth and sophistication to holiday kitchens. Dark granites, soapstones, and even quartzites in hues like charcoal, deep green, and midnight blue create a dramatic focal point. These stones are highly resistant to stains and scratches, making them ideal for the holiday season when heavy use is expected.

Why Choose Dark Stones:

• Stylish and Timeless: Dark countertops give kitchens a luxurious, modern edge while still being versatile enough to match various design aesthetics.
• Easy to Maintain: Many dark stones are less prone to showing stains, making them practical for holiday cooking.

For added holiday flair, pair dark countertops with metallic accents or brass hardware to create an elegant, festive vibe.

Glossy finishes have their appeal, but matte-finished stone surfaces are trending for their understated sophistication and easy maintenance. Matte stones, often available in granite, soapstone, and marble, bring a softer, contemporary feel to the kitchen while reducing the appearance of fingerprints, smudges, and watermarks—perfect for busy holiday gatherings.

Why Choose Matte Finishes:

• Less Reflective: Matte surfaces prevent glare, creating a calm, grounded look that feels cozy and welcoming.
• Low Maintenance: Matte finishes are easier to keep clean, making them ideal for high-traffic kitchens during the holidays.

Consider pairing matte countertops with textured backsplashes to add a layer of dimension and interest to your kitchen.

A natural stone backsplash can serve as a show-stopping element in the kitchen, especially for those who prefer to keep countertops simple. Large stone slabs and full-height backsplashes (extending from countertop to ceiling) are particularly popular for the holidays, adding a touch of elegance to cooking and entertaining spaces.

Why Choose Statement Backsplashes:

• Visually Striking: Stone backsplashes make a bold statement and add texture, which works beautifully against minimalist or neutral-toned kitchens.
• Durability: Natural stone backsplashes are highly durable and withstand the heat and splatters that come with holiday cooking.

Popular choices for statement backsplashes include marble, quartzite, and even bold granite, which can transform the kitchen into a sophisticated space ideal for hosting.

Stones in earthy tones—such as beige, soft greens, warm grays, and browns—are an emerging trend for homeowners seeking a warm, inviting look. Earthy stones like travertine, limestone, and certain types of granite or marble pair well with rustic holiday décor and add a sense of coziness to the kitchen.

Why Choose Earthy Stones:

• Warm Aesthetic: Earthy stones create a natural, relaxed environment that enhances the holiday ambiance.
• Versatile: Neutral, earthy tones complement a wide variety of cabinet colors and styles, from modern to traditional.

This trend is perfect for those who want a kitchen that feels inviting and harmonious, blending seamlessly with seasonal décor.

Stones with prominent veining, such as certain marbles, quartzites, and even veined granites, continue to be popular choices for adding movement and texture to kitchen countertops. Veining in natural stone creates a unique, one-of-a-kind look that instantly draws the eye and serves as a conversation piece—ideal for holiday gatherings.

Why Choose Veined Stones:

• Elegant Design: Veining adds sophistication and luxury to any space, and no two slabs are exactly the same.
• Personalized Look: With options ranging from subtle to dramatic veining, there’s a style to fit every taste.

For a cohesive look, consider pairing veined countertops with simple cabinetry and hardware, allowing the stone to be the centerpiece of the room.

Waterfall countertops, where the stone extends vertically down the sides of an island or countertop, are a popular choice for those looking to add a contemporary touch. This design adds a stunning visual element that makes the stone the focal point of the kitchen, perfect for holiday entertaining and creating a luxurious look.

Why Choose Waterfall Countertops:

• Modern Appeal: Waterfall edges give a sleek, high-end appearance that works well with both minimalistic and maximalist designs.
• Functional Protection: The stone’s vertical drop protects cabinetry and provides an extra layer of durability against knocks and scrapes.

Granite, quartz, and marble are popular choices for waterfall countertops due to their durability and range of colors, allowing for both bold and subtle looks.

A trend that’s gaining popularity is mixing different types of stone in the kitchen for a customized, layered look. For instance, pairing a quartz island with granite perimeter countertops or using a marble backsplash with a soapstone countertop adds depth and visual interest, making the kitchen feel dynamic and unique.

Why Choose Mixed Stone Materials:

• Visual Interest: Combining different stones creates contrast and can highlight different areas of the kitchen, adding a touch of artistry to the space.
• Flexibility in Budget: Mixing stone types allows homeowners to splurge on a feature area while using a more budget-friendly material in other parts of the kitchen.

This trend works well in large kitchens or open-concept spaces where different zones can have distinct looks while still working cohesively together.

Despite the introduction of bolder colors, white and neutral stone countertops remain a favorite for holiday remodels due to their timeless, clean look that works well with any décor. White and neutral tones in stones such as quartz, marble, and certain granites give kitchens a bright, airy feel that complements holiday décor beautifully.

Why Choose White and Neutral Stones:

• Versatile: Neutral stones complement virtually any color scheme or seasonal decoration, making them ideal for the holiday season and beyond.
• Bright and Clean: Light-colored stones help reflect light, making the kitchen feel larger and more inviting for gatherings.

As you prepare for the holidays, updating your kitchen with one of these stone trends can create a beautiful, functional space that brings joy to holiday gatherings and everyday moments alike. At Chippewa Stone, we’re here to help you find the perfect stone that reflects your style, fits your needs, and elevates your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic allure of dark stone, the sustainability of eco-friendly options, or the timeless elegance of neutral stones, there’s a trend here for everyone. Contact us today to explore our range of stone options and let’s create a kitchen you’ll love for holidays to come.