Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Interior Designers Reveal the Countertop Materia”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Marble has long been the epitome of luxury and elegance. Michelangelo's David, the Taj Mahal, or that spa on your Pinterest board: all share this majestic material. But is marble losing some of its charm? According to Zillow's Home Trends 2026 report, real estate listings highlighting marble bathrooms have fallen by 15%. "We're starting to see homeowners lean towards materials with more warmth and texture," says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert.
Interior designers, however, are clear: marble is a classic for a reason. "In my opinion, marble will never truly go out of style," asserts Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors. "It's timeless, has history, and is irreplaceable for the natural beauty it possesses."
Nevertheless, the designer acknowledges that more and more clients are opening up to other options. "We're seeing a shift in how beauty is valued versus practicality," she admits. "The charm of a lived-in patina doesn't convince everyone, especially families with an intense pace of life or those seeking the same elegance but with less maintenance."
Designer Golara Ghasemi agrees and emphasizes the importance of betting on durable materials. "A surface that dazzles in the material store, like polished marble, can disappoint soon when stains, scratches appear, or you have to clean it daily for it to look good," she explains. "The key is to choose by thinking first about your lifestyle and then about aesthetics."
So, what is the stone of the moment? We asked six interior designers and they all agreed: natural quartz or quartzite is having its big boom. "Many clients are betting on quartzite and quartz, which have the movement of marble but without its fragility," explains Kristen Wolff, Director of Interior Design at Brandon Architects.
Like marble, quartzite is a natural stone, but more practical for daily use… and with some added advantages. Designer Lauren Saab highlights that "its veins and tones have the richness of a work of art, but are perfect for everyday use."
Bonus point: it's resistant. "Quartz is as elegant as marble, but more durable and doesn't need much maintenance," comments Reanna Channer, founder of Design to Elevate studio. "Quartzite withstands heat, so no more running for trivets as soon as you take a pot off the fire."
The only disadvantage? Katelyn Gilmour of KBG Design reminds us that "being a porous stone, it needs annual or semi-annual sealing." But, she adds, "its natural beauty is well worth it."
Those who prefer to avoid any type of maintenance can opt for quartz, an alternative manufactured with a mineral base. "It provides timeless elegance without worries," explains Ghasemi. Saab highlights its "smooth and perfect surface," while Goldberg praises its resistance: "Quartz continues to dominate for its consistency, durability, and easy maintenance. It's non-porous, so it resists stains and corrosion impeccably."
However, although quartz is usually more economical and requires less care than quartzite, it doesn't always offer the same heat resistance as natural stone. Nothing that can't be solved with a simple trivet.
Whether you choose quartz or quartzite, Ghasemi recommends betting on soft, natural veins. "Very marked veins can be overwhelming or go out of style, especially now that trends point towards more organic and calm finishes," she explains. "What once seemed vibrant can end up competing with furniture, lighting, or decorative objects, making the space feel restless instead of refined."
Source: Read the original article | Published: October 30, 2025