Porcelain Countertop Trends for Kitchen & Bathrooms

In a world where marble and granite have been the dominant trend for so long, a new countertop material is creeping up the popularity charts. Porcelain countertops have officially jumped across the pond, trending in European kitchen design before hitting the state's most recent trends. 

Are you in the market to hop on the latest countertop material trend? Then this is the guide for you. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about porcelain countertops, including their evolution to the staple they’re becoming today, their key advantages for homeowners, and the application trends of porcelain for both kitchens and bathrooms. 

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to porcelain countertops and connect with Michigan’s leading supplier to source your very own. 

The History of Porcelain Countertops 

Porcelain has evolved from ancient China to modern kitchen applications, thanks to centuries of technological advancements. Traditionally, the material was used for pottery and tiles; however, its exceptional durability and versatility are now making it a natural candidate for much larger applications. 

The porcelain countertop trend began in the early 2000s, when manufacturing advanced enough to offer large-format sintered particle technology. This technical term enables the production of large porcelain slabs for homeowners and business owners alike to take advantage of the material's benefits (we’ll cover those more in depth next!). 

Today, this technology allows for the creation of countertop-sized pieces that offer a unique aesthetic appeal and can handle significant wear. As we mentioned, the European market, especially Spain and Italy, was the first to adopt the trend around 2010, reaching North America nearly 5 years later in 2015. 

This surge in popularity has been driven by both residential and commercial applications, with manufacturers reporting a 30% increase in porcelain countertop installations since 2018, reflecting growing consumer appreciation for the material's practical benefits and design versatility.

Porcelain Countertops: Key Advantages 

Porcelain countertops aren’t just trending for their good looks but their positive benefits, too. They offer homeowners a variety of advantages over other natural stone types. Here are some of the top benefits to help you decide whether to go porcelain or not. 

Durability 

Rooms like kitchens and bathrooms require durability as plenty of hot tools, sharp tools, water, and chemicals are used frequently in both. So often, the number one concern of homeowners entering a renovation is the strength and durability of the countertop material. A part of porcelain countertop’s popularity is because they're highly: 

• Heat-resistant: Porcelain can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit without discoloring, scorching, or showing any signs of damage. That means you can place your hot pots and pans onto the surface without sticking a hot pad underneath. 
• Scratch-resistant: Another major durability factor comes from porcelain’s resistance to scratches. The surface’s result is a dense, glass-like surface nearly impenetrable to everyday wear. This is ideal for rooms like the kitchen, where the countertop will experience heavy use from kitchen tools and countertop appliances. 
• Impact resistant: The material's impressive impact resistance is thanks to its manufacturing process. Heat and pressure create the surface, allowing it to withstand substantial force without succumbing to chips or cracks. Of course, impact on its edges should be avoided when possible. 
• Chemical resistance: One of the best durability factors that sets porcelain apart from other materials is its chemical resistance. It remains unaffected by splashes or spills from acidic foods like vinegar or lemon juice, harsh cleaning products, and other common household chemicals that often come into contact with countertops. 

Low Maintenance

Another benefit for busy homeowners is the fact that porcelain is a low-maintenance countertop surface. Being non-porous in nature means that oils, liquids, and other substances remain on the surface level rather than seeping into the material below. This not only prevents bacterial growth to keep your space safe and healthy but also deep-set stains that affect its aesthetics, too. 

This inherent stain resistance proves invaluable in busy kitchens where spills of red wine, coffee, or tomato sauce pose no lasting threat to the surface's appearance. The daily upkeep of porcelain countertops also adds to their allure since they require nothing more than a simple wipe-down with soap and water or a mild household cleaner.

Unlike other natural stone countertops that require periodic sealing to maintain their protective barrier, porcelain arrives naturally sealed through its manufacturing process. This surface is impermeable and remains intact throughout its lifetime without additional treatment. 

This permanent protection saves time and money on maintenance and ensures the countertop's pristine appearance and hygienic properties remain consistent yearly.

Applications for Porcelain Countertops 

Generally, porcelain countertops are gaining popularity in two rooms: kitchens and bathrooms. While you just learned about the material’s benefits, now’s the time to understand the most common applications to put them to good use for your home.

Kitchens

Due to their advantages, porcelain countertops are commonly used in high-traffic kitchens that demand durability and crave design. The applications vary from large kitchen islands for a surface ideal for food prep and casual dining to perimeter countertops and integrated sink applications, thanks to their waterproof and heatproof capabilities. 

Another commonly implemented application is in butler’s pantries, bars, and coffee stations to take advantage of the material's stain resistance while adding a touch of luxury to the spaces. Lastly, the material's versatility allows seamless transitions into full-height backsplashes and waterfall edges, creating cohesive design statements in modern kitchens.

Bathrooms

In bathrooms, it doesn’t get better than porcelain vanity countertops to fend off makeup spills and stand tough against water drops. It also eliminates visible seams and caulk lines, enhancing your space's overall aesthetic and making it much easier to clean. 

The material's resistance to humidity and bathroom chemicals makes it ideal for shower surrounds and tub decks, adding a stunning appeal to the room and minimizing pesky grout lines. The material's ability to mimic natural stone while providing superior durability has made it particularly popular for spa-like master bathrooms where luxury meets practicality.

The Latest Porcelain Countertop Design Trends

Now that you have the whole 411 on porcelain countertops, what’s up with the current world of porcelain countertops? To finish, let’s cover all the latest porcelain countertop design trends you can implement in your home to impress your guests, enhance its design, and improve functionality.

Pattern Trends 

The first thing you’ll notice from a new countertop piece is its pattern. 2025 homeowners are increasingly seeking out three trends in this department: 

1. Terrazzo: Terrazzo-inspired porcelain combines retro charm with contemporary durability, featuring distinctive speckled patterns that add personality to kitchen spaces. This design trend offers endless customization through varied colors and particle sizes, allowing homeowners to create unique statements that range from subtle to bold.
2. Marble-Look: Advanced printing technology allows porcelain to perfectly replicate marble's luxurious veining and patterns while providing superior durability and minimal maintenance. Whether emulating classic Carrara or dramatic Calacatta, these surfaces offer sophisticated elegance without the vulnerability of natural stone, making them an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchens.
3. Concrete-inspired: Industrial-chic concrete aesthetics meet practical porcelain performance in these minimalist designs. The surface captures concrete's raw, urban appeal and subtle variations while eliminating common concrete issues like cracking and sealing.

Color Trends

Like the Pantone color of the year, with every new year comes a new set of color trends for porcelain countertops. In 2025, here’s what is trending: 

1. Monochromatic: In fashion and on countertops, the monochromatic look is in. For home design specifically, single-color families create depth and visual interest while maintaining design cohesion. These unified color schemes, particularly in grays, blues, and greens, offer sophisticated, contemporary appeal while providing subtle variations that add dimension to kitchen spaces without overwhelming the design.
2. Neutral shades: Again, neutral hues are trending in products from electronics to accessories and even porcelain countertops. Soft whites, subtle grays, and creamy beiges dominate the neutral palette in porcelain countertops. These timeless options provide versatile backdrops that complement any kitchen style while creating bright, clean spaces that feel fresh and inviting. The neutral tones particularly excel in smaller kitchens, making spaces appear larger and more open.
3. Bold colors: Deep blues, vibrant greens, and rich burgundies make powerful statements in modern kitchen design. These bold choices serve as stunning focal points while adding personality and drama to kitchen spaces. The saturated colors create dynamic environments that can transform an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary gathering space.
4. Earth tones: Retro looks and earthy aesthetics are trending across the board in interior design. For countertops, warm browns, sandy beiges, and olive greens bring the beauty of nature indoors with their organic appeal. These earthy hues create grounding, peaceful environments that connect interior spaces with the natural world. Earth tones excel at making kitchens feel both sophisticated and welcoming.

Finish Trends

To matte, or not to matte? That is the question when it comes to porcelain countertops in 2025. The latest trend for homeowners is a matte finish, just as you commonly see on cars and other luxury goods. Matte finishes are beloved for their subtle, sophisticated texture that creates depth without reflection. Even better? It’s smooth and soft to the touch. 

This finish is attractive to those seeking to mask fingerprints and water spots yet offers a modern design. Meanwhile, polished porcelain is a trend that may never go out of style. It’s a finish that continues to captivate its onlookers with a mirror-like surface, amplifying the room’s natural light. Hint: This finish can help it feel larger if you have a small space! 

The polished finish particularly excels in showcasing the intricate veining and patterns within the porcelain, making it a preferred choice for those seeking to emulate the luxurious look of natural stone. The trend has evolved to incorporate both finishes within the same space, with designers often selecting matte for high-traffic work areas and polished finishes for statement pieces like islands or backsplashes.

The Final Word: Porcelain Countertops at AP Marble 

At AP Marble & Granite, those aren’t the only two countertop materials we specialize in. Our warehouse is home to various stones, including porcelain, onyx, quartzite, and soapstone. So, no matter the trend you’re trying to achieve or the aesthetic you’d like to capture, AP Marble is here to help. 

For more than 20 years, the AP Marble & Granite team has served Michigan with premier stone and exemplary service. No matter the fabricator or supplier, we’re proud to deliver within a 20-mile radius of our warehouse with no delivery fees. 

Beloved by the community and respected across the industry, work with the AP Marble team on your next project to enhance your design and eliminate the stresses of renovations. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with all the latest, and get in touch to visit our warehouse or learn more now.