The Outdated Wood Countertop Style That Is Trending Once Again

Countertop styles rise and fall in popularity just like any other trend in kitchen materials. From speckled brown granite to gray concrete, there are so many options out there that it's no surprise there always seems to be a new material trending. However, wood countertops seem to never fade out of style completely. In fact, there's one outdated wood countertop type that's on top once again. Butcher block countertops, which were popular in the '70s and '80s, are now back under the spotlight. Beth Diana Smith, owner and principal designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, shared her expert opinion on this trending countertop style while speaking exclusively with House Digest.

"I think butcher block countertops are considered a classic, and with any classic, they become trendy at times but never lose their general appeal," she explained. This countertop material, which was inspired by the wooden blocks butchers use as a meat cutting surface, is made of unpainted panels of wood that give a kitchen a timeless look. If you're interested in trying this surface out in your own kitchen, you'll probably find Smith's expert breakdown of butcher block countertops to be incredibly useful.

With butcher block countertops trending once again, it's worth diving into their pros and cons. If you're considering having your own butcher block countertops installed, evaluating the advantages and downsides of the material will help you decide whether it's truly the best choice for your kitchen. Smith broke all the details down while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

"The pros are natural warmth and an organic feel, it can be a more budget-friendly option compared to stone, and it can be a sustainable choice," she shared. Given these perks, it's clear that butcher block countertops are a great fit for homeowners who want to design a warm and inviting rustic kitchen that includes affordable, sustainable materials. However, the cons of this countertop design prove that it's not the right fit for everyone. Smith revealed these downsides as well. "The cons are they require regular maintenance compared to stone, [wood] is a softer material and is vulnerable to dents and water damage, and it can stain if not properly sealed," she explained.

When implementing outdated kitchen design trends that have regained popularity, it's important to make sure you do not accidentally age your space. When it comes to butcher block countertops, you can avoid the '70s or '80s look by opting for a modern color palette. Smith explained how to make this work. "It boils down to the aesthetic of the butcher block itself and the overall kitchen. The '70s and '80s kitchens had a lot of brown and dark patterns, [so] to keep things modern and fresh, you need to avoid that color palette," she explained during her exclusive interview with House Digest.

Smith has even used this technique to successfully achieve a modern look when designing a kitchen with a butcher block countertop herself. "I've used butcher block for a kitchen island with cabinetry in two shades of blue, and it felt modern yet timeless, [while] the rest of the kitchen counters were stone," she explained. "The beauty of butcher block is that it is flexible and can be used with any style, color, or material." With this in mind, you might find it helpful to explore kitchen color combinations that would keep the space looking fresh after installing butcher block countertops.