Why Nate Berkus Recommends Avoiding Countertop Trends

Outdated kitchens are not only a drag to look at, they also make your space appear less functional. And when it comes to countertop surfaces, function is paramount. HGTV star and design expert Nate Berkus is all about picking home features that never go out of style so both their fashion and function will be long lasting, and since countertops are a big ticket item, Berkus believes in sticking with a timeless aesthetic that will still be enjoyable for years into the future. This eliminates the need to replace expensive materials every few years and saves money in the long run.

There are plenty of once-trendy countertop designs that will make your kitchen look dated in 2025, so be sure to pick a countertop that's a reliable classic. In April 2024, Berkus shared on Instagram that countertops are one of the only things worth splurging on when it comes to kitchen design. It is worth spending more on a countertop that will last for multiple decades so money won't need to be spent updating it frequently. "You can do it once if you do it right and you'll always have it," he said of picking a countertop with longevity. "If it's something you really want to live with in 25 years, then make the investment now. Invest in the things that will really get a lot of use, that you won't be tired of 25 years from now."

Nate Berkus told MyDomaine that the kitchen space, "is not the place to start experimenting with trends." If a material has been used for decades and still does a good job, there's no need to search for a flash-in-the-pan option that can quickly age out of popularity — that's an interior design mistake that Berkus wants you to avoid. "Your kitchen should be a mix of finishes that have been around since 1920. The more classic, the cleaner, the plainer, the better," Berkus advised. Selecting materials and aesthetics that are proven winners eliminates any unnecessary guess work and prevents the cost of expensive upgrades. 

You can't go wrong with long time favorites like subway tile, marble, and stainless steel. When it comes to color, Berkus named terra-cotta, brass, and bronze as hues that have never gone out of style. "These are all things that have been around for a long time. You want to redo the kitchen once, stand in it 10 years from today, and still love the decisions that you made," he said. Berkus often relies on this "10 Years Rule" to make sure he is choosing pieces that will be useful for a long time. "When you buy something for the home you should really love it, and you should love it for the next 10 years," Berkus explained in an Instagram video.