Everyone Had These Countertops In The '80s, But They Could Make Your Kitchen Look Outdated Now

Most home fashion trends don't just pop up overnight. Throughout the '50s, '60s, and '70s, Formica and laminate surfaces dominated kitchens, but by the '80s, granite countertops emerged as one of the most desirable upgrades. Granite and tile quickly became the materials of choice, as the look they gave was considered more upscale, and their natural veining offered a texture that laminate couldn't compete with. Plus, granite is both scratch- and heat-resistant and difficult to stain when properly sealed. For many homeowners, granite countertops offered not just practicality but also a way to keep up with the Joneses. 

Granite remained popular into the 2000s, until the material was overtaken by designers who started to favor engineered quartz. By the early 2020s, quartz was a more popular remodeling choice than granite. While granite is porous and must be sealed regularly to protect the surface, quartz doesn't require the same upkeep. Instead of proving themselves as timeless choices, the heavily speckled and glossy granite patterns that were ever-popular became outdated and are now regarded by many designers as a look better left in the past. 

For those who already have granite kitchen countertops, the material doesn't necessarily need to be completely replaced. Updating hardware like knobs and pulls can help modernize dated designs, and painting cabinets can refresh a space. Granite countertops that are busy and heavily patterned can be tricky to work around, but using lighter, more understated colors and patterns in the rest of the kitchen can make everything feel a bit more current. Homeowners sick of their granite countertops can also choose to re-hone the stone to a brushed or matte finish, creating a look that is more contemporary and not as shiny. And granite can be resurfaced with epoxy or paint as a short-term fix, too. As one user on Reddit quipped, "Wait ten years and it'll be in style again."

For those looking to sell their home or taking on a full kitchen renovation, there are plenty of gorgeous alternatives to granite countertops nowadays, namely quartz or quartzite. A plus? Many countertop alternatives are cheaper than granite. If replacing entire slabs isn't an option, seriously outdated granite countertop colors like dark browns and high-gloss finishes can be softened with complementary cabinet colors and matte finishes. Granite countertops aren't completely disappearing, but the look that once defined kitchen aesthetics is no longer the one dominating today's design mood boards.