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      Marble Is Timeless, But Designers Say Another Stone Is on the Rise

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      For as long as we can remember, marble has always been the epitome of luxurious design. The David, Taj Mahal, and that spa on your Pinterest board? Yup, they’re all made with the majestic material. But is marble losing its luster? After all, Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report found that listings highlighting marble sinks are down by 15 percent. “We’re starting to see homeowners move toward different materials with warmth and texture,” Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, tells Good Housekeeping.If you ask decorators, marble is a classic for a reason. “From my perspective, marble will never truly fall out of favor,” says Hannah Goldberg, Hannah Charlotte Interiors. “It’s timeless, storied, and irreplaceable in its natural beauty.” However, the Washington, D.C. designer confirmed that people are more open to other materials these days. “We are seeing a shift in how clients weigh beauty against practicality,” she concedes. “The appeal of a ‘lived-in’ patina doesn’t resonate with everyone—especially for busy households or clients who want the same elegance without the upkeep.”Design: Studio Golara; Photograhper: Dan MolinaToronto-based designer Golara Ghasemi agrees and says it’s important to prioritize materials that can hold up nicely over time. “A surface that dazzles in the showroom, like polished marble, can quickly disappoint when faced with stains, scratches, and constant upkeep,” she explains. “The key is to choose for lifestyle first, beauty second.”So, what’s next “it” material? We asked six interior designers and they all said quartzite is having a moment. “Many clients are moving toward quartzite and quartz, which mimics the depth and movement of natural stone without the sensitivity,” explains Kristen Wolff, principal of interior design at Brandon Architects.Similar to marble, quartzite is a natural-occurring stone, but is more user-friendly, but with some additional perks. Dallas-based designer Lauren Saab says quartzite has “veining and coloration feel like fine art, yet are for daily usage.” Design: Lauren Saab; Photographer: Becca Lea PhotographyBonus points: It’s pretty sturdy. “It’s durable and low-maintenance,” says Reanna Channer is the founder of Design to Elevate in Seattle. “Quartzite can handle the heat, which means no more reaching for trivets in a panic while pulling your pots or pans off the stove.” The drawback about quartzite? Katelyn Gilmour of KBG Design says you’ll need to do an annual or semi-annual sealant maintenance due to its porosity. “Its natural beauty warrants this,” the San Jose designer explains.Those who want to forgo the traditional upkeep might want to look at quartz, an engineered alternative. “It delivers timeless elegance without the worry,” Ghasemi says. Saab says quartz offers a “smooth and perfect surface,” while Goldberg praises the material for its hardiness. “Quartz continues to dominate for its consistency, durability, and low maintenance,” she says. “It’s non-porous, so it resists staining and etching beautifully.”Design: KBG Design; Photography: Agnieszka JakubowiczBut while quartz is typically cheaper and lower maintenance than quartzite, it’s not always as heat-resistant as the natural stone. Don’t worry: You can always protect your countertops with a trivet. Whether you opt for quartz or the real deal, Ghasemi recommends opting for a subtler veining. “Those high-contrast veins or dramatic swirls can start to feel overwhelming or dated, especially as trends shift toward softer, more organic looks,” she explains. “What once felt lively can begin to compete with cabinetry, lighting, and decor, making the space feel restless rather than refined.” Looking for some countertop inspo? We have you covered.Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

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      21 Retro Kitchen Photos That Will Transport You Back In Time

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      1Electric Ice Boxes Daily Herald Archive//Getty ImagesElectric ice boxes made their debut in the early 1950s, making home life a lot easier for those who cooked. 2Neutral Color Combos FOTOGRAFIA INC.//Getty ImagesThe kitchens of the 1980s typically featured neutral colors, such as beige and cream, as shown here. And many featured track lighting. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3ChromeGeorge Marks//Getty ImagesKitchens of the late 1950s and early 1960s featured sleek, chrome designs, such as this built-in refrigerator. 4Wood Panelling laartist//Getty ImagesThe wood paneling of the ’60s and ’70s even made its way into kitchens, along with bringing colors and wallpaper patterns to accent the dark woods. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Advent of New Appliances Shanina//Getty ImagesThe 1950s and 1960s brought the invention of many common household appliances, making cooking easier and more convenient. 6Open Concept Kitchens O2O CREATIVE//Getty ImagesOpen-concept kitchens gained popularity in the 1980s, creating more space for dining, entertaining, and cooking. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Dishwashers George Marks//Getty ImagesIn the 1950s, dishwashers were still a luxury item. But by the 1970s, almost everyone had one in their kitchen. 8Crowded and CozyVladGans//Getty ImagesThe 80s were a cozy time with bustling kitchens that made use of every inch of space. Patterned fabric, tiled countertops, and pastel blues rounded out the look. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Hub of the Home FPG//Getty ImagesIn the 1950s, the kitchen was the hub of the home. Moms cooked, while the children did homework or played at the kitchen table. 10 Built-In Appliances H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock//Getty ImagesThe 1960s saw the advent of built-in appliances, which saved space in small kitchens. This kitchen features an over-the-range oven, which was quite popular for the time.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Double Basin SinksCamerique//Getty ImagesHomemakers made use of double-basin sinks in the 1960s. Along with better drainage, they helped homemakers with double-tasking. One side of the sink could be used for washing, and the other for prepping food. 12Window Treatments. Hulton Archive//Getty ImagesWindow treatments were popular during the turn of the century, even in the kitchen. The 1950s favored cafe curtains, featuring scalloped and intricate designs. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Orange Hues FPG//Getty ImagesOrange became a popular color in the 1960s, representing the counterculture and a return to nature. 14Checkered Flooring Heritage Images//Getty ImagesThe kitchens of the 1960s were often checkerboarded in sturdy linoleum or tile. But they didn’t keep the black and white of the previous decade, and instead preferred more vivid colors like the green shown here. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Pastels and PinksFrederic Lewis//Getty ImagesPink was popular in the 1950s kitchen, but the trend made a big comeback in the 1970s. This pastel and pink kitchen exemplifies the vibrant colors that were popular during that era. 16Kitchen Islands Frederic Lewis//Getty ImagesKitchen islands made their debut in the 1980s, becoming an integral part of the open-plan concept that many homeowners gravitated towards. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Minimalist Stove Universal History Archive//Getty ImagesThe stove pictured here is a classic model from the era, characterized by its simple design and knobs for controlling heat. This style emphasizes functionality over ornamental features.18Microwaves Tom Kelley Archive//Getty ImagesThe first microwave was introduced in 1967 for over $400. Today, you can get one for under $100. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Mid Century ModernArchive Photos//Getty ImagesMid-century modern kitchens of the 1950s and 1960s featured clean, minimalist lines with a few unexpected touches, such as the scalloped trim here. 20Dinette Sets H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock//Getty ImagesDinette sets served a dual purpose in the 1950s, as both a workspace and a dining area. This was especially helpful in smaller kitchens. Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials. She is proud to be of Native American (Ohkay Owingeh) and Mexican American descent.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More