Countertops are an essential part of every kitchen. Whether you’re preparing enough food for an army or simply need a spot to stack dirty dishes, it’s easy to think of them in purely practical terms. But countertops are often one of the most prominent visual features in a kitchen, which means they impact not just the functionality but also the style of the most important room in your house. From inexpensive laminate to costly stone, countertops can impact your home’s resale value in a major way. According to Christina Couvillion, design visionary and CEO at Davinci Interiors, the mismatched countertop trend can add depth and interest to your kitchen, but unless you make smart material selections, it could limit your kitchen’s appeal when it’s time to sell.

“Mixing and matching countertop materials in a kitchen is not only a smart design strategy, but it’s also a powerful tool for value engineering — particularly when certain materials are exceptionally exquisite and expensive,” Couvillion told House Digest during an exclusive interview. The design expert said she always recommends the approach as long as you’re willing to consider both creativity and practicality. “For example, placing a premium material like marble on an island while using a more durable, cost-effective surface like quartz or granite on the perimeter can elevate the kitchen’s overall aesthetic and function without the higher cost of using marble throughout,” Couvillion explained. She added that the mismatched countertop trend also provides an opportunity for homeowners to use more durable materials on prep-heavy areas, and more luxurious ones where they’re less likely to be scratched or damaged by heat.

During her exclusive interview with House Digest, Christina Couvillion said there are pros and cons to this design choice. Along with cost efficiency and practicality, she explained that mismatched countertops offer design appeal and can help create a strong focal point. There are some popular countertop choices that are excellent for resale value, like quartz and marble. Others, like laminate, are less premium, so although they can be more affordable, they’re less likely to impress future buyers. According to Couvillion, this is one of the reasons you should embrace the mismatched countertop trend. “Using a blend of materials allows homeowners and designers to enjoy the beauty and luxury of high-end finishes without overextending the budget,” she said.

But using multiple materials in your kitchen can come with some serious downsides. “Poorly matched materials can make the kitchen feel disjointed or overly busy,” the design visionary explained. Couvillion also cautioned that “different surfaces require different care routines,” acknowledging that varying maintenance needs may not suit every lifestyle. She said the most significant con comes down to resale considerations. “While many buyers appreciate thoughtful design, overly bold material combinations could limit mass appeal,” she explained. To combat this, Couvillion suggested sticking to a unified color palette, coordinating finishes, and using cabinets and hardware to “tie materials together visually.” She also reiterated that you should choose materials by function, not just by how they look. “Put durable, low-maintenance surfaces where cooking happens and reserve more delicate or showstopping materials for areas with less wear,” Couvillion advised.

During her exclusive interview with House Digest, Christina Couvillion recommended several material pairings that you can easily mix and match to add depth and interest to your kitchen. If you have an island surrounded by countertops, she recommended using marble and quartz. “Marble brings elegance and timeless beauty, while quartz adds durability and ease of maintenance,” she said. Remember that marble countertops can be beautiful, but they stain more easily than you might realize, so limit their use in areas where they’re likely to get scratched or stained. Couvillion also loves the look of butcher block with granite, explaining that “the wood adds warmth and softness, contrasting beautifully with sleek stone.” If you’re on a budget, Couvillion said quartzite can pair nicely with laminate or concrete. “Watch out for laminate’s reputation for being less premium,” she noted, while also adding that “concrete may crack or require sealing.” Finally, the design expert suggested soapstone islands paired with stainless steel. Although both materials can show wear and tear, she said, “The matte, tactile finish of soapstone pairs well with industrial, professional-looking stainless steel.” 

No matter which materials you choose, there are a few steps you should take before a kitchen countertop installation. Carefully measure, and re-measure, to make sure your layout is absolutely perfect before placing your order. Be realistic about the amount of maintenance your chosen materials require once your installation is complete. And, although there are many countertop trends that will be huge in 2025, it’s best to pair timeless, classic materials, especially if you plan to list your home for sale anytime soon.