Benchtops are one of those renovation decisions that feel simple… until suddenly you’re knee-deep in slabs, samples, opinions and price variations that make no sense.

As an interior designer, I see this all the time. Clients previously choose a benchtop based on looks alone, only to realise later that it didn’t suit how they live, how they cook, or how much maintenance they actually want to sign up for.

This guide is here to change that.

Whilst the word trend still leaves a slightly bitter taste in my mouth, I do believe that the way design elements ebb and flow over time is what keeps our homes feeling fresh, layered and interesting. What matters most, though, is not blindly following what’s “in”, but understanding why certain ideas are gaining momentum — and whether they genuinely suit you, your family and the way you live.

Because if you renovate purely based on what’s popular right now, or what your kids’ best friend’s family has just done to their home, there’s a very good chance you’ll be calling me back in a year’s time saying, “Please help... I may have got carried away”

So instead of rigid rules or fleeting fads, here’s what I see shaping homes in 2026 and how to approach each shift thoughtfully.