Every design decision, big or small, matters when it comes to kitchen design. Once you’ve picked out your cabinet style and color, choosing a kitchen countertop material is just as important when it comes to the overall look of your space. It’s important to consider functionality, cost, whether you’re aiming for low-maintenance, kid-friendly, statement-making, or more. Kitchen trends come and go, but in 2022, the waterfall island has been one of the most popular with homeowners.

Go Luxe

A waterfall countertop, characterized by a counter that flows over the sides for a seamless, modern feel, is an invitation to show-off your countertop material of choice. A flowing countertop in a high-end material like marble is sure to be a show-stopper, but will put a large dent in a budget-friendly renovation. 

When designer Nick Spain purchased a 1850s Italianate mansion, he juxtaposed historical details with a modern kitchen. The Danby marble island, which was quarried in Vermont and is a less expensive alternative to Calacatta, is the star with its waterfall edge and dark veining.

The Unexpected Island

For Bryan and Catherine Williamson’s Ohio renovation, they wanted a moody kitchen to match the Victorian home’s character. Semihandmade DIY Shaker doors in Behr’s Black Sable complement the mixed material island, an unexpected DIY. They found a discounted Carrara slab, but as it would only cover a portion of the island, they elongated it with a walnut waterfall edge.

Seating Win

This walnut splendor from blogger Anette Vartanian makes midcentury modern with a white waterfall countertop. Vartanian installed new walnut fronts from Semihandmade, which are a near match to the original 1959 cabinets, in her Pasadena home. A geometric backsplash, terrazzo-like quartz floors, and wood-on-wood make this modern revamp nod to the past, plus the waterfall island provides an overhang for much-needed seating.

Classic Style

Blogger Mable Cheung put a spin on the classic black-and-white kitchen with Semihandmade Black Supermatte Slab fronts. While she initially wanted an all-white kitchen, the room’s 10-foot ceilings and plenty of natural light called for something completely different. The black fronts anchor the room, providing a dose of drama to the otherwise minimalist design. Cheung’s passion for entertaining was also a major consideration. She has a double dishwasher, double oven, and oversized waterfall island with white Carrara marble.

No matter your design style, budget, or countertop material, a waterfall island is a great option to add a modern touch to any kitchen renovation.