Our lead interior designer, Stephanie Cole of Habitar Design, was recently interviewed by Homes & Gardens for its comprehensive guide to the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen countertop materials. The article examines the most popular countertop options and evaluates them based on durability, maintenance, heat and scratch resistance, longevity, value, and how well they perform in everyday kitchens.
Stephanie specifically shared her expertise on granite countertops, helping dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding this enduring natural-stone material. As she explained to Homes & Gardens, granite is no longer limited to the dark, heavily speckled styles many homeowners may remember. Today’s granite selections include a much broader range of lighter colors, soft neutrals, and elegant veining, making the material suitable for a wide variety of kitchen design styles.
Stephanie also highlighted granite’s practical benefits for hardworking kitchens. She noted that granite is highly durable and heat-resistant, making it particularly well suited for kitchens where cooking and entertaining are part of everyday life. Once properly sealed, granite can resist common spills while its natural hardness provides strong resistance to scratches and chips. She does recommend using trivets to provide additional protection for both the stone and its sealer, even though granite handles heat exceptionally well.
The Homes & Gardens article ultimately emphasizes that there is no single countertop material that is perfect for every homeowner. Instead, the best choice depends on how the kitchen is used, the level of maintenance a homeowner is comfortable with, desired aesthetic, and long-term priorities. The guide compares porcelain, quartz, quartzite, granite, solid surface, soapstone, laminate, marble, and butcher block, giving homeowners a helpful overview of the strengths and limitations of each material.
For homeowners planning a kitchen remodel, Stephanie’s contribution reinforces an important design principle: countertops should be selected for both beauty and lifestyle. Granite, for example, can provide distinctive natural character while offering the durability needed for a busy kitchen. The right countertop ultimately comes down to finding the balance between aesthetics, performance, maintenance, and the way you actually use your space.
Being featured as an expert source in Homes & Gardens is also a reflection of Stephanie Cole and Habitar Design’s experience in creating thoughtful, functional, and highly personalized interiors. Her perspective helps homeowners look beyond countertop trends and consider how a material will perform and contribute to the overall design of their kitchen over the long term.