Are Waterfall Kitchen Islands Out in 2026? Designers Weigh In

If you’re worried your waterfall kitchen island might be phasing out, rest assured, this countertop trend isn’t going anywhere. “We’ve actually seen more people opting for [waterfall islands] over the last couple of years, but they are evolving to reflect more modern spaces,” says Paul Dore, managing director of County Stone Ltd. “When a waterfall island is done well, it doesn’t just follow a trend; it becomes part of the heart of the home.”

To seamlessly integrate a waterfall island into your space with staying power and style to spare, Dore, Paige Lawrence, principal and architect for 787 Design Studio, and Julia Petiprin, founder and lead designer for House of Departure, sound off on the features, finishes, and applications that can help you achieve just that.

What Is a Waterfall Kitchen Island?

A waterfall kitchen island is a kitchen island with a continuous countertop that cascades over the edge and down the side of the cabinet, explains Lawrence. “Since the ends of cabinets are typically nonfunctional, this design presents an ideal opportunity to enhance visual impact and showcase the beauty of the stone.” This design feature has continued to grow in popularity as more distinctive stone offerings have hit the market, the designer says, allowing the material to serve as a true focal point in the space.  

How Waterfall Islands Are Evolving

While waterfall islands are here to stay, they’re certainly not becoming stagnant or stale. It’s a constant evolution as this kitchen feature continues to hold its own among the mixed materials and softer lines we’re seeing in countertop trends for 2026.

“We’re seeing waterfall islands move away from matching everything perfectly and, instead, become a real focal point,” says Dore. “Homeowners are choosing contrasting colors, pairing stone with warm solid wood cabinetry, and opting for softer details like curved islands or more decorative edging.”

It’s all about personality and depth, a point that Lawrence says can also be achieved with additional layers of detail. “Think framed moments created through stone profiles and inlays that bring greater depth and sophistication,” she explains.

The Best Materials for a Waterfall Island

If you're looking to add a waterfall island to your kitchen this year, consider the following materials as recommended by the pros.

Granite

“Material-wise, granite has always been a firm favorite,” says Dore. Their heat resistance and durability make them a top choice for hardworking kitchens where style remains a top priority.

Quartz

Dore says quartz is one of the most popular countertop choices thanks to its no-fuss maintenance and durability. “People love the consistent finish quartz offers and how it can mimic the look of natural marble with deep and dramatic veining—something we’ve seen an increase in enquiries for.”

Marble

A definite shift toward more natural materials is taking place, says Petiprin—and it applies to countertops, too. “We are moving toward a design era that values heirlooms and items imperfected by the touch of a human hand,” she says. “I believe the countertop will follow the marble's patina over time, providing character and allowing it to tell the story of those who stood next to it and shared conversations.”

How to Make a Waterfall Island Work for You (and When to Skip It)

If your selected stone is giving the main character energy, Lawrence says a waterfall treatment can elevate it to focal-point status. Dore also suggests ensuring there’s enough room to comfortably move around the waterfall island, as well as plenty of space to let it shine. “Islands are undoubtedly a focal point in any kitchen, and a waterfall island goes far beyond that,” he says. But that doesn’t mean a waterfall edge has to be saved for this stand-alone kitchen fixture. Lawrence is also a fan of incorporating a waterfall countertop on bathroom vanities or smaller kitchens with a peninsula countertop.

While this trend works for a variety of styles and layouts, Petiprin advises against installing a waterfall island in more traditional spaces, particularly those that utilize French country, farmhouse, or boho-inspired aesthetics. As with any decor feature, getting it right comes down to your personal style and preferences—if it brings you joy, it’s always the right choice.