How to Give Old Kitchen Countertops a Much-Needed Makeover, According to Designers

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the countertops are the heart of the kitchen. That’s where all the meal-making magic happens (and where takeout boxes are unpacked).

We aren’t all blessed with brand-new, just-what-we-want countertops though—and they aren’t cheap to replace. If you’re stuck with old, tired countertops, you’re in luck: there are creative and cost-effective ways to revive your lackluster countertops, whether you’re a DIY-er or not. 

Read on for five expert-approved ways to update your kitchen countertops.

Paint Your Countertops

Is your TikTok feed tempting you with DIYs for painted countertops? Heather Goerzen, the lead interior designer at Havenly, promises that painting your kitchen countertops can produce an impressive result—when done properly. (No skipping steps allowed!) 

Follow Goerzen’s general how-to here: 

1. Prep the surface: Clean the countertops thoroughly to remove any grease, grime, or residue. Sand the surface lightly to create a rough texture that helps the paint adhere better.
2. Prime: Apply a high-quality bonding primer designed for use on countertops. This will ensure better adhesion of the paint and increase its durability.
3. Apply paint: Choose a paint specifically formulated for countertops, such as epoxy or enamel paint. Apply the paint evenly with a roller or brush, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying times and number of coats.
4. Seal: Once the paint is completely dry, seal the countertops with a clear, food-safe sealant to protect the paint and provide a smooth finish.
5. Add decorative touches: Further enhance the appearance of your painted countertops by adding flourishes like stenciling, faux finishes, or decorative tiles.

Polish Your Countertops

Perhaps your countertops just need a good clean. Who knows what kind of dirt and grime have been building up over the years, possibly decades?

Before replacing them, try polishing them—this is one of interior designer Heather Fujikawa’s favorite ways to make countertops feel new.

You can use a commercial polishing compound, or make your own with baking soda and water. Rub down your countertops with the polish on a cloth, then wipe away the excess with a clean cloth.

“It’s amazing what polish can do to refresh your countertops,” Fujikawa says. “It takes off the scrapes and stains and gives your counter a whole new facelift.”

Update the Elements Around the Countertops

One way to update your old countertops is to, well, not touch them at all. Instead, ensure the design elements around the countertops complement them. 

For instance, reconsider your backsplash—is there another color or pattern that would bring out the best of the countertops? Updating your cabinet hardware can go a long way, and so does adding some stylish countertop decor. 

“Your eye takes in the whole visual,” says Goerzen—not just your not-so-sightly countertops.

Add a Concrete Overlay

To give your kitchen a more industrial, brutalist-modern look, cover dated countertops with a layer of concrete.

“This look is clean, minimalist, and will last for years to come with a little maintenance,” Goerzen says. 

Goerzen recommends following these steps: 

1. Prep the surface: Clean the countertops thoroughly and repair any cracks or chips. Apply a bonding agent to the surface to ensure better adhesion of the concrete overlay.
2. Mix and apply: Mix the concrete overlay according to the manufacturer’s instructions, adding pigment if desired for color. Spread the overlay evenly onto the countertops using a trowel, working in small sections to ensure uniform coverage.
3. Texturing and Finish: Once the overlay is applied, use tools like trowels, stamps, or brushes to create texture and patterns on the surface if desired. Allow the overlay to dry partially, then use a damp sponge to smooth out any rough areas and refine the texture.
4. Seal: After the concrete overlay has fully cured, apply multiple coats of concrete sealant to protect the surface from stains and moisture. Choose a sealant specifically formulated for use on concrete countertops for best results.

Accessorize the Countertops

If you’re not the DIY type, put your styling skills to work instead, adding intentional accessories to your countertops. 

Fujikawa recommends laying cutting boards along the backsplash or behind the vent hood, which brings your eye up (and away!) from the countertops. She also loves arranging beautiful cooking utensils in a kitchen crock. Not only is having a wooden spoon within arm’s reach of your range useful, but it’ll help camouflage the look of old countertops. 

You could also layer a pretty patterned tea towel over a cutting board, topping that with a large vase or fruit bowl.

“These are some fun ways to trick the eye to move the attention from the countertops to the beautiful accessories in your kitchen,” says Fujikawa, “and are much less expensive than replacing your countertops!”