The new year is the perfect time for homeowners, builders, and designers to rethink their spaces—especially kitchens and bathrooms. Annual homeowner spending on improvements and maintenance is projected to reach $524 billion in early 2026, with kitchen & bath remodels a key driver. Countertops play a larger role than ever in how homes function, look, and feel. And whether you’re planning a remodel, refreshing a rental, or developing new residential units, the right surface can dramatically improve durability, workflow, and style.
At L.E. Smith, we help our partners start each year with countertop solutions that offer long-lasting performance, fast turnaround, and a polished look that fits every budget. Here’s what’s shaping the countertop conversation this year and the upgrades worth considering.
Clean, Low-Maintenance Surfaces Take Center Stage
Busy lifestyles mean homeowners are prioritizing materials that hold up to daily use without constant upkeep. That’s why quartz and granite continue to shine. These surfaces offer:
• Easy cleaning and stain resistance
• Nonporous protection against bacteria
• Long-term durability in high-traffic spaces
• Consistent color and pattern options
Whether it’s a kitchen that sees constant meal prep or a guest bath that needs to stay fresh for showings, homeowners and renters want performance without the maintenance surprises.
Warm, Natural Looks Continue to Rise
Designers are leaning toward warm tones, subtle veining, and materials that mimic the beauty of stone or wood but with modern durability. Today’s laminate and solid surface selections provide the aesthetic appeal of luxury surfaces without the premium price tag. That means homeowners and builders can achieve the look of marble or natural stone while staying firmly within budget.
Laminate Remains a Versatile, Budget-Smart Countertop Solution
Laminate remains one of the most versatile, design-driven, and budget-friendly countertop options available in the New Year. Today’s laminate selections offer striking realism, capturing the look of natural stone, woodgrain, or concrete, without the cost or maintenance concerns associated with those materials.
Laminate stands out because it delivers:
- High-end style at an accessible price point
- Durability for rentals, multi-family units, and high-use residential spaces
- A wide range of colors, textures, and edge profiles
- Fast fabrication and installation timelines
- Excellent value engineering opportunities for builders and remodelers
As material prices fluctuate and project budgets tighten, laminate gives designers and builders a strategic way to deliver the aesthetics clients want, without sacrificing profitability or schedule. It’s also an excellent solution for multi-unit projects where consistency, cost efficiency, and dependable lead times are essential.
For many New Year renovations, laminate becomes the perfect blend of performance, style, and smart spending, making it an essential part of any 2026 project planning conversation.
Customization is No Longer Optional
From wide islands to integrated sinks, more projects call for creative layouts and personalized details. L.E. Smith’s fabrication capabilities make customization simple, whether you need unique edge profiles, waterfall ends, or specialty cuts for multi-use spaces.
This flexibility helps builders deliver higher perceived value, homeowners achieve their ideal layout, and designers bring their concepts to life with precision.
Speed Matters
Project delays can ripple through a renovation or new build. That’s why dependable production and installation timelines are becoming non-negotiable. L.E. Smith’s proven processes, dedicated account support, and streamlined production help ensure you get exactly what you need, when you need it—keeping your project on track from day one.
Value Engineering Becomes a Key Strategy
With material prices and project demands shifting year to year, value engineering is more important than ever. The goal? Deliver top-tier aesthetics and performance without overspending.
Laminate tops, solid surface upgrades, and quartz alternatives let homeowners enjoy the look they love at a price that fits. For builders and remodelers, this means offering more flexible packages and meeting different budget tiers without compromising quality.
Seamless Partnerships Make Every Project Stronger
In the New Year, the most successful remodelers and builders will be the ones who partner with domestic suppliers who understand their workflow and anticipate challenges before they arise. At L.E. Smith, our team is built around true service: consistent communication, expert fabrication, and project-by-project guidance to help you exceed client expectations.
Start the Year with Countertop Solutions That Deliver
Whether you’re designing a showpiece kitchen, refreshing multi-family units, or helping homeowners update high-use spaces, the new year is the ideal time to invest in smart, stylish surfaces. L.E. Smith is here to help you meet your project goals with durable materials, fast turnaround, and attentive service every step of the way.
Contact us to get started on your next project.
