20 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Waterfall Countertops

Beyond the functional level of the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to transform your favorite cooking area into a thoughtfully designed space suited for much more than nightly dinners. One trend that's becoming increasingly popular is the waterfall countertop: a design element that's decidedly chic and luxurious.

Plain white, wooden, and marble countertops are elevated by the cascading waterfall effect of a material that travels from countertop to floor. These counters drop vertically down the sides instead of stopping abruptly at the edge of a cabinet or island, creating a continuous flow that links the floor to the cabinetry in a fluid design.

For modern décor inspiration, take a look below at some of the most jaw-dropping waterfall countertops around.

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Use Bright Whites

JULIAN PORCINO HOME CONSULTANT — JULIAN PORCINO

A white-on-white kitchen accented with wooden floors and subtle décor looks fresh and clean. Underneath the full waterfall countertop, leather stools bring warmer tones to the room. This marble piece extends fully over the island, creating ample counter space balanced by two minimalist pendant lights.

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Open the Space

Several design styles combine in this kitchen, but the most stunning element is its open-frame waterfall island. Complete with a sink, storage, tucked barstools, and plenty of counter space, the island sets the stage for the bold elements that surround it. Deep blue cabinetry, black wood ceiling, modern light fixtures, and light wood accents blend beautifully with a touch of modern, mid-century, and contemporary designs.

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Use Bold Colors

Who said modern design can't be colorful? This kitchen brings out the best from both elements, pairing sleek white counters with blue cabinetry and stylish hardware. Wooden barstools bring an inviting feeling to the space, while colorful accents blend throughout the room with blue cabinetry and pendant lighting.

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Make a Marbled Statement

This kitchen features a striking black-and-white waterfall countertop that also acts as a bar. The dark colors are accented by deep blue cabinets that rest above a marble backsplash that matches the countertop. It's a dramatic look that makes a statement.

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Accent With Gold

This modern kitchen features a subtle marble waterfall countertop that makes its way up into the backsplash. Gold accents decorate green cabinets, barstools, and the sink faucet. Pendant lighting with matching hardware ties the space together for a simple-but-chic vibe.

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Blend Farmhouse With Modern

If you're a fan of the farmhouse vibe, this kitchen can blend your favorite design elements with modern style. An all-white room finds depth in texture with a natural marbled slab and subway tile backsplash. Smal black pieces of décor like kitchen utensils, a gas stovetop, and pendant lighting create visual interest among bright whites and wood barstools.

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Contrast Colors

For a subtle approach, contrast a white waterfall countertop bar above black cabinets. The bar serves as a hub for gathering in any kitchen, and here, a bold countertop surely won't go unnoticed. Patterned tile floors add personality to the space and tie the room's black and white accents together.

When choosing tile to complement cabinetry, look for designs that incorporate the same colors for a uniform look.

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Get Contemporary

For an attention-grabbing statement piece, opt for wood materials. Here, a wooden waterfall countertop blends into muted décor and plays off of the room's more modern elements, combining traditional and contemporary styles. Open shelving in the kitchen is matched to the same tone of wood as the island, adding depth to the space while bringing warmth to white walls and marble counters.

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Indulge Your Artsy Side

Contrast an all-white kitchen with a colorful, textured waterfall countertop. Clean lines throughout the room make this kitchen feel put-together and fit for a modern living space, while bright counters add an artsy vibe. Orange furniture brings out the brighter notes in the counter's unique pattern, while hardware and tile blend into the rest of the room.

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Extend Your Backsplash

For lovers of mid-century décor, this modern design has it all. Along with a textured marble waterfall island, the designer extended the countertop material to the backsplash of the kitchen for a uniform effect. Sleek hardware and wood cabinetry combine with new-age details for the mid-century style of our dreams.

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Upgrade the Wine Cellar

Not all waterfall countertops belong in the kitchen. Here, a marble countertop sits in the center of a large wine cellar. It's the perfect space to open up a properly aged bottle and give it a taste before bringing your wine back upstairs.

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Build in Your Stovetop

From modern lighting to cool blue cabinets beneath a white waterfall stovetop, this contemporary kitchen stands out. The blue, white, and wooden elements contrast with each other, but the space still feels entirely cohesive and connected. White globe pendant lights bring an airy feel to the room while keeping colors consistent.

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Mix Natural With Modern

In this airy, light-filled kitchen, a white marbled waterfall countertop falls into a natural wood floor. Though the island has bright white accents, woven décor and wood beams make the space dynamic and inviting. Black cabinets bring contrast to the bright space, adding just enough color to make a statement in this minimalist design.

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Liven up Mid-Century

This kitchen balances classic elements with chic décor, natural materials, and mid-century modern cabinetry. An oversized waterfall countertop on the island has plenty of room for seating and counter space, while an all-white design is contrasted by wood accents. By matching the seating cushions to the kitchen's appliances, sparks of silver draw the eye around the room with a timeless finish.

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Warm With Wood

ASHELY MONTGOMERY DESIGN — ASHLEY MONTGOMERY DESIGN

This inviting design features plenty of natural wood grain to offset its sleek, bright elements. White marble trails over the island, while wood shelving and seating bring a warmer feeling to the space. Gold hardware on the island adds a classy touch to this cozy, modern kitchen.

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Get Dramatic

Bring the drama with black and white marble on your waterfall countertop. Everything about this space feels over-the-top with chic style. A golden focal point comes in the hood vent over the stove, adding a reflective texture to the room's marbled glam.

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Use Simple Whites

In this space, you almost don't notice the white waterfall countertop as your eyes travel to the bright yellow artwork and continue to the living area. All of the white elements are beautifully complemented by a natural wood dining table, potted plants, and gray details throughout the room. A built-in stovetop and sink with a sleek design save counter space in the rest of the kitchen.

When choosing appliances, look for finishes that match other details in your room—like this brushed stovetop hood that balances the gray statement wall.

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Brighten Your Furniture

A simple two-toned kitchen gets a bold focal point with these Caribbean blue barstools. Tucked underneath a black waterfall countertop with lighter textured accents, the stools bring color to an otherwise sleek design. When browsing statement colors for furniture, choose shades that complement the other accents in the room—like this golden chandelier that adds an artsy flair to the modern room.

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Upgrade Small Spaces

If you live in an apartment, chances are that you're working with limited space; the waterfall island of your dreams may not fit in your kitchen. But that doesn't mean you can't incorporate this trendy design element into your space: Take inspiration from this kitchen, which cleverly fits the washer and dryer into a waterfall wood countertop built into the rest of the cabinetry, creating more counter space and storing laundry essentials with style.

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Go Gray

This stone countertop blends effortlessly into the rest of the room. By using a gray theme with darker accent colors, this kitchen has an inviting modern feel. Décor around the room like glass pendants, marbled backsplash, and gray upholstered barstools create a monochrome backdrop for wood furniture and cabinetry.

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