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It's not just tiles! 5 coverings for kitchen that are in vogue

Tired of the tile? We gathered some alternatives to make your kitchen modern and practical

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jan 16, 2026, 1:00 PM

08 min de leitura
Rose Araujo e Eloisa Mondi - Cozinha do Chef. Projeto da CASACOR RIbeirão Preto 2025.

Rose Araujo e Eloisa Mondi - Cozinha do Chef. Projeto da CASACOR RIbeirão Preto 2025. (Felipe Cuine/CASACOR)

For a long time, the tile reigned supreme as the main choice for kitchen covering. Practical, durable, and easy to clean, it became almost a standard in this very functional projects of the house.

Diego Ferraz & Architects - Refuge of Man. Project of CASACOR Pernambuco 2025

Diego Ferraz & Arquitetos - Refúgio do Homem. Projeto da CASACOR Pernambuco 2025 (Walter Dias/CASACOR)

However, with the evolution of materials and construction techniques, new possibilities have emerged that combine aesthetics, durability, and personality, expanding the repertoire for those who want a more modern kitchen aligned with contemporary living trends.

With black and white décor, 110 m² apartment adapts for the arrival of the baby. Project by Natan Gil. In the photo, kitchen with dining area and wine cellar.

Com décor preto e branco, apê de 110 m² se adapta para a chegada do bebê. Projeto de Natan Gil. Na foto, cozinha com copa e adega. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

Today, kitchen coverings go far beyond the classic look and offer solutions that communicate with different styles — from minimalist to industrial, from rustic to sophisticated. Natural textures, continuous surfaces, and technological finishes are gaining space on both walls and countertops as well as wet areas. Below, you will find five coverings that are trending and show that it is possible to innovate without compromising functionality.

1. Large Format Porcelain


The large format porcelain is one of the main bets for modern kitchens. With larger tiles and fewer visible grout lines, it creates a sense of visual continuity, making the projects look cleaner and more sophisticated.

[caption id="68f62aa5d2473eb557f08736" width="736" data-alt="460 m² house in Fortaleza designed for a couple with four daughters. Project by Romário Rodrigues. In the photo, kitchen with display cabinet and countertop." data-caption="460 m² house in Fortaleza designed for a couple with four daughters. Project by Romário Rodrigues. In the photo, kitchen with display cabinet and countertop." data-credit="Leonardo Soares" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Disclosure"]460 m² house in Fortaleza designed for a couple with four daughters. Project by Romário Rodrigues. In the photo, kitchen with display cabinet and countertop.[/caption>

Additionally, this type of covering is available in a wide variety of finishes, such as marble, cement, stone, and even wood, allowing for elegant and personalized compositions. Another positive point is its high resistance to moisture, heat, and stains, essential characteristics for daily use in the kitchen.

2. Cementitious Coverings


Cementitious coverings have gained space for their urban and contemporary look. They are ideal for those seeking a kitchen with an industrial or minimalist aesthetic, marked by neutral tones and discreet textures.

Chris Coelho's Project.

Projeto de Chris Coelho. (Henrique Queiroga/Solarium/CASACOR)

Besides the visual appeal, these materials have evolved significantly in terms of performance, showing good mechanical resistance and ease of maintenance when correctly waterproofed. They can be applied on walls, floors, and even countertops, creating a uniform and current effect.

3. Natural Stone and Nature-Inspired Surfaces


Materials such as granite, quartzite, marble, and other natural stones remain strong as kitchen coverings, especially in projects that value sophistication and timelessness.

[caption id="69413fade5bc5327e41e4f0f" width="736" data-alt="Minimalist home theater and graphite kitchen mark the project of this apartment" data-caption="Minimalist home theater and graphite kitchen mark the project of this apartment" data-credit="Raul Fonseca" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Disclosure"]Minimalist home theater and graphite kitchen mark the project of this apartment[/caption>

The natural variations in color and veins make each application unique, adding aesthetic value to the projects. For those looking for practicality, there are also industrialized surfaces inspired by stone that offer a similar look with greater control over absorption and simplified maintenance without losing the natural aspect.

4. Metal Panels and Stainless Steel


Metal panels, especially in stainless steel, are a modern and functional alternative to traditional tiles. Widely used in professional kitchens, they have gained space in residential projects for their durability, hygiene, and contemporary look.

[caption id="69698597dd8c9c604ce06a55" width="736" data-alt="stainless steel kitchen" data-caption="stainless steel kitchen" data-credit="Pinterest" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"]stainless steel kitchen[/caption>

Besides facilitating cleaning, these coverings reflect light and contribute to brighter projects. They are ideal for areas close to the stove or preparation countertop, where durability is essential.

5. Next-Generation Vinyl and Laminated Coverings


With increasingly advanced technology, vinyl and laminated coverings suitable for wet areas have been consolidating as a practical and versatile option for kitchens.

[caption id="68f2bb3c98f18c7f5f5fd10a" width="736" data-alt="Renovation enhances the social area of this 270 m² Brasilia apartment. Project by Bloco Arquitetos. In the photo, kitchen with planned cabinetry and dining area." data-caption="Renovation enhances the social area of this 270 m² Brasilia apartment. Project by Bloco Arquitetos. In the photo, kitchen with planned cabinetry and dining area." data-credit="Production: Luciana Cardoso | Photos: Júlia Tótoli" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Disclosure"]Renovation enhances the social area of this 270 m² Brasilia apartment. Project by Bloco Arquitetos. In the photo, kitchen with planned cabinetry and dining area.[/caption>

They offer thermal comfort, quick installation, and a huge variety of patterns, including wood, stone, and concrete. When properly applied and chosen in suitable versions for these projects, they become an accessible and aesthetic solution, especially in quick renovations or projects that prioritize cost-effectiveness.

[caption id="68f2bb4998f18c7f5f5fd9b7" width="736" data-alt="Balcony, living room, dining room, and kitchen are integrated in this 97 m² apartment. Project by Paula Muller. In the photo, dining room and integrated kitchen," data-caption="Balcony, living room, dining room, and kitchen are integrated in this 97 m² apartment. Project by Paula Muller. In the photo, dining room and integrated kitchen," data-credit="Lilia Mendel" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"]Balcony, living room, dining room, and kitchen are integrated in this 97 m² apartment. Project by Paula Muller. In the photo, dining room and integrated kitchen,[/caption>

CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.