The kitchen is the soul of the home and has long surpassed its role as a place where meals are cooked and prepared. Nowadays, we also eat in the kitchen and entertain family and close friends. In fact, it has become the room where everyone “hangs out.” Kitchens have also become a predominant feature in real estate, adding substantial value to a home.
As such, we put a lot of thought into designing and decorating kitchens. From selecting the cabinets, and appliances to choosing flooring, countertops, a backsplash, furnishings and accessories, all decisions are highly influenced by trends. One of the most popular trends in current kitchen design is the use of natural stone, not just in countertops but in backsplashes and as decorative elements as well.
The typical natural stone in kitchens has been granite. More and more however, the trend has been to use quartz, quartzite or even marble. I love marble’s creative uses, its elegance and its timeliness. Below I’ve outlined some of the latest trends in kitchen marble design. So, if you’re interested in incorporating marble into your kitchen or you’re just curious about the latest kitchen design trends, make sure to browse these top kitchen marble trends that have homeowners everywhere rooting for a redesign!
Marble Backsplashes with Large Tiles
One of the hottest kitchen trends this year is the use of big slabs of marble for backsplashes.
Even more, these marble backsplashes are being extended beyond the standard 4” trims of the past. Modern backsplashes cover a big portion of the wall, with some even going up to the ceiling! If you want to be bold, you can select several large slabs of Italian Marble (or any other type of marble) for the area behind the stove as well as the areas between lower and upper cabinets and for those areas without upper cabinets as well.
If your kitchen is large, you can use the slabs of marble as large tiles, which will create a gorgeous combination and a unique pattern.
Sinks and Countertops
Lately, kitchens with white and grey tones have been all the rage. But this year, the situation has changed. The trend is toward deep jewel-colored cabinetry. Too, designers are mixing different colored cabinetry – one color for upper cabinets and another for lower cabinets or one-color cabinet for the island and another for the perimeter cabinets. This trend has lent itself to the use of marble countertops. Although in and of itself this is not a new idea, it certainly works with this new trend in that the marble countertop acts as a “middle ground” breaching the different cabinet colors.
This has created a demand for marble that’s more colorful, with deep green and brown tones that create a beautiful line of demarcation. The result is astonishing, with a refreshing look even for more traditional settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a classic butcher’s block countertop, you can spice things up with a marble sink. Since most designs are cut from a single block of stone, each sink is unique in pattern and overall color. Not to mention, the surface is more durable than most materials and, if maintained properly, it ages well.
High-Contrast Marble
If colored marble is not your thing but you still want to make a statement, choose high-contrast marble. These slabs have high contrast and bold veining that immediately attract the eye and demand the viewer’s attention.
High-contrast marble lends itself to being paired with other color-coordinating materials. For example, slabs with brownish veining look amazingly well when combined with natural wood. The same goes for slabs that have metallic tones and inox of stainless steel.
The idea is that you can go wild with the colors and materials used in the kitchen (as long as they complement each other, of course).
White Marble is Still a Thing
Even though designers tend to prefer marble that’s more interesting and fun to look at, white marble remains a statement of elegance and style. Its refined look makes it the top choice when creating a luxurious kitchen setting.
White marble is used for countertops and is usually combined with accent elements such as brass or gold for hardware and accessories. White countertops work well with darker shades of cabinetry, as it helps lighten up the space and ties everything together.
All Marble
With unique patterns and an overall sleek look, marble is such a beautiful material that you’ll want to use it everywhere. However, it has been frowned upon to have more than one or two marble surfaces in the kitchen.
Luckily, the trends have changed, and now you can use marble in a myriad of applications -countertops, backsplashes and even a marble sink. The only parameter is to use slabs in similar colors and patterns, to create a unified look.
Also, it helps to have a neutral surface from which to start; this will help tie everything together – such as wood cabinets in a darker color (if you choose white or light-colored marble).
Dark Kitchens are Trendy
In the last couple of years, the trend has been completely white kitchens. While the idea is beautiful and the results are astonishing, this year we see a 360-degree switch from light to dark when it comes to kitchens.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of having black cabinets in your kitchen, but it seemed out of trend, now is the time to start a remodel!
You can choose sleek or matte surfaces, unitary colors or patterns, textured or smooth – almost anything goes as long as you keep it dark. This also gives homeowners the chance to include those beautiful and elegant slabs of dark marble with light veining in their kitchen designs.
Why Marble?
I already mentioned I love marble’s elegance and timeliness in interior settings, but there are other reasons to support this choice.
▸ Beauty & Durability
Greek and Roman sculptors, architects, and artists were among the first to recognize the wonderful properties of marble. They understood that the material is not just completely natural and durable, but it’s also incredibly beautiful.
Because marble has a low index of refraction, light is not immediately scattered out by the surface. This creates that characteristic shiny look we all admire in sculptures, works of art, and (yes) kitchen countertops.
Finally, the fact that we get to admire these works of art even after hundreds of years since their creation, is a testament to this material’s durability!
▸ Design Versatility
Marble can be found in a wide array of patterns and colors, each more impressive than the other. In fact, this level of diversity is one of the reasons why people love using marble tiles for walls, floors, bathroom and kitchen interior designs, decorations, and more.
▸ Heat Resistance & Insulation
If we move past the aesthetic characteristics of the stone, we learn that marble countertops handle heat well and maintain a lower temperature, even during the hottest days of summer.
These features make marble the number one choice as a countertop material for bakers.
▸ Easy Maintenance
Marble countertops, tiles, and floors are easy to clean and maintain because they don’t need special chemicals. All it takes is warm water, mild dish soap, and a clean damp cloth.
Still, keep in mind that this is a porous stone. So, if you don’t want it to stain, make sure to remove spills (especially of colored substances) as quickly as possible.
▸ Value
Due to its astonishing beauty, durability, and low maintenance, marble is a valuable investment in your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, a marble countertop, backsplash, or sink will be appreciated by potential buyers.
Wrap Up
Overall, the main trend for kitchens is simplicity and functionality. Designers go for straight lines and color combinations that don’t involve intricate settings in order to create a pleasant environment that lets the eye wander.
As such, marble is a natural choice as it features unique patterns and an overall elegant and simplistic look.
Author Bio: Nicole Andrews is the marketing manager for Euro Marble in Sydney, Australia.
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