The Bold Marble Design Trend Is Here to Stay

Marble has been a mainstay in stylish spaces for centuries. Whether selecting Calacatta, Carrara, Travertine, Arabescato, or Onyx the use of this beautiful stone in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms is certainly nothing new.

But, we have noticed a new trend towards the ostentatious. Professional and amateur designers alike seem to be favoring colorful, cracked marble with interesting swirls and unique veining—the more imperfect, the better. Of course, this emerging trend also aligns with the 1980s renaissance currently dominating design and fashion; there’s a reason why luxurious stone pairs perfectly with flashy gold hardware, curved furniture, and pastels.

What’s more, it appears that marble has evolved beyond kitchen countertops. Architecture firms like Humbert and Poyet and Rob Mills are using marble to create custom fireplaces, dining and coffee tables, backsplashes, luxurious bathtubs, ottomans, flooring, staircases, seating, and even glassware. Athena also embraced this bold marble design trend from the stunning pink slab in her shower, to the backsplash and countertops in both her Brooklyn and Amagansett kitchens.

If you’re looking to introduce this timeless stone in your home, we have one piece of advice: go big or go home. Swoon over some of our favorite marble-flecked rooms, gather design inspiration, and shop the look below.

Pretty in Pink.

Beloved by firms like Elizabeth Roberts Architecture and Decus Interiors, pink marble is back in a big way. From dusty rose to bold bubblegum, pink marble can effortlessly vacillate between tasteful and kitschy to meet your design needs. Go bold and try a rose and white swirled waterfall island or a pink slab in your shower like Athena. Or you can simply test the waters with a serving platter, side table, or bowl.

Swirled Black, Gray, & White

Interior designers and architects alike are kicking classic black, gray, and white marble up a notch, opting for bold swirling and striking color flecks that highlight the color contrast. Keep it classic with neutral décor, or take notes from Athena Calderone or architect Damien Langlois-Meurinne and add a 1980s twist with a sage green coat of paint.

Fresh Oxblood & Viola

On the contrary, creamy marble cracked with rich wine tones feels distinctly 2020. Take ACV Interiors’ Warsaw Project, for example. The kitchen counter and backsplash are carved from a deeply veined, wine-toned marble that truly sets the project apart. To the right, in Amber Interior’s “Client Canyon Cool” bathroom you’ll see how you can go smaller with the bold viola-colored stone with a marble sink. It pairs perfectly with the navy paint and gold hardware.

Retro Green & Gold

Speaking of the 1980s, no color characterizes the decade quite like green. From pastel sage to deep evergreen, we’ve noticed a slew of spaces outfitted with marble in this memorable hue—most notably Liaigre Studio’s “Munich Masterpiece” project and Humbert & Boyet’s Hotel de Coulanges project for Architectural Digest France. Cut with gold hardware and accessories, the resulting look is both modern and retro.