Mastering Marble: How to Incorporate Marble into Your Home

Everyone loves marble. The smooth surface, the sinuous streaks, the subtle gloss—this metamorphic rock material has enticed the masses, from modern interior designers to famous Greek and Roman architects of the classical period. In fact, when you think of marble, you may be predisposed to think “fancy,” “traditional,” or “refined.” But while marble does have spectacular effect in grand locations like the Parthenon and the Taj Mahal, it can also offer a fresh take on modern designs and add a layer of luxury to a space without being too formal. So this week on the Kuotes, we’re spotlighting marble with some of our top tips on how to incorporate the beautiful material into your home. Plus, shop all of the marble pieces you’ll need from Kathy Kuo Home here.

---

---

Shop the Look

---

   Make Marble Part Of Your Walls Or Floors

Bringing marble material into the architecture of your space makes for a bold statement. Consider adding marble to the backsplash in your kitchen for an immediate luxe feel, or you can use marble as an alternative to traditional wainscoting in your bathroom or dining room. If you’re going for a look that’s a little more glamorous and traditional, opt for marble flooring. The foyer, dining room, or bath are spaces ideal for marble flooring because they’re traditionally more formal and the square footage is smaller so the marble won’t feel too overwhelming. 

---

---

Shop the Look

---

Focus On Marble Furniture

Although it may not be the most obvious choice, marble is one of our favorite materials for accessory furniture here at KKH. In addition to its innate beauty, marble is strong, sturdy, and will last a lifetime both physically and aesthetically. And let’s be upfront, marble is not inexpensive, so it’s good to know you’re making a sound investment. 

Marble designs today are modern and simple. You’ll typically see marble tabletops with a thin metallic base, a hefty marble sculptural accessory, or a marble lamp with a plain white shade. When shopping for marble furniture, make sure to choose items where the marble is the center of attention and the silhouette is sleek—this will result in a glamorous look that also has clean lines. Marble furniture may be on the slender side visually, but it is strong and therefore acts as the perfect choice for high-traffic areas like the living room.  

A word to the wise: Marble is heavy. So it’s extra important that you take careful measurements and make certain a piece will fit into your space before making a purchase. And don’t be afraid to go colored marble outside of white and cream. Black marble especially can help create a mood and super luxe atmosphere.  

---

How to Care For Your Marble

1. Seal. Sealing your marble furniture repels staining agents. It’s not foolproof, but it will help tremendously for day to day use. When water no longer beads, it’s time to reseal.
2. Protect. Vinegar, citrus, and tomato will etch marble, so if you have marble in the kitchen, don’t let them sit on the stone. Treat you marble finish as you would a wood finish, so use coasters and cutting boards, and wipe up spills immediately.
3. Clean. Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners on your marble furniture. Vacuum or sweep up loose dirt, and then use a damp mop or sponge regularly.

---

---

Shop the Look

---

Incorporate Marble Into Your Accessories And Décor

Marble is a big commitment, but in modern designs, you don’t need to a stone company or large hulls of heavy material to make an impact. Incorporate marble into your accent decor, from side tables in the living room to small items like jars, candle holders, or serving platters in the kitchen and bath. When shopping for accessories, focus on adding just one or two marble pieces to the room, and you’ll want to know the difference between honed marble (less reflective, with a satin-like feel) that is typical for smaller accent pieces, and polished marble (shinier and glossier, stain resistant) that is more common for table surfaces.

“Use small marble accents for a big impact.” 

---

Kathy Kuo Home Design Services