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Affordable Ways to Design With Marble

Posted on October 8, 2023 by KylieMawdsley

How Interior Designers Use Marble & Save Money

I love marble. Its timeless and classic style makes it a top choice for many bathroom and kitchen renovations. However, because it’s a natural material, it’s a big ole pain in the rear end when it comes to maintenance.

And not only that, it’s freakin’ expensive.

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Thankfully, I have several ways to spark your creativity. These ideas will get you thinking outside the marble-clad box and get you the high-end marble look at a fraction of the cost…

  • install your real marble in a thoughtful, creative, and budget-conscious way
  • use a ‘marble-look’ product (i.e., countertop) that mimics the real thing
  • use marble accessories and furnishings (including coffee tables, picture frames, etc.)

So, let’s get these marbles ROLLING with some great ideas to get you using this fantastic finish in your home.

AFFORDABLE ways to design a home with marble, floor, backsplash, shower, update ideas for interior design diyers. Kylie M, online paint color expert

 

1. IF YOU LOVE MARBLE, GO VERTICAL

As an interior finish, marble is the height of sophistication and the ultimate luxury. However, as a horizontal floor or countertop surface, marble can be high maintenance and expensive to purchase and install.

Think vertical.

Marble installed vertically is much easier to keep unblemished as it won’t be as exposed to products that stain and etch. Depending on where you’re installing it, you might save a lot of money on square footage and add a new level of elegance to your home.

 

MARBLE VANITY BACKSPLASH IDEA

When it comes to great bang for buck, a marble bathroom backsplash is the way to go. While kitchen backsplashes usually need 30-40 square feet of product, bathrooms often need a fraction of that and make just as much impact…

Marble hexagon pattern backsplash tile, mosaic. Shown with square, modern chrome faucet

Marble backsplash in hexagon shape with vanity cabinets painted Chelsea Gray, double sinks and chrome accents by Kylie M Interiors

See the full project HERE

This bathroom’s vanity area is a striking focal point with the affordable marble-look countertop (learn about it below) and Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray cabinets.

In this next small powder room, we only needed 15 square feet of marble to add some personality…

Hexagon marble tile on wall behind vanity, quartz countertop, High Reflective White cabinets. Kylie M INteriors Edesign, online paint color consultant

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Combine your marble backsplash with marble-look white quartz, and you’ve got a stunning, low-maintenance combo – AND you’ve saved money. As I like to tell my hubby, ‘We’re practically MAKING money this way!’

 

MARBLE KITCHEN BACKSPLASH IDEAS

While a marble hexagon tile can be charming in a bathroom, the more classic, timeless approach for a kitchen is the subway tile format…

White kitchen cabinets, Sherwin Williams High Reflective White painted maple, Rococco quartz countertop, marble subway tile. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint color blogger and consultant

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

KITCHEN remodel, marble subway tile backsplash, MSI quartz, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace painted cabinets. Kylie M Interiors Online paint color expert with Truley Home

Beautiful white kitchen cabinets with white marble subway tile backsplash and MSI quartz.

 

MARBLE-LOOK TILE IN A SHOWER SURROUND

In this next project, we did an affordable porcelain (marble look-a-like) on the walls to save on the budget and keep things low maintenance. We did spend a bit more on the hexagon marble floors (and it was worth it)…

Walk in shower, ensuite bathroom. Marble hexagon mosaic tile floor, porcelain walls, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist. Kylie M Interiors

Notice the hexagon tile is also in vertical stripes up the wall and the alcoves. If we wanted to save money (which wasn’t a concern on this project) we could’ve done the marble just in the alcoves or only on the floor and got an equally as pretty, elegant look.

Bathroom with marble walk in shower, hexagon tile floor, alcove, freestanding tub, window. Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore. Design by Kylie M Interiors. E-decor, online design services

Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

As for a traditional tub-shower surround, there’s usually around 70 square feet – that’s a LOT of tiles and it adds up fast. So, to save money in this next bathroom, we chose an affordable, glazed subway tile for the walls and a gorgeous warm gray-taupe marble hexagon tile for the niche and shelf.

Only 8 square feet of tile was needed, and it was worth every penny!

Bathroom with bathtub and gray subway tile shower surround with niche or alcove in hexagon marble tile, greige accent tile. Kylie M Interiors design

See the before and afters HERE

If the above subway tile were white instead of warm gray/taupe, it would be way more timeless. The above tub surround was installed during the gray trend.

 

2. MARBLE FLOORS – FROM MEGA TO MODEST

While installing marble tile floors can add up quickly based on the type of marble you choose and your room’s dimensions, there are ways to integrate marble without going over the top.

But then again, sometimes going over the top is FUN! 

In this next bathroom, ‘saving money’ wasn’t at the top of the list (or the bottom)…

How to use marble basketweave as an accent tile in a bathroom. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint color consulting

Now, I’m a believer that just because you HAVE money doesn’t mean you have to spend it. But I have to admit that the above marble tile floor and basketweave accent look pretty bangin’. We also took it right into the loo…

Bathroom with area for toilet with basketweave marble tile floor

This next bathroom takes a more moderate approach thanks to its modest dimensions (approximately 50 sq ft). It also helps that the handy homeowner installed it himself, saving a TON on labor (who needs healthy knees anyway)…

Small bathroom or powder room ideas. Marble hexagon floor, blue green vanity, white wainscoting, Stonington Gray paint color. Kylie M Interiors Edesign

This tile was $15 sq ft That comes to around $750 in tile, plus the misc. bits and pieces (grout). I say that’s a darn smart investment.

Before we move onto countertops that look like marble, here’s one more cutie-patootie bathroom for you with minimal floor square footage…

Sherwin Williams First Star in bathroom with hexagon marble floor and floatin vanity. Kylie M INteriors Edesign, onine paint color consultant

In a small bathroom or powder room, a little can go a LONG WAY! 

 

3. COUNTERS THAT LOOK LIKE MARBLE (LAMINATE & QUARTZ)

There are so many fantastic countertop products out there that look like marble countertops. These are usually a) considerably less expensive and b) much more durable.

Sherwin Williams Eider White painted kitchen cabinets, off white gray, Cambria Brittanica and a light gray quartz.

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

It all comes down to how much money you want to spend/save. Reasonable quality quartz countertops are less expensive and lower maintenance than marble and there are tons to choose from, including…

 

LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS THAT LOOK LIKE MARBLE

My fave idea of all!

Formica has a fabulous marble impersonator called Calacatta Marble. It’s a fraction of the cost, and while it is a laminate countertop (which has its pros and cons), the overall look and durability are worth the value.

Formica 180FX Calacatta Marble laminate countertop with hexagon marble accent tile and Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray painted cabinet by Kylie M Interiors

We chose the countertop above because it looks just like marble! It’s pretty remarkable and a fraction of the cost.

Laundry room mudroom with Formica laminate countertop Carrara Bianco, marble look. Pure White walls and cabinets. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint colour blogger

How to Create a Timeless, Trend-proof Home

Depending on the type of marble you like, here are some of my favorite impersonators…

The New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

If I were to pick a product based on its cost, durability, and ability to withstand my bad habit of spilling everything I pour and the fact that I prefer cutting without a cutting board, I would choose laminate. I’m not saying it’s a superior product in the ‘design hoytie-toytie’ sense; I’m just saying I would trust it a HELL of a lot more than marble for everyday wear and tear. Plus, if I DID torch it, the replacement cost would be astronomically lower than replacing a hunk of marble (and all that being said, quartz is my favorite countertop product).

 

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS THAT MIMIC THE LOOK OF MARBLE

I have a few of my faves listed below. To see these and more with photos of them installed in REAL HOMES (not unattainable, Insta-mansions) read this blog.

Calacatta Gold silestone white quartz countertop, marble look warm

CAESARSTONE STATUARIO MAXIMUS is a GORGEOUS substitute for the real thing.

CAESARSTONE STATUARIO NUVO is another great option with a slightly softer look compared to Maximus.

SILESTONE LYRA is an interesting option. I’m not going to lie to you and say that it looks ‘just like marble’ because I find it not as veiny as the real thing. However, it will be MUCH more durable and still look pretty darn awesome.

CAMBRIA TORQUAY is another good one for the ‘marble-esque’ look with a whack-load more durability. Again, I don’t think it’s bang-on in the looks department; it’s MUCH more muted looking and has some warmth – still a great contender, though!

MSI MIRAGGIO DUO is an elegant, classic take on marble. While it has gray veining, it’s a bit softer than some others.

SILESTONE WHITE ARABESQUE has a slightly softer approach with a mottled background and gray veining.

Bathroom with white quartz countertops, dark blue vanity, beige, blue and white hexagon tile and Benjamin Moore Winds Breath paint colour on walls. Kylie M INteriors Edesign, diy update ideas.

 

PORCELAIN OR CERAMIC TILE THAT LOOKS LIKE MARBLE

In all three bathrooms below, we chose an affordable porcelain tile that LOOKS like marble, but is easier to maintain and considerably more affordable – style doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

bathroom with Sherwin Williams Network Gray shiplap, vanity, gray and white tile marble look floor, black fixtures, Benjamin White Dove walls. Kylie M. (1)

3 Ideas to Add Personality to a Small Bathroom

Walk in shower in ensuite bathroom. Marble porcelain floor, hexagon mosaic shower accents, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist with teal accents. Kylie M Interiors

See the full project here

walk in shower in bathroom with pink and brown mosaic tile, marble look shower surround, white quartz and cloud white walls

This post isn’t about trashing marble – it’s a fabulous product. It’s about doing your research to see what else is out there that can give you a similar look with a few additional perks (like freakin’ durability, people!)

 

4. MARBLE FIREPLACE SURROUND

When it comes to square footage, a fireplace surround is a great way to integrate marble into your home without spending a fortune. Whether you love the look of Calacatta, black, or Carrara marble, a little can go a long way.

This next fireplace update took less than 12 square feet and the product itself cost less than $200…

before and after fireplace makeover, travertine tile, Edgecomb Gray, living room. Kylie M Interiors Edesign

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray – A Fresh Home Remodel 

This next fireplace is another good example of an affordable way to do a marble fireplace surround without breaking open the kid’s piggy bank…

Livingroom with white built ins, Benjamin Moore White Dove, tv above fireplace, marble around stone fireplace, white oak surround, blue sofa and accents, square coffee table.

With some careful matching, you can even pull off the ‘slab marble’ look using 12×24 tiles or marble remnants from the supplier…

Contemporary or modern style fireplace with white mantel and marble surround

5 Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

 

5. USE MARBLE DECOR & FURNITURE PIECES

While I don’t have as many images of these smaller pieces (I only use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients), there are many ways to use marble in your everyday living without involving ANY installation!

Living room with Pure White Walls and blue accents and decor, round marble coffee table. Kylie M Interiors Edesign, online paint colour advice and consulting blog

Coffee Table from BC Marble Products

  • marble coffee or side tables
  • home decor and accessories in marble
  • picture frames
  • small decorative bowls (especially in the kitchen)
  • marble trays

Many of the above look especially striking sitting on wood pieces as the contrast makes them pop.

 

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

IS MARBLE STILL IN STYLE?

Not only is marble in style, it’s one of the few timeless finishes. The things that can date marble are its surroundings, including finishes that cater to a particular trend (i.e., the gray trend or 2000s Tuscan trend). However, update these other surfaces and your marble should still be good to go!

 

WHAT MATERIALS LOOK GOOD WITH MARBLE?

Marble is a super flexible natural stone and partners well with…

  • wood stains – from light to dark, rustic to clean lines
  • steel and metal for a more contemporary, modern look
  • gold finishes contrast with the cool tones of many marble finishes whereas chrome and polished nickel lean into the cool vibe

 

READ MORE

The Best White Quartz (Marble-Look) Countertops

A Contemporary Marble Bathroom – New Home

4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Small Bathroom

A Marble-Inspired Ensuite Bathroom

How to Create a Timeless Trend-Proof Home

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

Chat soon,

Kylie M Interiors, decorating blog, e-design, online colour consulting expert. signature

For your own E-Design Decorating Consultation, check this out…

edesign, virtual paint colour consulting. Kylie M Interiors Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams color expert. marketing (10)

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED FOR CONTENT AND PHOTOS IN 2023



Comments

  1. Kylie, For a long time I have been eyeing the Formica Calcutta marble but have not liked the edges without a seam that I had to choose from. I do like this one! Do you remember what edge is on the example you have above? Many thanks!

  2. What a gracious reply, Kylie. You’re a great example of how one can receive criticism without becoming defensive, engage in self-reflection, and decide to make a positive change. Well done, you.

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