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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
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)…
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.
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!
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)…
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…
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)…
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…
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.
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.
We chose the countertop above because it looks just like marble! It’s pretty remarkable and a fraction of the cost.
How to Create a Timeless, Trend-proof Home
Depending on the type of marble you like, here are some of my favorite impersonators…
- Wilsonart White Carrara (terrible online image, as most are)
- Formica Neo Cloud
- Wilsonart Calcutta Marble
- Formica Carrara Bianco
- Formica Calacatta Marble
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.
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.
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!
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See the full project here
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…
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…
With some careful matching, you can even pull off the ‘slab marble’ look using 12×24 tiles or marble remnants from the supplier…
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!
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,
For your own E-Design Decorating Consultation, check this out…
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED FOR CONTENT AND PHOTOS IN 2023
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!
Yes! I’d love to k is the edge choice here!
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.
Author
Thank you, Nia 🙂