When many people think of marble, they may think of Carrara marble, the classic white and gray marble from Italy that has been used in architecture and sculpture for centuries. Marble tiles, however, come in a wide variety of colors from crystal white, to sky blue, rose pink to deep gray and black. Whether designing a marble floor, backsplash or shower, look for interesting color combinations, sizes and patterns to give marble an updated look.
New Twists on Old Designs
Give a classic design a modern look by laying tiles in classic patterns, but in new color combinations.
Instead of using black and white marble tile in a checkerboard for a foyer floor, try using Calacatta marble, a bright white marble with gold and gray veining, with Crema Luna, a cream colored limestone, hard enough to take a high polish. Lay these tiles in the traditional checkerboard pattern, or outline the room in one color while filling in the center with the other.
When using marble mosaic tiles, try going for a softer look by using a classic basketweave in Carrara, with Bardiglio, a deep gray marble with white veins; Carrara’s opposite, instead of black marble.
For other different color combinations for classic designs, try using Bursa Beige, a Turkish, cream colored marble, with Verde Luna, a grass green serpentine. Try using classic Botticino marble with white accents, or use a very variegated marble such as Breccia Oniciato, or Pacific Pewter, all over a bathroom’s walls and floors for lots of color and movement.
Mix Up the Sizes
New advances in stone cutting technology means that marble is available in more than the standard 12x12” tile. Subway tile, 4x4”, 6x6”, 12x24” as well as new modern sizes like 4x12” and 6x24” are available. Try using one color marble in multiple sizes in one room for a varied effect. Or for a more dramatic look, try working with two colors in a few sizes.
Run 3x6 black marble tile along the counter of a backsplash and change to 1x2” Rosso Laguna, a deep burgundy red marble behind the cooktop for a dramatic, modern look. For showers, use 2x2” marble tiles on the floor, then switch to 12x12” tiles of the same color for the walls, running a border of 4x4” tiles of the same color on an angle at shoulder height to break up the design. Remember not to use white tiles on shower floors, as they can wick up water and minerals from below and discolor over time. If using a white marble in the shower, consider using a gray or cream colored shower floor to compliment.
Remember that all natural stone, including marble, needs to be sealed prior to grouting, as well as on an ongoing basis if used in a wet area, or exposed to harsh cleansers. Always wash marble tiles with a stone cleaner or mild detergent to help preserve the polish and prevent etching.
Many marbles will come in both tile and slab form, so try using one color marble throughout a bathroom by using the same color on the floors, walls, vanity top and tub surround. Marbles can also vary widely from lot to lot, as well as from piece to piece, so remember that samples in showrooms can only show a general representation of what the tile will look like upon purchase and installation. Keep an open mind when designing with colored marbles, and open the home and design to the possibility of truly unique beauty.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
