When it’s time to install new countertops in your kitchen, there are lots of materials to choose from. Stone kitchen counters have always been popular, but one particular variant rises to the top.
Today, we’re discussing marble kitchen countertop ideas. Marble is such a wonderful material to use in the kitchen as it goes well with just about everything. If you’re keen to elevate your kitchen design and add more value to your home, then you’re in the right place.
Below, we’ll look at marble kitchen countertop concepts, ideas, and inspiration. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the perfect counter for your upcoming kitchen renovation.
What Are Marble Kitchen Countertops?
Marble kitchen countertops are a type of natural stone countertop utilizing real marble. This is a naturally-occurring stone that’s found in quarries where it is dug up and cut into different shapes. From here, it is coated in a protective sealant and ready to be installed in your kitchen.
You can find some “cultured” marble countertops, though they are rare. These counters use a mixture of natural marble and other minerals to create an engineered stone. You get a similar effect to marble, but it’s not as high-end or classy.
What Are The Different Types Of Marble Countertops?
One of the big reasons people choose marble countertops is the unique style this stone brings. Unlike other stones, you don’t get a solid or pebbled finish. Instead, you get a beautiful bold main color with intricate and unique veining.
Veining refers to the lines you see in the marble, which often contrast with its main color. The look is truly one of a kind and adds an element of class and luxury to your countertop. To make things even better, the veining is completely unique to the slab of marble used. Two kitchens can have marble countertops from the same type of marble, yet they may look entirely different due to the veining.
Speaking of which, what are the different types of marble kitchen countertops available?
A lot of people assume there are only a handful of marble variants, but this is far from the truth. You can find marble all over the world in quarries across four continents. This means you will find endless possibilities when choosing the right marble variant for your kitchen. Because there are so many variations, marble is usually split into three main color categories:
- White marble
- Black marble
- Red marble
Now, each category will have its own subcategories consisting of different hues or grains. For instance, black marble will include dark gray versions or ones with a slight blue tinge to them. Likewise, red marble often has quite brownish variants while white marble can include colors leading towards more beige or off-white.
Some of the most common types of marble within these categories are:
Carrara Marble
This marble comes from the Carrara region of Italy, to the northwest of the country up in the mountains. It is one of the most popular versions of marble, and the one you tend to see in a lot of homes.
You typically find this in a light color that’s some hue of white/gray with gray veining. Depending on the exact type of Carrara marble you choose, it could have a darker background with dark veining or light veining on a white background. This type is also known for its really reach and long veining that forms complex patterns and looks extremely high-end.
Calcutta Marble
Calcutta marble also comes from the Carrara region, but it is one of the rarest forms of marble you will find. Instantly, this puts a premium price tag on it, but you can boast a kitchen countertop that’s truly unique.
The standout feature of this marble is the thickness of the veins. It’s unlike any other veining you’ll see, really contrasting with the background color. Speaking of which, you can find Calcutta marble in lots of hues. This includes white with gray/brown veins, gray with much darker veins, or even slight goldish hues in both the main color and veining. It’s truly an option for those looking to invest in something extravagant.
Statuario Marble
Statuario marble is another variant from the same Carrara region that’s rarer than Carrara marble but not as rare as Calcutta marble. Primarily, it gives you white marble with gray veining - though you can find it in cream or off-white as well.
This particular type is known for its large veins that almost take over the stone itself. You can have large patches of light gray veining on a white background that really contrast and look stunning.
Rainforest Marble
Rainforest marble is found in India and gives a truly wondrous appearance. Unlike most other marbles, this tends to fall in the black marble category. It has dark backgrounds with very striking veins. It gets the name because the veins almost look like branches of a tree fanning out in a tightly packed forest. You also typically see veins in brown or reddish colors, which makes it even more unique.
There are some variants of this that are greener with blue veining - it’s truly one of the most diverse and interesting marble types for a kitchen countertop.
Rojo Alicante Marble
Sourced from Spain, Rojo Alicante gives you an earthy marble color that’s sandy red with white veins. It certainly stands out from the crowd and can create a statement in your kitchen.
Of course, due to the uniqueness and red color, it’s not commonly found in most homes as people tend to opt for white, gray, or black hues.
Thassos Marble
Thassos Marble is quarried in Greece and delivers one of the plainest looks out of all marble variants. It has minimal veining and is usually found in pure white color. This gives it a truly modern look that contrasts so well with blacks and other colors in your kitchen.
This is a great option for contemporary kitchen design, particularly if you want to install something like a blackened brass table. The juxtaposition of the white with the black brings your kitchen to life. We also think it works perfectly with white cabinets and black cabinet handles.
Other types of marble countertops exist, but these are the designs and styles you’re most likely to find. Still, it’s worth looking at as many options as possible before you install your new counter.
How To Choose Marble Countertop Designs
With so many marble countertop ideas to choose from, how do you whittle down the options and make your selection?
It can be difficult, but here are some ideas and tips to help out:
- Focus on your kitchen design - What are the main decor themes or patterns in your kitchen? Are you trying to develop a truly modern kitchen with lots of modern design elements? There’s a beautiful stainless steel range hood above the counters, so you need to find a type of marble that goes with it. Don’t opt for modern elements throughout your kitchen, and then try to pick a marble countertop that looks a bit older or more traditional. You have to make everything fit!
- Choose the main color - What color marble countertop do you want? This will be influenced by the kitchen design you’re going for. In most cases, a white or lighter shade of marble is the preferred option. Some people go for black or darker ones, but white does end up being the most-picked color. Why? Because it’s neutral, versatile, and goes with pretty much everything. Still, you have to decide which color looks the best in your kitchen.
- Think about veining - When you’ve sorted out the main color, turn your attention to veining. Do you want a marble kitchen countertop with prominent veins? Do you want them to be thick, have a wild pattern, or be a bit more reserved and pale? This is an easy way to filter through marble countertop concepts to find one that’s just right.
- Set a budget - The first three tips will help you figure out the general marble countertop design that suits your needs best. However, you now need to consider what type of marble to pick, depending on your budget. How much can you afford to spend here? Setting a budget will instantly remove some of the more expensive products from your consideration, leaving you with ones you can actually afford.
Why Choose Marble Kitchen Countertops?
Marble kitchen countertop designs are incredibly popular with homeowners. When you take a look at this gorgeous natural stone, you see it has some incredible qualities that make it ideal for use in kitchen settings:
- Marble is synonymous with luxury - Marble has a unique look that makes it super high-end and luxurious. This can enhance your kitchen and possibly add some serious value to your home.
- Marble is durable - As a natural stone, marble is very durable and can last for the entirety of your lifespan. You need only install it once, and then you have a stylish counter for decades.
- Marble is heat-resistant - You won’t have to worry about putting hot things on your marble counter as it is resistant to stone and is highly unlikely to break or crack.
- Marble comes in unique colors/patterns - When compared to other countertop materials, marble has some of the most unique and amazing patterns. This is thanks to the veining, but also the sheer variety of marble colors out there. From bright white to dark greens and even browns; your options are endless.
Clearly, there’s a lot to love about marble kitchen countertops. Nevertheless, you should be aware of some potential downsides. These won’t be an issue for everyone, but you need to know about them before making a decision:
- Marble is high-maintenance - Thanks to the porous nature of this natural stone, it requires a lot of ongoing maintenance. You’ll need to have your counters professionally sealed once a year to prevent staining.
- Marble is expensive - There’s no getting around the fact that marble is costly. However, it can be worth the price if you manage to fit it into your budget. Think of it as an investment in your happiness, and in your home!
- Marble can scratch and stain - While very durable and resistant to severe cracks or chips, marble does have the ability to scratch or stain. So, you have to take extra care when using your countertop. Always put protective mats down when chopping up food and be sure to wipe away any spillages ASAP.
Pair Your Marble Counters With Stunning Kitchen Features
Having a lovely marble countertop won’t automatically make your kitchen beautiful. It helps, but you need to add in some other stunning features to truly complete the look.
Here at World CopperSmith, we specialize in a range of gorgeous metal kitchen features that add value to your home and boost the interior design.
This includes our fantastic range hoods, available in copper, stainless steel, brass, and many other finishes. They make the perfect centerpiece for a kitchen and sit pretty above your new marble counters. With so many colors to pick from, you’ll easily find something that compliments the style of your work surface.
Or, install one of our brilliant kitchen sinks - which can be embedded within your marble kitchen countertop. We have tons of styles to choose from, with each one adding a touch of class to your kitchen area. Regardless of the interior design theme you’re choosing, our sinks blend right in and add some lovely accents to your big bold counters.
Complete the look with a masterful metal kitchen table that accentuates the beauty of this room. Available in many types of metal with unique finishes and patterns, you can pick a table that looks at home in your kitchen.
If you’re keen to learn more or design your dream kitchen features, check out our product pages and use the 3D configurator to play around with styles, colors, and finishes. When you’re pleased with the design, you can request a quote before ordering online.
