Marble marvels: 5 non-traditional ways to use marble in kitchens and bathrooms

Since time immemorial, marble has been associated with luxurious design, applied in prestigious locations across the globe ranging from Grand Central Station in New York City and the Parthenon in Athens to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Thanks to advancements in sourcing and technology, marble is accessible to the public and has long been the material of choice for elegant residences. Not merely a pretty material, marble is scratch-resistant and highly durable, making it the go-to material for high-traffic areas susceptible to wear and wear, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Despite its ancient origins, marble is far from staid, with creative interior designers crafting contemporary spins using the classic material. Read on to discover some inspirational ways to use marble in residential interior design.

When it comes to statement materials like marble, it can pay to exercise restraint. However, The Hopetoun proves that sometimes more is more. Ample amounts of marble are used to glorious effect in this property. A grey marble benchtop rises from an oak timber base, with the same marble applied to walls and shelving. The muted colour palette, pared-back cabinetry, and parquetry floors contribute to a zen Japanese aesthetic, preventing the abundance of marble from being ‘too much’.

A home that doesn’t shy away from marble, The Hopetoun also takes the luxurious material into the powder room. Purple-veined marble vanities are paired with dark grey glazed Japanese tiles to create a dark, moody powder room within an elegant yet understated aesthetic that’s at ease with its upscale, tree-lined suburban surroundings.

Designed for a young couple with luxurious tastes, Hawthorn Residence takes on a definitively bold, contemporary aesthetic. Eschewing classic marble vanities and walls, this bathroom instead features marble flooring, with the white hue and minimal veining working to open the room up and giving off the impression of a larger space. Adhering to the largely monochrome colour palette adopted throughout the home, the bathroom features glossy white and matte black finishes, with warm lighting and hints of blonde timber easing the intensity of the black-and-white contrast.

An exploration in texture, marble takes centre stage in the bathroom in Potts Point Residences. Matte grey marble walls and floor tiles meet a glossy pale pink marble vanity with minimal veining. The marbled aesthetic carries over to the shower, albeit in a subdued fashion so as not to overshadow the statement vanity. Metallic hardware and mirrors in gold and brass finishes complement the marble surfaces, keeping with the elegant tone.

Another kitchen that proves colour palettes needn’t be light and bright to create a warm, inviting space. North Strathfield Residence takes a moody, elegant approach to a multifunctional kitchen and entertaining space. Metal trim elevates the timber veneer, while a dark grey marble rangehood makes a striking style statement. Resting underneath it is a central Carrara marble island and breakfast bar, supported by a single central tiled leg. Carrara marble is carried through to the benchtops and splashbacks to create a kitchen that marries style with functionality.

Words by Tanisha Angel