10 Elegant Alternatives to White Marble
Explore the selection of stunning colours and patterns available in natural stone
Installing any kind of prestige stone in your home – whether as a worktop, bathroom tile or cladding – is an expensive choice. But, if you’re willing to splash out, why not settle on something truly transformative? Yes, Calacatta and Carrara are solid choices for those in the market for a classic white-based marble, but there are more magnificent examples available if you like your interiors a little edgier. Take a look at this selection and see if you can be tempted towards a striking style of stone…
Mix in minerals
White-based marble creates a crisp, clean aesthetic that will always work well in kitchens and bathrooms. However, those interested in earthier elements should consider stone styles with soft mineral colours, such as pink, green, terracotta, brown and grey. This streamlined floating vanity and matching shower wall imbue the otherwise unadorned bathroom with tactile charm and character through the perfectly patterned stone.
Discover 10 stylish reasons to love a floating vanity shelf
White-based marble creates a crisp, clean aesthetic that will always work well in kitchens and bathrooms. However, those interested in earthier elements should consider stone styles with soft mineral colours, such as pink, green, terracotta, brown and grey. This streamlined floating vanity and matching shower wall imbue the otherwise unadorned bathroom with tactile charm and character through the perfectly patterned stone.
Discover 10 stylish reasons to love a floating vanity shelf
Seek out a showstopper
A visit to a well-stocked stone yard is essential when debating different materials for your home. That way, you’ll be able to elicit expert advice on suitability, see your choices in the flesh and, perhaps, even stumble upon a style that you’d never have otherwise known about. The multi-hued beauty in this bathroom would be one such find. Architect Greg Epstein of gne architecture says it’s Apuano.
A visit to a well-stocked stone yard is essential when debating different materials for your home. That way, you’ll be able to elicit expert advice on suitability, see your choices in the flesh and, perhaps, even stumble upon a style that you’d never have otherwise known about. The multi-hued beauty in this bathroom would be one such find. Architect Greg Epstein of gne architecture says it’s Apuano.
Give a nod to nature
Stone slabs with the type of continuous pattern seen here are referred to as ‘wood vein’ marble, due to similarities with the grain of a cut tree. The undulating pattern and polished stone are all the embellishment needed to decorate this matte and moody grey kitchen in Berkshire, aside from a few ferns which continue the nature theme.
Stone slabs with the type of continuous pattern seen here are referred to as ‘wood vein’ marble, due to similarities with the grain of a cut tree. The undulating pattern and polished stone are all the embellishment needed to decorate this matte and moody grey kitchen in Berkshire, aside from a few ferns which continue the nature theme.
Read between the lines
Bookmatched marble uses sheets of stone that have been sawn consecutively from the same piece of rock and polished on alternate sides, leaving similarly patterned slabs that are then positioned abreast, like an open book. This bijou bathroom has bookmatched grey stone cabinet doors, and their stunning pattern is multiplied via the seamless piece of mirror fitted above the basin.
Bookmatched marble uses sheets of stone that have been sawn consecutively from the same piece of rock and polished on alternate sides, leaving similarly patterned slabs that are then positioned abreast, like an open book. This bijou bathroom has bookmatched grey stone cabinet doors, and their stunning pattern is multiplied via the seamless piece of mirror fitted above the basin.
Play with pattern
This standout stripy chimney breast is all the more impressive when you consider that it’s clad in natural stone. The marble used is called Striato Olimpico and slabs of this distinct design display full-length horizontal stripes that can be used to stunning effect in many household settings. Here, it has been combined with traditional white marble tiles for a pleasing pattern clash.
This standout stripy chimney breast is all the more impressive when you consider that it’s clad in natural stone. The marble used is called Striato Olimpico and slabs of this distinct design display full-length horizontal stripes that can be used to stunning effect in many household settings. Here, it has been combined with traditional white marble tiles for a pleasing pattern clash.
Up the ante on luxe materials
Go green in the kitchen with an elegant island clad all over in Verde Bamboo granite. This chic and durable stone has a deconstructed stripe that’s hewn-from-the-earth organic, but also gently graphic. Here, it’s combined with vinyl-wrapped cabinetry, glass shelves and a cement-effect quartz worktop to shape a sophisticated and contemporary kitchen.
Go green in the kitchen with an elegant island clad all over in Verde Bamboo granite. This chic and durable stone has a deconstructed stripe that’s hewn-from-the-earth organic, but also gently graphic. Here, it’s combined with vinyl-wrapped cabinetry, glass shelves and a cement-effect quartz worktop to shape a sophisticated and contemporary kitchen.
Create a calming cocoon
Windowless bathrooms are often dull and dingy, but not if you take steps to impart atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to choose dark colours to create a spa-like sanctuary. This black marble is flashed through with amber veining – like waves of light captured on a time-lapse recording. (For a similar effect, try Port Laurent marble.) Brass taps give a warm glow and clever lighting takes away any threat of gloominess.
Windowless bathrooms are often dull and dingy, but not if you take steps to impart atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to choose dark colours to create a spa-like sanctuary. This black marble is flashed through with amber veining – like waves of light captured on a time-lapse recording. (For a similar effect, try Port Laurent marble.) Brass taps give a warm glow and clever lighting takes away any threat of gloominess.
Turn red
For a striking juxtaposition of light and dark, Rossa Levanto marble walls are set against white floors and sanitaryware in this well-dressed wash space. The bath and basin were custom-made in Corian for an immaculate fabricated finish that compounds the untamed beauty of the red-hued stone.
For a striking juxtaposition of light and dark, Rossa Levanto marble walls are set against white floors and sanitaryware in this well-dressed wash space. The bath and basin were custom-made in Corian for an immaculate fabricated finish that compounds the untamed beauty of the red-hued stone.
Switch stones
While its softly rippled waves might be mistaken for marble, this mauve-toned masterpiece is in fact Violet Onyx. A beautiful stone, onyx is an expensive choice and one that requires careful installation and ongoing maintenance. In terms of practicality, it isn’t the easiest, sharing the vulnerability of marble. Despite these drawbacks, there’s no denying its awesome visual impact. Here, this stunning stone has been paired with rift-cut white oak and unlacquered brassware to create a beguiling bathroom.
Do you have a favourite stone surface? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
While its softly rippled waves might be mistaken for marble, this mauve-toned masterpiece is in fact Violet Onyx. A beautiful stone, onyx is an expensive choice and one that requires careful installation and ongoing maintenance. In terms of practicality, it isn’t the easiest, sharing the vulnerability of marble. Despite these drawbacks, there’s no denying its awesome visual impact. Here, this stunning stone has been paired with rift-cut white oak and unlacquered brassware to create a beguiling bathroom.
Do you have a favourite stone surface? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
A mesmeric blue-swirled island and splashback make for a stunning centrepiece in this stylish kitchen. Picking out the deep petrol tones of the marble to use on cabinetry ensures quiet cohesion. Wood is a useful neutral, meaning that the highly-textured herringbone floor can be incorporated without overwhelming the space or stealing any of the marble’s thunder. For a similar stone, look for Aurora Blue.
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