Instantly associated with luxury and style, marble continues to reign supreme in modern bespoke kitchens. Now this versatile natural surface is being reimagined in fresh new ways, bringing timeless beauty and sophistication to contemporary kitchens. Get inspired with the latest marble moves at roundhouse design.

Marble drench

Aiming to maximise the impact of your marble surfaces? Then tune into the trend for drenching marble from floor-to-ceiling. A dynamic technique favoured in designer luxury kitchens, this approach envelops the space in a seamless expanse of elegant marble.

Here, roundhouse designers used dramatic Arabescato Corchia marble to clad the island and cooking areas, creating a strong statement that makes quite the impression as you enter the room. Note how the dark custom-stained Nero Assoluto granite dining surface cuts into the marble kitchen island, playing on the compelling contrast of dark and light. The results are undeniably eye-catching.

Make a statement

Marble splashbacks have long enthralled, but the latest iterations are dialling up the drama to truly celebrate the unique beauty of this timeless stone. This statement splashback in our roundhouse Richmond showroom is an excellent example and brings pattern and shape to the otherwise clean-lined, contemporary design. The paint colour of the cabinetry echoes tones in the stone above, while the expertly book-matched marble centres on the sink with breathtaking symmetry.

High-impact veining

Choosing natural marble with high-contrast, out-sized veining is the hottest way to invite expressive energy into contemporary kitchen design. A little can go a long way when choosing highly-figured stones, as this luxury marble kitchen featuring exquisitely patterned Calacatta Verde paired with plain Caesarstone Organic White quartz proves. The key is to keep the rest of the design comparatively understated. The stone should be the star of the show, so it’s important to allow it space to breathe.

Floor show

Opting for a marble top island with a crisply executed waterfall edge remains one of our favourite ways to double down on design impact. This elegant approach involves extending a striking marble down the ends of a large modern kitchen island, creating a continuous, cascading effect. Here, the luxurious, uninterrupted flow of Calacatta Manhattan marble not only adds aesthetic interest but also offers practical benefits by protecting the bespoke kitchen island sides from wear and tear.

Take on tiles

A splashback formed from natural marble tiles is always on trend and can prove an effective way to break up large expanses of stone. In this modern luxury bespoke kitchen, Cararra marble subway tiles provide a visual change of pace, without overcomplicating the palette of materials. Further definition has been achieved by switching up finishes; the tiles are polished to a high shine, while the marble worktops are honed to a matt finish. This subtle textural shift adds tactility and depth, while maintaining the clean lines of modern luxury kitchen design.

What is the next best thing to marble?

Marble isn’t for everyone. While it will be sealed prior to installation and damage can often be refinished, it’s still a softer stone than many and prone to stains, scratches and chips. Acidic spills can dull the surface, too. There are several manmade alternatives that offer superior durability – composite quartz, like those made by Silestone and Caesarstone, comes in lots of marble-inspired patterns for example.

We also recommend porcelain surfaces, again try Caesarstone, as they’re even more resistant to heat and stains, making porcelain a really family-friendly option. If you’d prefer to stay with natural stone, Quartzite is a smart choice. It is a harder stone than marble, so less likely to scratch, but it’s just as beautiful.

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen, furniture or wardrobes. Visit any of our seven Roundhouse showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham and get planning!