No one can argue about the beauty of marble, but the merit of its use in the kitchen is a hotly debated topic. Go to any kitchen design company and flick through the sales material and you’ll find marble countertops are an aesthetically appealing option.
Classic white marble looks sumptuous and it adds a definitive and stylish statement to any kitchen. No one can argue against the fact that marble has a luxurious and timeless feel to it. But caring for marble is another matter altogether.
The good news is if you have your heart set on marble, you can add it in your kitchen design in more ways than one, so caring for your kitchen can be as easy as you want it to be.
The problem with marble
The biggest problem for marble in the kitchen comes from its composition and susceptibility to acid erosion. Marble is made from a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, both of which react to acids such as vinegar and lemon juice. This can happen even after the marble has been sealed. Choosing marble for counter tops requires a careful cleaner and chef to preserve marble in all its glory.
Marble is more susceptible to staining and erosion than other synthetic surfaces. But don’t let that put you off. The high quality marble, such as the world-famous Carrara marble from Italy is relatively dense and less porous, which makes it more durable and less resistant to staining and erosion.
As long as you look after marble it’s still a viable choice for kitchen countertops. In any case, the patina developed from years of use is for some an appealing additional feature.
To keep your marble in tip top condition, you just need to be aware of a care routine. Here’s how:
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible.
- Use coasters, mats and surface protectors for heavy kitchen items and those with sharp edges.
- Clean daily, always rinse using clean, warm water.
- Make sure marble surfaces are dry before use.
- Only use approved cleaning products and follow instructions.
- Avoid cleaning materials that are acid based, such as those with vinegar or lemon juice.
- For floors, preferably don’t use vacuum cleaners as they can scratch. Sweep with a soft brush.
- When cleaning marble floors change the mopping water frequently.
More ways than one with marble
If you would prefer a hardier stone countertop, and don’t want to join the debate about the maintenance and wearability of marble, you could choose granite or quartz. If you’re determined to add some marble to your kitchen, it doesn’t have to be reserved for your counters. Here are 9 fabulous ideas for bringing some marvellous marble into your timeless, elegant cooking space.
- Flooring
Marble can be used on the floor, just be sure to use honed marble, which is more resilient to scratches, scuffs and general wear and tear. Marble floors are the most elegant choice when it comes to the kitchen. Each piece of marble has a unique personality and comes in a range of hues.
Unlike other stone floor materials, marble can take an extremely high polish, which means marble floor manufacturers can make the surface extremely smooth and shiny. Your kitchen floor will be gleaming and marble is a wonderful reflector of light.
You can always place a rug in areas with a high foot fall to keep your floor in pristine condition.
- The island
Marble islands make fabulous, gleaming centrepieces and can be matched with many other kitchen finishes.
- Sinks
If you’ve decided to go for marble countertops, integrated marble sinks look so amazing, you’d be crazy not to indulge.
- Splashbacks
If you are going for an all-white gloss kitchen, a white and grey marble splashback adds real wow factor. It creates an interesting feature while still maintaining the all-white glow you are going for. Take a look at the Worcester kitchen showroom to see how a marble splashback really adds a touch of class.
- A section of countertop
You don’t necessarily have to make all of your countertops marble ones. You are probably aware that marble is renowned for its cooling properties and is a great surface for working pastry. If you love baking and most of all see yourself as a bit of a patisserie chef, indulging in a special work surface area for perfect pastry makes perfect sense.
- Clock
Another elegant addition to kitchen is the marble clock. Timeless elegance for telling the time couldn’t be a more fitting description! Check out his one from SCP – it does pared-back elegance beautifully.
- Cookbook stand
Many cookbook stands look great with a cookbook on, but look kind of redundant without. It’s not the case with a marble one. In fact, marble cookbook stands look so good on their own, you’ll be sad to cover it up when you’re busy following a recipe.
- Storage jars
If you’re one who likes to have the tea and coffee caddies close to hand, rather than shut away in a cupboard, why not make a feature out of them with marble ones.
- Lazy Susan
Imagine sitting at your kitchen island sharing a cheeseboard and a cheeky glass of wine with friends. The marble lazy Susan keeps cheese cool and looks pretty chic too. We love this one by Oliver Bonas.
So there you have it. Marble really can make a kitchen appearance in more ways than one.
