In this kitchen, she used 4x8 subway tiles to give the illusion of a bigger space, and then added 1x3 Carrara marble tiles in a herringbone pattern for the backsplash. Glass may echo antiquity, and tradition or a glass backsplash can also meld a contemporary, or transitional theme. You might try getting a marble cutting board and experimenting with it for a while to see how it responds to the various doughs and pasta you usually make. Here is another job, below, where we used a dominate dark gray soapstone as the counter at the perimeter cabinets and white marble tile as the splash. Hi Amanda! here is the post on how to care for marble countertops, see here for all my kitchen renovation budgeting tips, https://www.amazon.com/Tenax-Proseal-Granite-Sealer-Marble/dp/B008VHYXZC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1516767794&sr=8-2&keywords=tenax+proseal&linkCode=sl1&tag=maidepax-20&linkId=4ea8ad55264d0610394e8832725f6b04, https://www.maisondepax.com/care-marble-countertops/, expensive (more so than wood, laminate, or tile). Hi! . Mean spirited, derogatory comments will be deleted. We wanted the natural stone to shine here. We are in the process of choosing countertops for our kitchen and our eye is always drawn to marble however I do a lot of baking and make fresh pasta. It would give a more rustic appearance to this kitchen, which I really wanted in the design. Not only will it help protect from food splatters, but the backdrop is what most people will comment on when they see a new kitchen design. The main difference is that, the marble age beautiful and get the marks that make you remember the good moments you have around your kitchen with family and friend and the other not. I also like the way the veining is positioned, you did not install box to box, you spread the veined tile well with non-veined. Love your posts, love your marble! Second, the longer you allow the countertops to etch, the less obvious it will be. hbspt.cta.load(126868, '2d9dcd96-e4c1-498f-9fff-16731e12256d', {}); A glass backsplash adds depth, color, and endless possibilities. Love the way it looks with your cabinets; the peninsula looks soooo pretty. However, grout will need regular sealers and maintenance. You're sure to find your ideal kitchen cabinets in our extensive door gallery! For example, if you are using a predominantly dark stone countertop and a very light natural stone tile, then that can be successful. Rachel I couldnt agree with you more about going for marble! In this kitchen remodel below, the backsplash at the range was done in the same material as the countertop. They simply didnt have the natural variety and irregularity of our real marbles. Thanks for your thoughtful reply! Click here for my full disclosure. Looking forward to the tutorial! Polished marble shouldnt need sealing before you apply grout, but tumbled marble does its so absorbent that the grout itself will stain it during the installation process unless you seal it first. With quartz, I just worry that, like cultured marble from 20-40 years ago, the marble-look quartz will also look dated at some point. :-), Kitchen Remodel with honed natural stone countertops and subway tile backsplash | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston #granitecountertops. Want to sponsor a post or maybe this blog? Also do not be surprised if the marble looks wet for the first few days. After reading your post on honed vs polished marble, we think that polished marble would suit us better as it is less prone to stains . So quartz will never be an option for me as Id rather shatter a glass baking dish than melt and ruin $5000 worth of quartz countertops. Hi Carine! Another reason we love marble is it has the most stunning natural color palette: subtle neutrals of white, creams, grays, and gold. And I make sure to use a cutting board, especially if Im cutting something acidic. Is it easier to take care of or is it a huge price difference between them? Hi Rachel, Vein cut limestone tile kitchen backsplash with quartz countertops | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston. I wish more people could come forward and do the same. It effortlessly mixes with more casual details like the farmhouse sink to give the room easy sophistication.". Thanks for stopping by. I believe that setting your budget and sticking to it is extremely important (see here for all my kitchen renovation budgeting tips), and natural stones are obviously on the more expensive end of countertop options. Mine have held up with even with four kiddos, but I totally understand your concern. Thank you for all your posts and helpful to see everyones comments! While the overall white feeling from shaker cabinets, marble backsplash, and light concrete island expands the space, the golden accents take the focal point. That's why pairing together two different materials that have variation and changes in undertone can be risky. We love our marble backsplash! Thanks! Its like the first little mark on new wood floors: it shows up. and by the time I removed the dough, there was a grease mark in the stone. I have Danby Marble counters in my kitchen and no kiddos here. Seriously. Do marble countertops scratch easily? A kitchen backsplash in marble tile is a classic to behold. Inspired, personalized, creative interior design by Carla Aston, Subscribe to my blog for more tips and advice sent straight to your inbox every week. I went to a stone yard yesterday where the owner who is Italian told me that they have been using marble in Italy for centuries without all this angst, and I should get marble if I want that clean white color and just enjoy it. That said, many marbles are equivalent to some of the less expensive granites, and most are less than the majority of quartz options. Thank you so much for this information. Im glad you found it helpful! Thank YOU for the meal!! We have you covered. The countertops are all honed Carrara marble. We have soapstone countertops (it also collects character over time), which I love love love, and were still deciding on a marble backsplash, so the sealer is going to be key. Do you think I should I consider an alternative behind my range? In this kitchen remodel below,the backsplash at the range was done in the same material as the countertop. A lot. What if a hot pan from the stove was put on marble would it crack? Should you use marble in the kitchen? You just put some on a rag and wipe it on so easy (but smelly! Its true that marble has been used for thousands of years and will always be classic! I do try to keep the coffee pot area clean I think thats important because of the acidity of the coffee. Stuff gets set on the counters, dragged across the counters, spilled on the counters, and stuck to the counters. Grout may need regular maintenance and sealing. This is my first visit to your blog, and I will be back. "There's nothing more elegant and timeless.". This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products. Carrie. That is pretty much the secret to anything we have taking care of it, we scotch guard a nice piece of furniture. , Okay dying to know How are you liking your countertops another 1.5 years after this post?? Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential. If you dont care for them, they can be scratched until they look tired and need to be refinished. Can look out of place without marble countertops; Scratches tend to be more of an issue with polished marble. See This Link For Advertising Privacy Policy, Comment Policy, and Disclaimer. But heres the full story. "It's elegant and modern, but still protects your wall from those water stains.". Check out our latest design spotlight in our featured remodel blog. A lot. All rights reserved. Thanks for the reassurance that it can be live-able! Tasha- that is so, so true! Like a beautiful watercolor painting we could not resist its natural beauty. https://www.maisondepax.com/care-marble-countertops/. , I love this analogy! "Before" remodel - Designed in a Click Consultation. The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Backsplash Materials. Installers have told me that I can just use trivets, but I already know that. I've been working in remodeling design for years and I can tell you one thing for sure. I am 78 years old and doing this for the first time. The lighting is questionable at best and definitely NOT what you will have in your home. I just wouldn't do too glossy, so it will match the marble better. Of course, Shirley! Thank you so much for this, and I cant wait to read the follow up on the care/upkeeping. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It just makes for a pleasing combination design-wise. Yay! A complete modern look that will wow any of your guests with its expensive look! Kitchen Design For this home with an "elevated-yet-laid-back California vibe" designer Amber Lewis, CEO of Amber Interiors Design Studio, selected marble to complement the neutral palette. However, I was in love with matte finishes and I knew the matte finish in this kitchen would slightly dull the spotty pattern of this Kashmir White granite countertop. Unlike other materials, you can choose color and look of your countertop. The same is true with your marble countertops: if you dont care for them, they could become etched, worn, and stained. I have had honed Carrara marble in our kitchen for seven years and have treated it gently. Beautiful kitchen, btw! We used this sealer (affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/Tenax-Proseal-Granite-Sealer-Marble/dp/B008VHYXZC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1516767794&sr=8-2&keywords=tenax+proseal&linkCode=sl1&tag=maidepax-20&linkId=4ea8ad55264d0610394e8832725f6b04, but, you can learn more about how I care for our marble countertops in this post: https://www.maisondepax.com/care-marble-countertops/. So true, Jessica! "There's a reason why some finishes become classics. Would having it honed help (and is that even possible?)? Your kitchen is beautiful. Perfection. Good luck! That being said, we are remodeling a new place, and I am seriously considering marble-like quartz this time around. The lives of those who enjoy our kitchens daily, and of those who work with us to tell the world about them. A backsplash may seem like a small detail, but it's often the focal point of the kitchen. Oh well Im glad you are having a better experience with yours (except for the knife ). For example, we were actually able to get Carrara marble for about $2000 less than the quartz I was considering at the time that we did this renovation. The adjacent backsplash, however, is a plain and simple large subway, installed in a stacked pattern. They are Greyloft by KraftMaid. Sounds pretty. Thanks! ideas for switch plates for tumbled marble backsplash, Please help with backsplash ideas, and sneak peak at new kitchen, Countertop for marble backsplash in modern kitchen. BUT it is less forgiving when it comes to staining because honed marble leaves the pores of the stone more open, allowing them to absorb oils and stains more readily than polished marble. After cooking she just wipes the gunk off of the plastic sheet, rolls it and places it in the drawer. Whether it is slab material or tile, natural stone has variation. How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly. We just decided today to go with Satinato marble! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. It still looks wonderful. I would probably avoid wooden placemats, but I would imagine that anything cloth or softly woven would be fine. Tina, thank you so much for your comment! They've been up almost 2 years and are great! , Hi Rachel, You can read more about our backsplash adn kitchen here. And then I priced the difference and realized that in our area, marble was going to save me a couple thousand dollars I was sold. These earth tones will never look dated. Can you also tell me what if any placemats have you used without damage to your counters??? Our cooktop will be in our peninsula so that area will always be within view. If you're matching countertop and backsplash, then the whole element is making a statement together and that can make that natural stone more of a dramatic moment in your kitchen. Thanks so much Llana! That high contrast between the countertop and backsplash, makes this a pleasing combination. I mean really dreamed! How bad is marble in kitchen? the guy i am getting a quote for the honed marble assured me that the quarry where the stone comes from makes a difference and that people who are not familiar with marble will fear it im glad i stumbled upon your article. So I started collecting marble-look quartz optionsAnd they all looked fake next to the real marble. Highly durable and versatile, innovations in ceramic science and design have given way to endless creative spins in ceramic backsplash collections. Is Marble Backsplash A Bad Idea. Thanks so much! Your Im a stone restoration specialist, And I have to say; you are right about everything you said, plus if the marble counter tops get to the point that you want them to look like new again they can be re-hone or re-finish. Im working on that video now! Of course they can. your post helped me a lot, but I was thinking, do you know how marble compares to Granite or Quartz? Hammel recommends letting the stone make a statement and keeping the rest of the kitchen design simple. One popular design feature is a marble shelf that's affixed to the top of the backsplash, as seen in here cookbook author and design blogger Athena Calderon's gorgeous kitchen. Haha Im kidding (mostly), Hi Victoria! Because of a lot of the preconceived notions we had about marble, we thought wed have to settle on a granite or quartz that resembled it. He designed this modern kitchen with dark gray marble to match the gray oak cabinetry. Its actually from our original home so I dont have a source! Your kitchen is beautiful. Tomorrow I will be choosing my slabs at the stone yard! Trending, trending, trending. Its a solid surface and has been around for centuries! The top in the island is calacatta marble. Required fields are marked *. After that, he said that every six months or so would be plenty. The material used to glue the marble to the wall needs to cure and dry. Try These 13 Ideas for a Better Baker's Kitchen, Kitchen Design: A Picture Frame for Your Backsplash, Kitchen of the Week: White, Wood, Gray and a Backsplash Surprise, Your Kitchen: Great Backsplashes For Wood Cabinets. Thank you for this very well written and informative post. Or, a mosaic blend versus subway tile? Backsplash Seeking the perfect kitchen showstopper? Materials and brands galore, from quartz to granite, Corian and laminate! It had no movement, just a nice matte, simple appearance, which was exactly what I wanted to contrast with the movement on the countertop. It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Thankfully, I have not had any issues with splatters around our cooktop. A Marble tile backsplash brings classic luxury to the kitchen or bath. The contrast is between the cabinets and the counters / backsplash, which are seen as one element. I chose marble over quartz for two main reasons: the look and the price. Your email address will not be published. I went with quartz, but mostly because Im not as diligent as you about keeping things clean, and I was worried about marble staining (i.e., Im kind of lazy). We proceeded ahead and the stone turned out beautifully and most appropriate for the design of this kitchen. Share the Magic with friends and family through our referral program. It looks so natural and modern! ), Macabus White quartzite countertops with ceramic mosaic tile backsplash | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston #macabuswhite #quartzitecountertops #mosaictile. Smaller size dimensions can make a room or area appear smaller. They are beautiful tho arent they?? Natural stone definitely has its benefits, doesnt it? Any other great tricks youve picked up? When your natural stone backsplash is the SAME material as the countertop. And Im ok with the eventual patina! Are oil splatters an issue at all? one rule is do not put fake stone with the real thing!! So sorry, Mary! We have many customers that over order by 10% to ensure they have enough to remove the 10% of Earth Tones that come with the product. The main choices we had for honed granite was black and well.black. The history of Kitchen Magic from 1979 to the present, why the gnomes were chosen for the company logo. "I love a solid slab for a backsplash," says Jennifer Muirhead of Jennifer Muirhead Interiors. I have a question for you though. Im constantly wiping them down, and right now they are due to be sealed again. (I was sure of the color direction of the tile, because it was ceramic, a manufactured item that was going to come in exactly the way it appeared in the sample. It was looking just "off". With that said, thank you and i will share this on on our platforms! Hello & thank you for all of the information!!!! A honed or matte finish has become popular for countertops and backsplashes. Youre welcome! It made the choice easier, even if there is more maintenance involved. White marble slab on both kitchen countertops and backsplash | Carla Aston, Designer, Lauren Giles, Photographer #whitemarble #marblebacksplash. Thanks for your feedback! He wants the marble to look old and distressed to add distictive character to all. 2. How bad is marble in kitchen? After reading your post Im more convinced than ever that marble is the choice for me also! Here is an affiliate link to the product (and yes, I realize that it says for granite I expressed the same concern and he still told me to use it; I havent been disappointed! The luxurious stone instantly elevates a kitchenand acts as a piece of art. but it has its own issues. Thank you for your honest and most informative information on marbleI have dark granite and wish I would have gone with the marblenext reno. This space feels fresh yet anchored due to its minimal yet strong choices of material and color. i wouldn't do a marble look alike., will look cheap and out of place. New counters, old backsplash, fit issues. Can the wood floors get too worn? Marble has been used for CENTURIES! Once that limestone backsplash started going up, we knew it wasn't going to work. Very few are brave and most of them turned to quatzite which you cant get the same whiteness as the marble. You could have 3 samples of the same natural stone tile and all 3 might look alike, until you get a box or a lot of the tile.