Interiors Trend Watch: Bold Marble

It enhances any space 

"There's something about bold marble that I can't get from any other material. When I walk into a space with dramatic marble, I feel this immediate sense of awe – the same feeling I have standing in ancient Italian churches and palazzos. Each slab tells a story that's millions of years in the making, and you can feel that sense of history in the room." – Bari Jerauld

"I love using marble because of its endless variety – no two slabs are ever the same, which makes each project feel truly unique. I often see marble as the foundation of a room; it sets the tone and becomes a source of inspiration for the entire colour palette. There’s something about its natural movement, depth and character that instantly elevates a space." – Katie Harbison

It’s timeless 

"It's not just about luxury; it's about creating spaces that move you. When my clients see bold marble paired with warm oak and creamy limewash walls, there’s this recognition of something timeless and beautiful. That's what draws me to using natural materials: the way they make people feel, the way they transform not just a space but your entire experience of being in it. No manufactured material can replicate that emotional connection." – Bari 

"I see marble as inherently timeless rather than bound to a particular moment or trend. Of course, using certain types, i.e. bold veining or dramatic colourways can feel contemporary in the way they’re being used, but the material itself has been celebrated for centuries. For me, it’s less about whether marble is ‘bold’ or ‘subtle’, and more about how it’s applied. It’s about balance, so marble never feels overwhelming. Instead, I focus on creating a timeless aesthetic that feels refined yet practical." – Katie

It gets better with age

"My recent trip to Italy really reinforced this for me – seeing the centuries-old marble in Roman temples and Venetian palazzos proved to me that it only grows more beautiful with age. Bold marble is fundamentally timeless because it's a living material that develops character over time. Unlike manufactured materials that show wear, marble gains a patina and depth that actually enhances its beauty. What we saw as 'imperfections' in those ancient Italian spaces were actually proof of the marble's journey through time." – Bari

It wears & tears well

"When clients worry about maintenance, I share photos from my Italian travels – marble floors that have been walked on for 400 years and still take your breath away. I explain that those little marks and subtle changes aren't damage; they're the marble's story unfolding. It's not about keeping it pristine; it's about letting it age gracefully. What I've learned is that bold marble in kitchens becomes more beautiful with use. During my trip to Italy, I saw kitchen marble that had been used for generations, and it had this incredible depth and character that only comes from being truly lived with. That's what I want for my clients – a backsplash that becomes more appealing with every meal prepared against it." – Bari

It is the most luxurious finish

"When designing a bathroom, I look at bold marble backsplashes as an opportunity to add a touch of luxury to a space where you start and end each day. The decision really comes down to the room's personality and how my clients want to feel. In smaller powder rooms, a dramatic marble backsplash can be incredibly impactful – it's like creating a jewellery box effect where every surface feels precious. For larger bathrooms, I consider the natural light and existing architectural elements. If there's beautiful natural light, bold marble behind the vanity becomes this stunning focal point that changes throughout the day as the light shifts across the veining. I also think about the client's lifestyle – some people crave that daily dose of beauty and drama, while others prefer their bathrooms to feel more serene. The marble itself will age beautifully regardless, so it's about matching the intensity of the pattern to how the space will be used." – Bari

It elevates the everyday

"In kitchens, bold marble backsplashes are all about creating that perfect balance between drama and liveability. I love using marble that has strong, confident veining because kitchens are such active spaces – the marble needs to hold its own against all the daily activity while still feeling welcoming for family gatherings. My approach is usually to let the marble run uninterrupted from counter to ceiling, creating one continuous, breathtaking surface. This makes the space feel larger and more cohesive rather than busy. The key is in the surrounding elements – I'll pair it with simple, clean-lined cabinetry in warm oak or walnut so the wood grounds the marble's intensity." – Bari

It is ideal for fireplaces

"I consider the room's scale carefully because the marble needs to feel proportional, not overwhelming. When it's right, a bold marble fireplace becomes the soul of the space. It's where people naturally gravitate and where conversations happen. The marble isn't just decorative – it becomes part of the home's story, aging gracefully alongside the family who enjoys it, gathering more character and beauty with each fire that's lit." – Bari

It puts the fun in functional

"For marble shelving, I focus on creating moments of unexpected beauty rather than covering entire walls. I'll use a single marble shelf as a sculptural element – maybe floating, or with aged brass or bronze brackets supporting. It's about restraint and letting each piece breathe. The marble needs proper support but done right, it transforms functional storage into something truly special." – Bari

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