With marble set to dominate kitchen and bathroom trends in 2025, we look into why colour will be the next big way to incorporate stone into your space…
If you’re a regular reader of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms, you’ll know that marble is having a moment – a monumental moment. And, as with all trends, after a while they start to shift and sway and twist and turn. The same is happening with stone surfaces.
Yes, marble is big; but asking your kitchen or bathroom designer for ‘marble’ is like asking a paint shop “I’d like a colour, please”. So many different styles, shades and materials are now flooding my inbox and phone screen. From tiles featuring block shades with white veins, to large slabs showcasing an off-white base with a concoction of deep greens or blues.
My favourite at the moment are the sumptuous reds, subtle pinks, to bold browns and burgundies like the Calacatta Vagli Rosato and the Carrara Rosa Pink.
So, where’s this sudden burst of colour coming from?
Oliver Webb, director of Cullifords, explains, “Coloured stone is gaining popularity due to its blend of visual appeal and versatility. The wide range of tones on offer, from pastel marble to rich granite or quartzite, allows homeowners to create spaces which are both visually striking and full of character.”
Mike Whitfield, luxury interior expert at Lusso, puts it down to the desire for unique and custom pieces. “This is especially the case in the luxury sector where designers seek one-of-a-kind items for their projects,” he says. “For fans of rich architecture and luxury design, coloured stone is the answer to securing exclusive and bespoke pieces that are hard to replicate, especially when presented in the form of bathtubs and basins.”
But is it right for you?
The veining and textures in coloured marble and stone add depth to any interior space, making it an instant focal point. Perfect if you’re looking for something a little different – such as a statement kitchen island or an elegant bathroom vanity unit.
They also work particularly well in contemporary or industrial-styled kitchens, “Where their striking colours add personality and contrast to minimalist designs,” says Simon Boocock, managing director at CRL Stone.
Mike believes this look is also ideal for spa-like and luxury bathrooms that ‘embody organic and biophilic design’. He continues, “Marble is natural material that oozes opulence; opting for earthy variations such as Norwegian and Tiffany marble, are elevated alternatives that aid in creating depth and interest.”
Balance is key
To use it effectively, balance is key. “Bold veining pairs best with neutral elements, while subtler patterns can enhance vibrant cabinetry,” says Cory Powell, co-director at DBS Bathrooms. “Coloured stone works beautifully for worktops, splashbacks or shower wall panels, and matching hardware can elevate the look.”
Of course, you don’t have to go for the real deal if your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far. “Imitation materials like porcelain slabs offer all the beautiful benefits of natural stone with the added ease of maintenance,” says María D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK.
“Homeowners are wanting to make bolder statements in the kitchen, and colour and pattern is one of the best ways to do this. A large slab with a multicoloured pattern is guaranteed to make a statement. The possibilities of bookmatching two slabs on a wall or even on an island o er the flexibility of creating a truly standout space.”
Natural stone with a colourful twist
But if you do choose natural stone, be sure to read up on all the required maintenance. For instance, if you have honed marble, which is matt, with a rougher texture and a higher porosity, or polished, which is shiny, smoother and less porous, this will affect how you clean it.
Mike explains further: “Care is needed when it comes to maintaining coloured stone, the same as any other high-quality stone. Marble is a natural material and its slightly porous structure means it risks being chipped, dulled or stained by some cleaning products. Therefore, care should be taken by using neutral soaps when cleaning, and avoiding abrasive products such as scourers.”
Sealing marble once a year to prevent discolouration and stains is also recommended.
Mike summarises, “Coloured stone is undoubtedly unique and special, most notably because no stone is ever the same due to its organic formation, taking shape and materialising over thousands of years. This allows for highly personalised spaces that many homeowners and designers seek when wanting their kitchen or bathroom to stand out.”
So, how bold will you go?
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