For decades, marble has dominated high-end kitchens and bathrooms, with designers, architects, and homeowners all singing its praises. The luxurious stone, prized for its natural beauty and timeless elegance, has become a status symbol in the world of interior design. However, experts warn that marble comes with significant drawbacks, making it a love-hate affair for those who covet its high-end look.

Marble: A Bear to Maintain

Marble has long been prized for its natural beauty and luxurious feel. Each slab has its own unique character and veining, and it instantly elevates a space. However, marble is susceptible to staining and etch, and needs regular sealing to keep it looking its best. *

• It’s a natural stone with numerous crevices and pores where stains from dirt and food can cause unsightly discolorations.
• Porous, easily stained, damage-prone
• Requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance

The Drawbacks

“Marble in a kitchen is the least functional thing that you can install,” says Beverly Hills-based real estate agent Josh Flagg. “It’s porous, and you can’t clean it with a traditional kitchen cleaning solution. Plus, it’s damaged by acidic substances and it stains easily.”

As Flagg points out, marble has a multitude of issues:

– Porous, making it difficult to clean

– Susceptible to acidic substances that can damage it

– Prone to staining and etching

– Easily damaged by heavy objects

The Allure of Marble

Despite the drawbacks, marble remains a beloved material in the world of interior design. For decades, it has been prized for its natural beauty and timeless elegance. “Marble is instantaneously recognizable as a luxury commodity that connotes status, wealth, and high-end taste,” says Amber Carfield, director of design at Kitchens By Good Guys. *

• Nice for its natural beauty and timeless elegance
• Instantly elevates a space
• Recognizable as a luxury commodity
• Mimics ancient Greek and Roman architecture

The Real Cost of Marble

Like gold, marble is expensive. The cost of purchasing and installing marble can run double the cost of marble alternatives. Once installed, marble requires significant upkeep, including resurfacing or replacing it if it suffers major damage. *

A More Pragmatic Approach to Marble

While marble is the go-to material for those seeking an elegant, high-end look, experts advise homeowners to be realistic about the makeup of their household and their cooking habits. “If you have kids, perhaps marble is not the material for your kitchen. Unless you like them eating over the very nice Calacatta Michelangelo kitchen island,” says Alvaro Torrecilla, vice president of stone at Nemo Tile & Stone.

The Rise of Marble Alternatives

As a response to the challenges associated with marble, homeowners are turning to alternative materials that offer both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Quartz, large-format porcelain slabs, and sintered stone are becoming increasingly popular, providing a more durable and low-maintenance option for those who value style and functionality. *

• Marble-look floor tile or quartz for counters
• Super durable large-format porcelain slabs
• Sintered stone for countertops and floors
• Cooking and remote work are high-traffic areas for marble

The Reality Check

Ultimately, marble is not a practical choice for many households, particularly those with high-traffic areas. Flagg warns against the dangers of marble and advises homeowners to choose a more durable material that suits their needs.

The Nancy Meyers Effect

Nancy Meyers popularized the high-end kitchen design featuring traditional cabinets, tongue-and-groove paneling, and marble countertops. This aesthetic has dominated interiors for almost two decades. While many still covet the marble lifestyle, designers and architects are encouraging a shift towards more practical materials. “Homeowners today are looking for materials that offer both a timeless look blended with practicality,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of corporate studio at KB Home. Buyers are still drawn to marble, but are looking for alternatives that offer easier maintenance without compromising aesthetics.

A New Perspective on Marble

Marble alternatives offer a practical solution for those seeking the luxurious look and feel of marble without the drawbacks. For those who still love marble, there are ways to make it work in their homes:

* Use marble in low-traffic areas, such as statement coffee tables or decorative accessories

* Apply treatments to make marble more durable

* Choose low-maintenance materials that offer similar aesthetics

Conclusion

“Marble, it’s the one thing that everyone wants but everyone knows is a problem. You have a love-hate relationship with it,”

Marble is not for everyone, especially those with high-traffic areas or young children. Marble alternatives provide a practical solution for those who want the look and feel of marble without the hassle. Ultimately, it is essential to be realistic about the marble lifestyle and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you decide to use marble, remember to choose a material that complements your lifestyle and cooking habits. If you choose to use marble in a low-traffic area, such as a statement coffee table or decorative accessories, it can be a beautiful addition to your home.