Natural marble in the interior creates a special style of grace and noble luxury in the room. A unique pattern, pleasant texture, shimmering shine, and many color shades allow this type of natural stone to organically fit into any interior design and create real design masterpieces. We invite you to take a short excursion into the history of a unique natural stone - marble, and get acquainted with popular solutions for using this material in modern design.
Marble floor in the interior Source mydecorative.com
Characteristics and benefits of marble finishing
Marble is a stone, natural, environmentally friendly, and therefore expensive material. It has a smooth, attractive glossy surface, with a pattern of veins and shades of different shades. There are marbles in the following colors: white, gray, green, yellow, pink, red-brown, black, blue and all kinds of shades.
Marble, glass and bronze: a classic combination for sophisticated design.
A room decorated with white and gray stone looks very elegant; all details should be thought through to the smallest detail, because light colors cannot be falsified. Blue and black marble do not get dirty easily; it is most often used to decorate the floors or walls of public spaces.
Material characteristics:
- heavy and durable. Withstands large mechanical loads, resistant to damage;
- wear-resistant and durable. The stone does not change shape, does not lose color or shine, does not scratch, and is ideal for flooring;
- resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
- refractory;
- does not deform or crack at high negative and positive temperatures;
- moisture resistant;
- completely harmless to the body;
- practical and modern at all times.
These are the characteristics of natural stone. Such finishing will be expensive, considering the price of the material itself and the services of the master, since it is very difficult to lay marble on the walls or floor yourself. But the marble interior looks good and will last for decades.
At all times, marble was considered the most expensive and durable way to decorate a room.
Using marble in the interior has the following advantages:
- Aesthetic aspect. Marble has a wide range of colors and textures, which allows you to choose the best option that matches other items in the room.
- Versatility. Using modern technologies, cladding sheets of any size and thickness are produced. Countertops, sinks, bathtubs, columns, benches, statues and other decorations are also made of marble.
- Environmental friendliness. Natural stone does not cause harm to health, does not cause allergies and does not pollute the atmosphere.
- Duration. The material does not deteriorate over time, does not shrink and does not lose its luster of color.
If we talk about other options for cladding with artificial marble, then there will be other features and other advantages.
Decorating with marble is a stylish solution for modern interiors
The splendor of marble was first appreciated by the Greeks. They were attracted not only by the plasticity of processing, but also by the absolute smoothness and shine of the finished product. Marble is a unique stone.
Luxurious interior decoration of a marble kitchen.
It is able to shine even in the twilight, possessing an almost hypnotic brilliance. Architects and designers liked this property, so marble began to be used everywhere for interior decoration.
Marble in the interior of the living room.
There are several varieties of this stone. Most often, white marble is used for interior decoration. Its main producer today is Italy. The standard of this breed is white marble without a single vein. It looks great in a minimalist interior, giving the room a special rigor.
Marble bathroom furniture in modern apartments.
Gray marble is no less popular among designers. It has a rich palette of shades and different texture options: from coarse-grained to fine-grained. Glossy gray marble is often used to decorate bathroom interiors, where the texture and unique pattern of veins and stains can be used to advantage. It has excellent wear-resistant properties, so it is most often used for interior decoration, both inside and outside.
Marble partition in the interior of the living room.
But one of the rarest varieties is blue marble. It received this color due to the content of iron sulfide in its composition. There are very few deposits of this rock in the world, so blue marble is a rather expensive material for interior decoration. Its stunning color allows it to be used not only as a dominant color, but also to create accent points in combination with other shades.
Minimalist bathroom made of bright marble.
How to distinguish a fake?
Today, the popularity of marble has reached its apogee. The higher the demand for natural material, the more often imitations are found on the domestic market. The most famous fake marble is made from mineral fillers and polymer.
Marble produced artificially is similar in appearance. However, the physical properties of a synthetic mineral differ from natural stone. To distinguish natural marble from a fake, you should contact a specialist who can give the product an expert assessment.
Also read: Sheelit - a companion for creative people
Features of marble products
All characteristics of marble interior items are predetermined by the properties of this stone. Therefore, marble products are the best choice for stylish classic interiors.
Reasons to choose marble products:
- Eternal fashion: marble has always been, is and will be synonymous with prosperity and a symbol of reliability.
- Beauty - the natural elegance of stone - will make any part of the interior where marble finishing is used beautiful.
- Choice of colors: marble comes in white, black, gray, pink, beige and even green and blue.
- Wear resistance: resistance to abrasion, fading, cracking, shock, chipping, unpleasant temperatures.
- Hygiene and water resistance: mold, mildew and corrosion do not live on stone.
- Easy to care for - washable with water, low concentration of detergents, protected with special wax for marble.
- Opportunity to give a second life: re-polish the surface.
So, even if after 20-30 years it seems that the marble does not look very fresh, or the idea of noble antiquity does not find an answer in your soul, you can always carry out restoration and re-polishing work. Therefore, custom-made marble products are an excellent solution for the interior today and always. All you have to do is choose what suits you best.
Color solutions for marble finishing in the interior
Most often you can see the use of white marble in the interior. A clear base, gray veins - this is what the word “marble” looks like in the first place.
The photo shows a white marble staircase.
The second most popular is beige. It looks softer than the first option and creates a warmer atmosphere. The fact is that the high temperature of the shadow extinguishes the cold of the stone.
Black marble closes the TOP 3. The dark shade helps create interesting compositions - it goes well with both light stone and other textures.
Less popular, but this makes the color solutions more exclusive. The color green is associated with malachite and classic-style cabinets. Brown is a warm black color that goes well with beige. Blue, pink, burgundy, and lilac are used to highlight accents.
Yellow
Yellow marble is chosen by passionate and extravagant people; in nature it is not found as often as white or black, which speaks more of its exclusivity than its unpopularity. A mineral of this color range is used in the manufacture of mosaic panels. Yellow is strongly associated with gold, and golden marble can make any interior feel royally luxurious.
The yellow range is varied and starts in pastel sand shades and ends in saffron and bright lemon.
What color does it come in?
Interior solutions for rock marble are based on the use of decorative characteristics of the material: color tone, surface structure and, of course, strength.
For marble, the characteristic color and design of the stone come to the fore. Depending on the color palette, the following types of marble are distinguished: white, gray, black, green, blue and even lunar silver.
This difference in color tones is achieved due to the mixture of minerals that make up marble rocks. For example, it is proposed to consider the most characteristic color characteristics of the stone.
Most often you can see the use of white marble in the interior. A clear base, gray veins - this is what the word “marble” looks like in the first place.
The second most popular is beige. It looks softer than the first option and creates a warmer atmosphere. The fact is that the high temperature of the shadow extinguishes the cold of the stone.
Black marble. The dark shade helps create interesting compositions - it goes well with both light stone and other textures.
Less popular, but this makes the color solutions more exclusive. The color green is associated with malachite and classic-style cabinets. Brown is a warm black color that goes well with beige. Blue, pink, burgundy, and lilac are used to highlight accents.
Place of Birth
Marble Mining
Marble is formed in the bowels of the earth as a result of the recrystallization of limestone and dolomites. Its deposits are scattered throughout the planet:
- In Germany, they mine red stone with white or green veins (Jurassic), light gray with white stripes, as well as moiré gray, blue or white (Grafenstein).
- In Italy there is a very valuable Carrara marble (Tuscany, Apuan Alps) and a red-brown look with white veins (the island of Sicily).
- In France - a pink-yellow variety of Rose-Fauce.
- The USA, Greece, Africa, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Norway, Cuba and other countries also mine different types of marble.
There are a lot of marble deposits in Russia, although not all of them are being developed:
- Karelia - soft fawn appearance with pink veins (Tivdiya village) and others (Ladoga region).
- The Urals are the largest deposits (white, gray, yellow, black, pink-red and other types), but out of 20 deposits only 9 are being developed.
- Altai and Western Siberia - there are more than 50 known deposit sites, but mining is carried out only at 3. White marble with a fine-grained structure and a red-green pattern, lilac-pink and gray-cream types are mined there.
- Khakassia supplies over 20 varieties of rock.
- Baikal is rich in deposits of interesting coarse-grained red-pink marble with patterns of lilac, gray, green and orange tones. Several stations of the Moscow Metro are decorated with it.
Color combinations of marble elements
Decorators try to highlight gray, white and colored marble in the interior. And the main difference is not only in the color itself, but also in the area of use, in the processing methods. White marble is unusually fragile and is not suitable for outdoor use; there it is used in exceptional cases.
In addition to mechanical disturbances, negative effects due to weather conditions can be detected. This manifests itself in yellowness and coloration.
Gray marble is mechanically more stable and relatively easy to work with. This material practically does not suffer from time, so it can confidently decorate both the inside of the room and the facade.
Colored marble is approximately the same in practical qualities as gray marble, but aesthetically it is much more pleasant, and therefore is more valuable. There are many colors in such a mineral, and sometimes they choose not even a specific color, but veins of a characteristic type that run through the stone in different places. Colored marble, like gray, is equally applicable in interior and exterior decoration.
It is worth considering that in any case it is still a “delicate” stone. The resulting products and coatings may not be able to withstand even normal operating conditions. Of course, marble window sills, countertops and even stairs look good. However, they are less durable than their granite counterparts.
Therefore, in most cases, all the same critical areas are faced with granite, and marble is used inside buildings.
According to experienced designers, marble must be combined with warm materials. This material is good in moderate options and designs, especially when it comes to private homes. Too much marble and surfaces can make a room seem too cold and no longer feel like a cozy home.
The type of polished material is sensitive to light: its inept selection, instead of revealing its advantages, emphasizes its shortcomings.
White and gray stone look good in modern interiors, and slabs are ideal for bathrooms.
Magic of stone
In the past, marble was given different meanings by residents of different countries:
- The Romans put first priority on the stone’s ability to repel dark power and witchcraft.
- The inhabitants of Ancient Greece revered marble as a love stone.
- The Indians considered him a companion of good.
Therefore, the Roman nobility built mansions made of marble, unmarried Greek women acquired a ring with a stone, and Indian families acquired some kind of thing made of marble.
Today the list of magical properties of marble has been expanded:
- The stone is able to protect against rash actions and ill-considered words.
- Gives strength and calmness during “nervous” work.
- Protects from danger outside the home.
- It will help you find your soul mate, protect you from jealousy, and strengthen marriage or informal ties.
However, using marble as a love spell is fraught with trouble.
- This is a real family talisman: the magic of the stone will improve relations between household members of different generations, protect the house from uninvited guests and ill-wishers.
- Shows the path to prosperity.
- Will help your romantic dream come true.
- It is recommended to be worn by a woman who wants to become a mother and give birth to a healthy child.
Marble is a talisman for teachers, doctors, military personnel, rescuers, and police officers.
The magic of the stone will manifest itself when wearing a ring, pendant, or bracelet.
What can be trimmed?
Marble on the floor inside is a sign of good taste and high income. It looks stylish, goes with any material, and never goes out of style. In the kitchen, bathroom, and hallway, it is better to lay out natural stone, tiles, and porcelain stoneware. There is enough laminate and linoleum in the living rooms, bedrooms, and corridors.
The photo shows a marble floor in the kitchen
Marble walls are good not only in bathrooms - a marble TV section in the living room is appropriate not only in the Baroque style, but also in modern interiors.
When zoning a space, there is no need to make tall static (glass) screens invisible or to select the finish of the remaining walls. Highlight marble if you want to draw attention to the partition.
The column - such an architectural element also does not need to be hidden - place it in the foreground, covering it with marble tiles and further highlighting it.
Another architectural detail - a niche requires special attention: to complement the recess inside, take imitation marble as a basis - lighting is placed inside or shelves are installed.
In private homes, the fireplace is considered the central element of the living room, so it should be not only functional, but also beautiful. Order a ready-made structure made of marble or stone.
What surfaces can be finished with marble?
Marble window sills are very popular. They are made from natural stone mainly by water cutting. Such products will become a real highlight in any room and will delight the owners with their strength and durability.
Walls are usually decorated with slabs of different shapes and sizes. Decorative plaster is formed from the crumbs.
This can also happen:
- reliefs;
- coat;
- columns;
- dropped ceilings;
- flights of stairs;
- plans;
- flower pot;
- balustrades.
Medicinal properties
Marble beads
Pendants, beads and necklaces release the healing power of marble.
Lithotherapists recommend using the stone for:
- Solutions to any problems with the digestive system.
- Normalization of blood pressure.
- Eliminate malfunctions of the heart, cleanse and restore blood vessels.
- Fighting and protecting against viral diseases.
- Facilitate breathing and treat various bronchial diseases.
- Restoring the psycho-emotional background.
- Enhance immunity.
- Treatment of the spine and joints through massage with marble balls.
- Relieving pain.
The presence of marble jewelry on the neck contributes to the rapid absorption of medications, increasing the resistance of the human body, its speedy recovery and restoration.
Combination of marble with other finishing materials
The combination of marble and wood is a time-tested solution. This approach ensures harmony and visual appeal of the composition. Wood should be considered the “first fiddle”; stone only emphasizes its advantages. In turn, thanks to wooden surfaces, the marble parts of the composition lose excess weight, become warmer and more comfortable.
The combination of marble and concrete just looks somehow unnatural - in fact, they go together very well. Of course, if you choose everything carefully. One of the materials creates a feeling of luxury, while the other supports visual associations with the metropolis.
The selection of a combination in a particular case must be carried out by specialists and very carefully. Very often smooth surfaces are used in close proximity to concrete.
It is logical that many people try to combine marble with brick. But, as in the previous case, the help of professional designers is needed here. Often the dominant role is given to the appearance of the brick. Marble details therefore take a secondary place. And, of course, you must also take into account your taste, your intentions and your financial capabilities.
Rules of care
Interiors with marble floors and walls made of this stone have a very impressive appearance, to maintain which you must adhere to certain rules:
- do not use acid-containing household chemicals when cleaning a living room with a marble floor;
- abrasive powders and cleaning creams are prohibited;
- immediately remove stains from spilled liquid, otherwise the floors will quickly lose their presentability;
- white marble stone can be damaged by excessive ultraviolet radiation, so it is recommended to create twilight in the room;
- traces of fat are neutralized with ordinary alcohol;
- Rust can be removed only with professional products.
ADVICE. The cladding will be bright and expressive if it is treated in time with special wax polishes. Clean yellowed areas with a mild soap solution or a drop of hydrogen peroxide. Follow these instructions to ensure the surface remains as neat as the day it was installed.
Practical use of marble in the interior
The practical use of marble can be seen in specific examples, where natural marble looks most advantageous against the background of modern design.
Marble in bathroom design
Recently, all designers have proposed decorating the bathroom with such an unfairly forgotten material as marble. Its unique texture is responsible for a noble chic, and delicate shades of gray or cream make it an ideal material for decorating the bathroom, while dark stripes and shimmers fill the room with a luxurious atmosphere and ensure relaxation and relaxation.
When decorating a bathroom in English or Venetian style, marble shades of white or blue with small dark stripes or spots are used. It is used to finish the floor and walls. Furniture should be chosen in white, and if the room is small, you should take care of its versatility.
Light shades are ideal for the bathroom as they make the room appear larger and a light surface is easier to clean.
In an Indian or Moroccan style bathroom, golden tones predominate, and marble in shades of yellow or dark brown perfectly complements the interior, filling it with richness and luxury. The plumbing fixtures and accessories are gilded, and the furniture is decorated with extravagant and mysterious patterns.
Ethnic style can fill the bath with mystery and mystery; For decoration in this style, marble of various shades of gray or brown is mainly chosen, and all this is complemented by dark-colored furniture made mainly of natural wood.
Art Nouveau style involves a large number of lamps and mirrors and looks very advantageous in pastel or white shades. The surface can be matte or glossy. A large amount of light will allow marble surfaces to sparkle with all colors and light, which will certainly add a certain mood to the design.
Marble elements in the bedroom decoration
Stone marble floors are a common feature in modern bedrooms. This is practical and beautiful, but a special atmosphere should reign in the bedroom, which can be achieved with the right combination - marble and warm textures in the form of textiles, wood, fur, leather, wickerwork.
Marble in the bedroom.
Window sills, bedside tables, chest of drawers can be finished with natural stone, glass table legs are beautiful.
Furnish the bedroom and furniture with marble.
Marble in the kitchen interior
Classic-style kitchens feature cozy cabinets made of natural wood in light colors. In such kitchens, marble floors or countertops, that is, countertops and tables, are a great addition. Classic always presupposes an exquisite combination of simplicity and taste; multifunctional furniture can be your excellent assistant in the proper organization of space, and marble finishing will emphasize the splendor of style.
When decorating a kitchen in country style, light and natural colors are used in the interior. Marble in such a kitchen is used mainly for finishing the work surface, and mainly in light shades. Furniture in such an interior is made from natural materials, often in light shades. It is also possible to use wicker furniture, which is more suitable for this style.
Marble kitchen island in the interior.
High-tech kitchen design involves a large amount of glass and metal in the interior. Glossy white marble looks great in such a kitchen; its functionality makes such a kitchen not only beautiful, but also very comfortable. High-tech style combines two primary colors: the first is bright and dominant, the second is more subdued and highlights the first.
An Art Deco style kitchen is distinguished by a large number of expensive elements; semi-precious stones, precious metals and marble are used in this interior. It is literally filled with patterns and details made from natural stone. Window sills, sinks, countertops, marble bar counters - everything that is in such a kitchen. The color scheme of an Art Deco kitchen can be red, blue, white or gold.
Marble apron cladding.
When decorating a kitchen space, marble stone will be an excellent choice for decorating a work surface. Polished marble countertops, decorative kitchen splashbacks, window sills, decorative hanging shelves, and wall panels in the dining area look elegant and presentable.
In addition to the unique external beauty and high quality, the durability of marble surfaces should be noted. With proper care, marble veneers retain their pristine beauty for decades.
The combination of marble and wood from which kitchen furniture is made enhances its natural beauty, and polished marble floors are not uncommon in kitchens. Within the framework of the classical or modern Art Nouveau style, such flooring organically fits into the overall concept of the chosen interior direction.
When using marble in the kitchen, one should not forget about the main functional purpose of the kitchen - it is a food preparation room, and therefore the problem of caring for the marble coating becomes the most pressing.
Typically, marble products are treated with special means to protect them from premature abrasion and external influences. They are made from environmentally friendly materials and are absolutely harmless to humans.
Marble elements in living room design
Using natural stones you can create a cozy atmosphere in almost any interior. Using marble, you can decorate not only the floor or walls, but also create various decorative elements, for example, a fireplace. The fireplace in the living room immediately creates a romantic and cozy home environment, because it is pleasant to spend long winter evenings here, admiring the dancing of the flames and listening to the light crackling of burning wood.
Marble floor in the interior of the living room.
Marble and other natural stones are used in many interiors and in many decor styles. The classic style with its luxurious elements cannot be imagined without marble details, since it implies a combination of simplicity and richness at the same time. In such interiors, marble floors or a marble fireplace are often found. The color scheme for decorating rooms in this style is predominantly light, the furniture is selected from natural wood with the appropriate color scheme, elegant patterns on the furniture or part of the wall are also possible. In the room, decorated in a classic style, you can see many figurines and other accessories.
The Baroque style combines an abundance of expensive accessories and elements. Contains a lot of gold, semi-precious stones and marble. The latter can be used to make columns, floors or tables. This material combines style, luxury and beauty, and is therefore indispensable for baroque interiors. The combination of colors in the interior is appropriate; gold and dark brown colors predominate. The furniture in this interior is massive and made of natural materials; Gilding is possible on some of its elements, for example on the handles or legs of furniture. In such a living room there are many antique vases, figurines with gilding or semi-precious stones; instead of doors, you can make arches decorated with mosaics, and columns are often found in such an interior.
Finishing the fireplace in the office with light marble.
By choosing a living room in the Provence style, you will fill the room with lightness and a romantic atmosphere. This living room is dominated by light shades of yellow, blue or pink. The room is full of light and colors. Furniture can be used artificially aged and complemented with a cozy blanket. The floor in such a living room can be made of white marble. In the Provence style living room, a lot of textiles are used and all this is complemented by handmade accessories, you can also see a large number of fresh flowers and many cute amulets: candlesticks, photo frames, baskets with all sorts of little things, all this is typical for this style.
Marble cladding of the bathroom
Natural stone marble is used for cladding walls and floors. Thanks to the velvety texture and glossy shine of polished marble, a refined, noble atmosphere is created in the room, and the play of colors in delicate pastel colors visually expands the boundaries of the room.
Typically, a type of marble stone is used to decorate bathrooms. In this case, to break up the boring monotony, various methods of laying stone on the walls are used: marble slabs are laid using the French herringbone method in the form of mosaic cladding, or they simply change the direction of the pattern and motif of the tile.
The latest fashion trends in creating elegant interiors allow deviations from generally accepted canons and suggest the use of marble stones that match the tone, for example, the walls are decorated with beige marble with brown veins, and the floor is covered with brown marble tones.
From a practical point of view, the best choice for cladding bathroom walls would be white marble or a light gray shade: on such a surface no traces of moisture drops are visible, which means there is no need to constantly clean the walls.
To fully reveal the natural beauty of marble cladding, designers recommend finishing the entire bathroom with marble, especially the front wall.
Marble as a floor covering
The most expensive and practical flooring material is undoubtedly marble tiles. After all, it is impact-resistant, wear-resistant, and has an attractive aesthetic appearance.
Marble pier inside.
To create a clean and beautiful floor, two convenient methods of laying marble tiles are used:
- seamless: sheets are laid as close to each other as possible. There is practically no seam between them;
- universal - laying marble tiles in different directions.
The last method is unique in that it allows you to create a unique model.
Marble floors.
Marble floor is a universal combination of the strength characteristics of natural stone, its excellent decorative properties and aesthetic appearance.
Laying marble tiles
Laying marble tiles is simple: it follows the same principle as laying ceramic tiles. The back side of the facing material is thoroughly cleaned of dust and applied to construction adhesive or concrete. Please note that the surface of the wall or floor must be perfectly dry, otherwise the coating will not adhere.
Marble tiles in the interior.
Before laying the next tile, you need to wait until the previous one is completely fixed. Failure to comply with this important rule may result in deviations and inconsistencies in the seams during further installation.
Marble tiles.
An electric saw with diamond blades is used to cut marble tiles. Once fully installed, the joints are sealed and sanding and polishing are scheduled.
The presence of beautiful marble in the decoration and interior elements speaks of the refined taste and high status of the owners of the apartment. Natural finishing material makes you fall in love at first sight and brings true pleasure. This is material that has passed through centuries and managed to adapt to modern canons. Proper care of decorative finishing materials guarantees the preservation of a presentable appearance for 100-150 years!