Marble has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful and luxurious natural stones. There really is no substitute to the exquisiteness of white colored marble when it comes to sophisticated interior designs.
When you opt for marble flooring, you choose it specifically for its elegance as it brings classic and timeless allure to any interior design style. In addition to enhancing the beauty of your house, it may also increase your property value.
However, choosing marble flooring is not a decision that you can take overnight. Marble can really be expensive depending on the type of tiles you choose as there are many colors, styles, and patterns available to fit the décor of just about any room in the house.
While many may be preoccupied with the colors and patterns of marble floor tiles, you should make sure to take the following into consideration as well when choosing marble flooring. Here are some tips to help you create top-notch results, and some advice for choosing suitable accent colors, furniture, and fixtures.
Tip #1: Have a Purpose in Mind
If you wander around aimlessly in a marble shop, you will end up having your thoughts scattered and your eyes on more than only one type of marble. Instead, there are few basic guidelines you need to keep in mind when selecting tiles.
First of all, it is important to consider the purpose of the room you want to be tiled. Every room is unique and has a different purpose, and the marble that works in one room might not work in another.
For example, marble is used a lot as a counter throughout the house or in the kitchen. With sufficient research, you’ll be able to find just the right provider for you. Marble.com is a great place to start, especially when it comes to countertops in particular.
Tip #2: Consider Other Factors
Every aspect of the room should be put into consideration. For instance, small, dark colored tiles tend to make a space feel small while large, light colored tiles open up spaces and make them feel bigger. You should put that in mind for the smaller or bigger rooms in your house.
Also, light, natural hues also tend to act as a neutral backdrop for furniture and décor, with this in mind, you should opt for natural, light colored tiles for rooms with colorful furniture.
Tip #4: Consider Trends
Current trend colors include warm grey, cream and off-white. As a matter of fact, the color grey has been a constant feature over the past five years. Grey marble forms a neutral base to which bold colored soft furnishings can be added. These tiles can also offer depth in a modern industrial looking setting.
Tip #5: Create Spacious Bathrooms
Always make your bathrooms appear larger with light color. White, sand, beige, cream, etc are all good choices. Marble or ceramic/porcelain would be a good match for this application. Also, larger tiles tend to make a small room appear bigger.
If you install the same material on the walls, you will further enhance the illusion of expanded space. To amplify the effect and create a seamless flowing surface, use a matching grout color. This works particularly well in small or tiny bathrooms.
Tip #6: Choose the Right Kitchen Tile Choices
Some consider the kitchen to be the heart of the house, and thus, its tile selection is very important. Wood-like marble is the perfect color and design option for the kitchen and patio as they imitate the natural beauty of wood and mimic decking when placed on the patio.
When deliberating over what tile color to use in the kitchen, consider the color of your kitchen units and surroundings. Depending on the look you are after, colors such as cream, beige and brown as floor color options can contribute to creating an impression of warmth, whereas colors such as blue and green against the walls, achieved through glass mosaics or wall tiles, will make the room feel cool. A red, auburn or orange palette against the walls will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Tip #7: Go for Natural Patios
Another commonly tiled area in your home that might be confusing you are the patios. These areas are typically used for entertaining and are usually linked to other rooms in the house such as the lounge. That is why it’s important that the color scheme complements the accompanying areas. It should also match the overall style of the property and create an overlapping feeling.
The setting and neutral colors work best as they can be blended with a number of décor styles and color combinations. You may also want to consider carrying the same tiles through from the interior of the home through to the exterior areas. This visually binds the interior and exterior, and makes them appear larger than they actually are.
Tip #8: Pick the Right Veining
Although every quarry is different, it’s possible to cut certain types of marble blocks two different ways to achieve unique veining patterns. This gives it a look that is completely and fairly random as it is ideal for book-matching.
Vein cut, or striato, slices the block the other way to achieve a linear, striped appearance. Designers have used both cuts to create some fantastic looks, they may use vein cut on the wall and cross cut on the floor. But it is up to you to choose what suits you best.
Tip #9: Take On the All-White Rooms
Many people will advise you against this. White furniture, white walls, and white marble, why not! White marble flooring creates a very cool, streamlined look.
Go all out and try incorporating glass and crystal accessories into the decor. You can group a collection of random mirrors to create a focal point, or even opt for glass tile backsplashes in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Tip #10: Add a Modernist Aesthetic
As marble can be highly versatile, you can customize it to whatever suits your needs. Go above and beyond the obvious metallic faucets, pulls, and lighting by adding a metallic tile backsplash or accent wall.
If you’re going for a contemporary or ultramodern design, gray marble is an ideal contender. Not only is this flooring as trendy as it is timeless, marble can provide a streamlined look, which ups the home’s modish factor even further.
Selecting Your Favorite Marble
Ultimately, this whole process should be fun! In fact, designing or redesigning your home is supposed to be the part of moving out! But make no mistake, as it is definitely not the easiest part.
Choosing the best marble varies from one person to another, but with these guidelines and tips, you should be able to at least discard the things you do not want and have a clearer vision of your house’s future design.
If your mind must is set on marble, you should consider other factors such as slip resistance and maintenance as well. But do not make these things shy you away from marble as it is an excellent choice and the best option you can have for an elegant house!