The construction industry is developing rapidly, and increasingly, manufacturers are offering new materials that are more environmentally friendly, cleaner, more convenient, and sometimes more affordable than others. Some of these tools are artificial stone and cast marble - each of them is interesting in its own way, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If you want to see your kitchen not only comfortable and functional, but also rich, a marble kitchen will be the best choice for you. In addition, thanks to its nobility, marble can fit into almost any interior.
Artificial or natural?
Which stone should you prefer - artificial or natural? Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Cast marble
This building material boasts of its naturalness and affordability. Its main component is a mixture of mineral filler and polyester resin; additional components can be finely crushed granite, quartz sand or marble chips.
Depending on the scope of use of marble, the technology for its production also varies: by adding special gels, hardeners or pigments to the main mixture, the manufacturer edits the appearance of the product.
Using cast marble, a great variety of household items and sanitary ware are made: countertops, sinks, window sills, dishes, bathrooms, candlesticks and much more.
Advantages of cast marble:
- affordable price;
- strength, moisture resistance, high degree of sound insulation;
- easy to repair and restore;
- long service life;
- absence of radioactive background;
- Possibility of manufacturing any shapes, colors and sizes of the product.
Minuses:
- weakly resistant to temperature changes and heavy loads;
- does not tolerate abrasive substances well, making it difficult to wash contaminated surfaces.
Fake diamond
This is a durable and environmentally friendly material, it contains sand, gypsum or cement, and special coloring pigments give it the desired color. It is used in furniture production, interior design, for the manufacture of shower trays, shelving, countertops, stairs, sinks, etc.
Advantages of artificial stone:
- aesthetic appeal and integrity;
- moisture resistance;
- fire resistance;
- resistance to household chemicals and temperature changes;
- long service life.
Like cast marble, artificial stone does not tolerate cleaning with abrasive substances. The glossy surface requires daily care, but hard brushes, sponges and powders can easily scratch it. In this case, a specialist will help and repolish the product.
By the way, we wrote about the care and restoration of glossy furniture here >>>.
So how do you make a choice? Despite the similarities in the characteristics of artificial and natural stone, there are still differences in them.
First of all, you need to decide on the future purpose of the household appliance: if you want to minimize the noise from flowing water, then it is better to choose a marble sink.
An artificial stone countertop can be safely washed with various chemicals every day. Cast marble is ideal for kitchens where there is high humidity due to fumes during cooking, and artificial stone is the most resistant to damage, which is why it is most often used in interior decoration.
How to choose?
When studying countertop catalogs, pay attention to:
1. Presence/absence of foreign inclusions - if the marble is clean and does not contain mica, quartz, ore, the price of such a countertop will be very high. Otherwise, when there are too many foreign minerals, the countertop will look sloppy;
2. Thickness - the minimum value is 1.9 cm. The protrusion that is recommended to be made above the facade is from 2.5 to 3 cm. In this case, you can choose any edge according to your desire;
3. Processing of the end profile - various options are available: half-rollers, rollers, figured turning with polishing, chamfer.
The main requirement is that there are no chips. Repair and savings
Choosing the color of marble
As we already wrote above, due to impurities, marble has a rich range of colors - from white to blue-black.
You need to be careful when using dark colors in the interior and not to overdo it, otherwise you will add not only charm and sophistication to the room, but also heaviness. It is better to complement it with a basic light tone.
Pay attention to the photo how harmoniously a white kitchen looks with a black marble floor and apron:
White marble will visually expand the kitchen. To prevent it from yellowing and losing its solid appearance over time, manufacturers offer special compositions that cover the product, resulting in the formation of an invisible film that protects it from contamination.
In the kitchen, marble-effect tiles are also often used, they are inexpensive and easy to maintain - you can use them to lay out walls, floors or backsplashes, and thanks to the variety of shades, shapes and textures, you can create any patterns that will help achieve some desired visual impression. After proper installation, the pattern of veins is not interrupted, thereby imitating a solid stone slab.
More articles about finishing the apron:
What can you make a kitchen apron from: 14 best ideas
Skinali (glass apron): a win-win option!
Mosaic tiles for the kitchen: should you be afraid of beauty?
White marble on the kitchen backsplash
It will be very interesting and original if you use two contrasting colors of marble, where the veins of one are the main shade of the second, and vice versa. For example, black marble with gray veins and gray marble with black inclusions. And to add a little warmth to cold marble, combine it with wooden pieces of furniture.
Black marble on the kitchen apron
It is important to remember that the glossy surface of marble reflects light, so lighting must be carefully thought out so that glare does not blind the eyes.
Care
Photo from source: masterproff.ru
In this case, it is necessary to renew the sealant layer approximately twice a year, because marble is a porous material. These countertops are easy to clean; all you need is warm water and mild soap.
Since marble is less durable than, for example, granite, use special pads for hot dishes and cauldrons. And to avoid accidentally damaging the surface while cutting food, don’t forget about the boards.
Photo from source: archiprofi.ru
Tabletop Cedar 3028/S White Marquina Marble
Marble furniture
A marble kitchen set certainly looks elegant and presentable. In Europe, this has long been an architectural trend, and now the fashion has reached Russia.
Tabletop/table
A countertop made of natural precious stone in the kitchen emphasizes the status of the owner and is suitable for both classic and modern interiors. Surfaces always have different patterns and are therefore unique. They combine perfectly with other materials, providing convenience and comfort.
Marble countertops mean environmental friendliness, durability, style, uniqueness, and charm. They are:
- glossy - beautiful, but scratches, chips and handprints are easily visible on them;
- matte - the color is muted, chips are less noticeable than on glossy ones. More susceptible to contamination;
- antique ones have a beautiful sheen, have a texture similar to leather, and perfectly hide damage and fingerprints.
The most versatile option for the kitchen would be a countertop made of light marble with gray or blue veins. On such surfaces, scratches or other damage are less noticeable - and this is important if food is constantly being cooked. This type of material will look best in a white or pearl kitchen.
A matte countertop is suitable for country style, and a classic kitchen with a lot of wood will be perfectly emphasized by a marble table with an uneven pattern.
In a high-tech style, a glossy tabletop combined with the shine of metal will look great, and in baroque and art deco, the gloss will complement stucco and gold. Usually, if there are marble surfaces, a matching apron and/or cast sinks made of a similar material are added to the interior.
When choosing marble for a countertop, pay attention to its pattern and color: it has inclusions that may look like damage or defects.
After taking measurements of the countertop, decide on the type of slabs from which it will be assembled: these can be small slabs (they are more economical) or large monolithic ones. If the tabletop is large, several slabs are used to assemble it, the edges of which are processed and reinforced before joining.
If everything is done correctly, the joints will be practically invisible upon completion of the work. To protect the ends from chipping, end profiles are installed.
To avoid damage to the material, the finished tabletop is installed on fully assembled furniture. The rest of the household appliances or sink are installed at the same time.
Windowsill
Marble window sills are no less in demand than countertops. There is a good reason for this: due to the practicality of the material, the window sill can serve as an additional surface - this could be, for example, a working or dining area.
Bar counter
Marble for making a bar counter is the best option. Such a stand will not only serve for a long time and faithfully, but will also decorate the overall interior.
By the way, certain varieties of marble, having light transmitting characteristics, make it possible to create internal lighting.
Island
Zoning the kitchen and dining room using an island is gaining popularity. You can decorate with marble either a separate part of the furniture or as a whole. A kitchen with an island made entirely of marble, complemented by glass facades, will look luxurious.
Marble kitchen countertops
First of all, marble absorbs moisture very well and is exposed to food acids even after impregnation. The only effective protection is adherence to the principles of correct use. Acidic foods such as lemon, mustard, red wine, cola, and even mineral water are aggressive to it.
When these acids come into contact with a marble surface, permanent discoloration or degradation of the polymer may occur. It is important to remove them from the countertop surface as soon as possible. There is no other way.
It is true that marble requires special care and attention, but it is a valuable and common material used in kitchens all over the world. If you approach the choice only from a practical point of view, do not reach for natural marble. For those who consider beauty, class and unique appearance equally important, marble has the best recommendation. However, it is also possible to combine both options - as always with the help of the latest technology.
A marble countertop, but not from marble, but from something that marble reproduces. The most common (and cheapest) material is MDF with marble cladding. The second option is sintered quartz or quartz conglomerates, that is, like stone, but subjected to a technological process that improves its properties.
A little about styles
Loft. A dining table with a marble top combined with metal legs is perfect for this style. Straight, laconic lines with decorative elements made of metal and glass will effectively complement the kitchen design.
Classic style. There is a lot of light wood and cozy cabinets, this is a combination of taste and simplicity. A white marble floor or countertop will add sophistication and splendor.
Country. This style has a lot of natural materials and shades, mostly light. Wooden or wicker furniture is perfectly complemented by a worktop made of beige or green marble.
High tech. White glossy marble is perfect for this style and there won’t be too much of it. It combines two colors, one of which is primary, and the second is complementary.
Stone countertops, sinks, faucets in combination with a large number of glass and metal products will look just great.
Art Deco. A lot of expensive decor, stone and patterns in kitchen design imply Art Deco style. Similar to the high-tech style, marble products can be placed everywhere here: from the window sill to the dishes - this material will not be superfluous.
Minimalism. A table made of Carrara marble will help add variety to a minimalist kitchen - the combination of gray and white will liven up the room a little.
Marble Kitchen Design 2022
Marble is a natural stone that has a very specific origin and comes from a specific geographic region. It also exists as one of the most beautiful materials that have always been readily used in interiors. Recently, we can observe a new passion for this raw material - it manifests itself in various forms, from natural stone to imitation, imitating its characteristic pattern.
Marble has been known and valued since ancient times. It is used mainly as a valuable building, sculptural and architectural material. Marble mining is most widespread in Carrara, and Italy has its own name for it - Carrara marble.
Natural stone, in addition to being a good conductor of heat, is also expensive, absorbable and sensitive to certain substances (eg fruit and vegetable juices, fats), subject to discoloration and loss of quality. Instead of natural finishes in this case, you can turn to materials inspired by its beauty, which resemble the original, while demonstrating a number of positive features .
Application in finishing
Based on design rules, a kitchen with marble elements such as a countertop or window sill can be complemented by a floor, apron or wall made of the same material or similar. Therefore, you have the prospect of implementing a project in a variety of styles - modern, classical, oriental.
Floor
Marble flooring is always in fashion; it is associated with elegance and luxury. In addition, it is durable, fireproof and wear-resistant, does not creak or dry out, and is easy to clean. It will not lose its appearance for many years. Although it costs a lot, its significant service life makes up for this drawback.
However, if you have small children, then it is worth thinking about the fact that marble floors are always cold and hard, resulting in an increased risk of injury from a fall. But ordinary objects made of ceramics and glass will definitely not remain intact.
Marble floor tiles are made from both natural stone and artificial stone.
The first option is porous and hygroscopic. The second one has high moisture resistance and is more suitable for finishing a bathroom. Although visually they are difficult to distinguish from each other.
Due to the small amount of impurities, natural white marble is fragile and pliable. For the floor it is better to use gray or colored, having a variety of shades.
Floor tiles come in glossy, non-slip and polished finishes. It is polished marble that is best suited for the kitchen, while the first option is too slippery, and the second is optimal for the bathroom.
If you want to lay out a mosaic or pattern on your kitchen floor, use tiles of different sizes, shapes and colors.
The floor can be laid in three ways: laying on a mortar (the most popular), laying on glue or on a special frame.
Apron
A marble kitchen apron is a stylish solution that suits any style. You can finish it in many ways:
- tiling with small and large tiles;
- mosaic;
- panel or marble painting (ordered from specialists);
- a pattern of stone that goes from the apron to the tabletop or vice versa;
- one piece of marble.
It is worth noting here that tiles are much cheaper than solid marble. And she has more opportunities for creativity.
Walls
There are also various options for wall decoration.
For example, expensive marble usually has a large pattern, so you need to dedicate an entire wall to finishing to appreciate the pattern.
Marble tiles can be used to lay part of a wall or a corner, and if you have a fireplace portal, you can use it.
Wall cladding is done in two ways:
- Wet. The wall is prepared, cleaned of dust, leveled and auditioned. Then, using a special glue, the marble tiles are attached.
- Dry. In this case, it is not necessary to prepare the surface. Marble tiles are attached using pins to a pre-installed reinforcing frame.
Hint 5. What should the curtains be like?
Suitable types of curtains in the Mediterranean style: wooden/bamboo blinds, soft roller or Roman blinds, or light curtains of a simple style made of tulle/chintz/linen.
Combination with other materials
Tree
The combination of marble and wood is a perfectly complementary texture. Wood is in harmony with hand-made products, and marble adds sophistication, so this is a successful and fashionable solution in the interior.
A marble countertop is ideal for a minimalist kitchen. A kitchen island with a wooden base and marble surface can radically change the mood of the room.
Conventionally, marble can be:
- calm is a matte stone of light colors with a weakly expressed pattern. Here it is permissible to use wood of various tones and textures, since it will play an accent role;
- spectacular - often used as an accent material, having a variety of shades, pronounced patterns and a glossy finish. This type of marble is best combined with laconic processed wood, painted in one uniform color.
Glass and metal
The lightness and transparency of the glass emphasizes the purity of marble. Glass objects expand the boundaries of space, reflecting the stone in a favorable light.
With its soft texture, frosted glass blurs clear lines and adds coziness and warmth to cold marble. Black glass will add rigor and contrast to the interior.
A table with a glass top and marble legs would be an excellent compositional solution.
It is difficult to imagine a kitchen without metal objects. Just like glass, metal harmonizes wonderfully with marble. For example, a marble product with a pronounced pattern will be brightly complemented by copper lamps, the finish of a faucet or dishes. A large amount of metal and glass is most typical of the high-tech style.
Take a look at the photo: you see an example of finishing the inner walls of cabinets and columns with white marble. There are two types of doors: metal and glass. Metal doors are trimmed with leather.
Marbled plumbing
Washing
Marble chips are also used to make sinks - this production waste is an excellent alternative to expensive natural stone. The acrylic resin in the composition serves as a binding agent, and dyes allow you to achieve a variety of shades and colors of the product.
The size of the crumbs used and its ratio with polymers directly affects the future texture, pattern and quality of the product.
A built-in sink is practical and can be ordered to suit every taste and color. The monolithic one is one with the countertop, and this is not the most practical element - if it is defective, chipped or otherwise damaged, the entire monolith must be replaced.
Of course, kitchen sinks made of natural stone look very, very presentable, but the material itself is quite capricious: if it is used in the kitchen, it is not always possible to ensure that it is handled with care.
Natural marble is beautiful, it does not heat up and always remains cool, and its thick walls absorb the sound of water. However, you cannot place hot pots and pans or pour boiling water into a marble sink.
It is necessary to limit its interaction with vinegar and abrasive cleaning substances; it is easily chipped and scratched - and this cannot always be avoided when working in the kitchen.
A marble sink looks chic in styles such as minimalism, modern, classic, eclectic, art deco.
When choosing a sink, decide in advance on the model: for example, in a small kitchen it is better to choose a deep but narrow sink, and you can also occupy the “dead” zone by installing a corner design.
Therefore, the installation location should also be considered in advance. In the store, when purchasing, check the sink for damage and for warranty, exchange or return.
Mixer
Stone-effect faucets are easy to use, reliable and wear-resistant. They are made from natural granite with the addition of an acrylic binder or polyurethane resin.
They have different control systems:
- classic system , where a two-valve mixer separately supplies hot/cold water;
- single-lever , consisting of a monolithic body with a built-in cartridge, which regulates the flow of water.
When choosing a faucet, pay attention to the height of the spout. It is necessary to choose it based on the depth and shape of the sink. A spout that is too high for a deep sink will splash water, and a spout that is too low for a wide sink will make washing dishes more difficult.
The mixer is installed in two ways:
- In place of the plugs specially installed by the manufacturer, the plugs are knocked out with a chisel or hammer and the mixer is mounted in the resulting hole.
- In the surface of the sink - if there are no special holes on the sink, then you can install the mixer in any convenient place. To avoid damage to the product, it is better to use the services of specialists.
Accessories
Marble accessories can significantly enliven any interior. Just by adding a few minor details, you will make your kitchen sparkle with new colors!
Kitchen utensils and accessories - these stylish little details will add elegance to even the oldest kitchen. They will look equally good with both expensive copper cookware and long-outdated equipment.
Trays are durable and simple decorations that can be placed in a variety of places, thereby creating an atmosphere of organization and order. Coasters for glasses are insignificant details at first glance, but gilded round or octagonal classic coasters can significantly add style to the interior and create the necessary mood. Flowerpots come in various shapes and sizes and, in harmony with living plants, form a beautiful composition.
Candlesticks – available in different sizes, will create a romantic atmosphere.
Basic Precautions
We will pay special attention to this issue. Here are steps that will help you extend the life of your marble countertop to the maximum possible:
• if the stain cannot be removed the first time, try rubbing the soap in with rotating movements;
• Clean the surface as often as possible. In this case, use only soft cloths that have been soaked in a weak soap solution;
• if the marble is dark and a stain appears on it, use acetone to remove it;
• hydrogen peroxide will help remove stains from transparent surfaces;
• to prevent water marks from appearing, after it gets on the surface, wipe it off immediately;
• let the use of coasters and napkins become a habit;
• it is better to repeat the application of non-toxic sealant once or twice a year;
• forget about using abrasives.
