Make a Marble Kitchen Island the Center of Attention

Featured Image: Montclair White Marble Kitchen Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

When designing your dream home, nothing is quite as chic as a marble island in the center of a modern and spacious kitchen. When properly cared for, this elegant statement piece is an investment that will last for years to come.

Plus, a marble top island is not just for a luxury home. A long and narrow island is great for kitchens where dining or shelving space is limited as it provides additional storage, counter space, and seating. This addition is a gorgeous and functional statement piece that adds significant value to your home.

Looking for trendy kitchen island ideas incorporating marble? Look no further. Here are 5 design ideas that will make a marble island the center of attention in your kitchen.

1. White and Bright Marble

An all-white kitchen looks clean, warm, and inviting. Paired with cream upholstery and rustic accent pieces, it makes for a farmhouse dream. Use a brilliant marble-like Montclair White with deep, rich veining and organic movements to add a bit of drama to your space.  Combined with off-white cabinetry, the natural movement of the marble has a serene effect. For contrast, finish it with brass details for a look that’s sophisticated and lavish.

Image: Opal White Marble Kitchen Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

2. Sleek and Modern Marble

Mixing materials isn’t just on-trend, it’s timeless. For a real statement piece, pair a light marble top kitchen island with cabinets in a dark wood like walnut or mahogany. Look for one with a dramatic grain and add modern chrome handles for an elevated look. Use Opal White for both the countertops and a marble kitchen island to balance out the space and offer a nice contrast to the contemporary cabinetry. The cool gray speckling of Opal White gives the stone a delicate look that pairs beautifully with rich design elements and softens the sharp edges of modern finishes.

Image: Bianco Carrara Polished Marble Kitchen Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

3. Monochromatic Marble Elegance

If you’re not one for taking risks with bold colors, don’t worry! You can still create a modern kitchen using neutral colors. Stick to the basics and build a monochrome color palette with varying textures. Using multiple shades of the same hue creates an ultra-modern look without the need for loud colors or patterns. The splatter-paint effect of  Bianco Carrara’s marble veining has a pop-art vibe, perfect for designers or homeowners looking to achieve a modern look. Pair a dramatic kitchen island in this stone with soft gray cabinets for a sleek finish.

Image: Calacatta Betogli Extra Marble Waterfall Kitchen Island Countertop

4. Drop Edge Drama

One of the best ways to turn your marble kitchen island into a focal point is by giving it a waterfall edge. This sophisticated design element will give the space a glamorous feel. The extra slab of marble adds dimension to your space, making the kitchen appear larger. Kick your design up a notch by echoing the organic movement of the stone in your backsplash for the impression of a head-to-toe marble room. The effect is luxurious and elegant, elevating your entire kitchen into a true statement piece for the home. Make sure to use complementary materials that keep the focus on the stone and prevent overcrowding your kitchen. Opt for sleek, frameless cabinetry, neutral paints, and simple hardware.

Image: Fantasy Brown Satin Marble Cascading Kitchen Island Countertop

5. Organic Neutral

As a naturally occurring material, , marble is subject to variations in color and veining. The result is a beautifully unique slab that transforms any room into a one-of-a-kind space. Fantasy Brown Satin offers the best of marble’s natural qualities: gorgeous organic movement with rich colors. From deep chocolatey tones to pale grays, this stone makes for an eye-catching kitchen island and offers a variety of color palettes to work from. Pair it with simple materials, colors and upholsteries to draw attention to the island and balance the room.

Whichever style you choose, your marble top kitchen island will be a stunning feature in your kitchen. However, some considerations should be kept in mind. It is more porous than other natural stones, so it is prone to staining and scratching.  It is recommended that a sealer be applied soon after installation and re-sealed every six months. This will penetrate the stone and allow it to breathe, permitting more of its natural beauty to shine through.

When properly sealed, it is easy to care for. Simply wipe down your marble kitchen island and countertops with a soft cloth and warm water or pH-balanced cleaning solution to help maintain your stone’s natural shine. Also, be cautious of acid-based foods like citrus or tomatoes, as they can cause etching. While marble is one of the most heat-resistant products that you can use for countertops, it should be noted that it is a best practice to never place hot items such as pots and pans directly on natural stones – always use a hot pad or trivet. We have more information available to learn about how to care for your marble countertops.

Are you looking for more kitchen island inspiration? Arizona Tile offers more than 45 shades and styles of marble, as well as many other stone and tile options. Stop into one of our many locations or have a look at our online slab yard for inspiration. If you’d like to take a look at our products in your space before committing, try our Just Imagine Visualizer. Our team has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience and is always available for a consultation to help you find the best tile and stone for your home.