For ease of decoration, marble stone is cut into tiles, slabs and panels. The size of the tiles ranges from 20 × 20 cm to 60 × 60 cm. This is the type of tile that is most often used to decorate interiors. Slabs are impressive slabs, on average 2 × 3 m. They are used for finishing large areas so that the marble surface looks almost seamless. Indeed, the joints between the slabs are almost invisible, and it seems that this is a huge piece of solid marble. A panel is a decorative composition with the brightest, most expressive marble pattern - most often used to decorate the walls of a living room or bedroom.
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Marble the floor
The floor is the first candidate for finishing with marble. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the stone: strength, wear resistance, ease of cleaning, low electrical conductivity and good resistance to high temperatures. This makes the marble floor feel cool even on hot days. Ideal for southern climates! And in northern latitudes, you can easily install a heated floor under marble slabs - it will be both beautiful and warm.
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Advantages and disadvantages of marble floors
The advantages of using marble floors include the following:
- beauty - this material undoubtedly ranks first among floor coverings in terms of this characteristic. It is incredibly beautiful and cannot be confused with any other material;
- resistance to allergies and bacteria - quite often building materials are the cause of allergies or other diseases. If you install marble flooring in your home, you can forget about such problems forever. The marble surface prevents the formation of various allergens, as well as the proliferation of bacteria. It also does not allow moisture to pass through, and mold does not develop on it;
Read Photo wallpaper - the best decoration for your home
- wear resistance - marble is a fairly hard, durable and heavy material. There are unlikely to be traces of animal claws or impact marks on its surface. However, marble is also not afraid of stains on the surface;
— ease of care — daily care is quite primitive. Simply sweep the floor and walk over it with a slightly damp cloth. Although, of course, re-sealing and professional cleaning of such a floor is periodically necessary. But with good sealing, such a floor is easy to clean from dirt or spilled liquids;
— made of environmentally friendly material;
- do not require special repairs.
But, of course, marble floors also have their disadvantages:
- hardness. Yes, yes, this characteristic can be attributed to both the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Despite the fact that it withstands scratches from animal claws well, if you drop any ceramic or glass product on such a floor, it will definitely break. In addition, it is not recommended to install such a floor if you have small children. Since on such a hard and slippery surface you can fall and get some damage;
— price. This coating is certainly more expensive than most other flooring materials. Also, due to the heaviness of marble, the participation of professional builders in its installation is necessary. Therefore, be prepared to pay not only for the material, but also for its installation. If this is too expensive for you, then you can choose a vinyl coating that imitates marble;
- temperature. Marble reacts to heat after prolonged exposure, so this floor is quite cold. It is unlikely that you will be able to walk on the marble floor barefoot in the off-season and in winter;
- care. The shiny surface of marble is achieved through regular polishing and grinding. You should also regularly seal the marble surface with a sealant to protect it from stains.
Cladding walls with marble
The entire walls in rooms such as the living room, bedroom, and children's room are finished with marble less often than the floor. Most often, one wall is decorated, for example, the one that has a visual accent. Light marble is great for small rooms, because it reflects light well and shines even in dim lighting. This visually expands the space of the room.
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Marble bathroom
They like to decorate the bathroom with both ceramic tiles and marble from floor to ceiling. It is decorated with both single-color marble slabs and combinations of different colors and patterns. Marble does not absorb moisture from the air, although due to its porous structure it can absorb water upon direct contact. To increase moisture resistance, the surface of marble slabs is treated with special means during production.
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Photo: macycling.com
Marble tiles – what materials to use?
, marble tiles stand out . Quality stone floor tiles combine aesthetics with functionality, just like marble wall tiles. Natural stone flooring has unique properties, for example, it conducts heat well and also retains it for a long time.
You may be interested in: How to use marble in the kitchen? Will it be fashionable in 2020?
This makes granite, sandstone or travertine work amazingly as underfloor heating. The luxurious finish is without a shadow of a doubt worth the price. Regardless of where you place marble slabs, they will perfectly highlight the elegant character of the interior. Marble stone on the wall, on the floor, on countertops, in accessories are just some of the most common options where marble components can be used.
Laying stone tiles (including marble tiles) is a process that is fundamentally different from finishing floors with other popular materials, such as ceramics. Although the natural material is extremely durable and abrasion resistant, it also has other physical and chemical properties that may hinder installation by an untrained technician.
To ensure the correct installation of marble tiles in your home, we have compiled some of the most important information. Learn how to prepare for and complete this process. This allows you to supervise a busy construction team or even complete the task yourself.
Among the many advantages of marble, there is one drawback - it is absorbent. Moisture absorption is a problem that you can easily overcome. Just use special materials - that is, adhesive solution, neutral silicone, impregnation. Don't forget to choose marble blanks. If you are using stone tiles for another type of floor, also make sure you choose the right tools. Each stone has different properties, so it is very important to use products designed for it.
When preparing the items needed for installation, there are a few important things to consider. First of all, check the pH of the drugs you are planning to buy.
An acid reaction can damage the marble structure and completely ruin the incredible visual effect. Therefore, choose products that are labeled as neutral and can be used universally, regardless of the stone's chemical preference.
Pay special attention to the selection of special glue that will not allow moisture to pass through. Make sure the adhesive under the marble is the correct color. This is especially important if the marble tiles you purchase are lightweight and patterned. Due to the heterogeneity of this stone, in some places you may notice translucent crystals or so-called veins.
Choose a marble countertop
Countertops are also often made of marble. This applies to both the kitchen and the bathroom. The marble countertop will fit perfectly into the interior of any style: from classic and country to avant-garde and high-tech. It will not stand out much, but it will well emphasize the features of the interior style.
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Compositions from saw cuts for room decor
You can use wood as an original accent for any room by placing objects made from wood cuts in the rooms. For example:
- Stylish watch;
- Placemats;
- Vases;
- Shelves;
- Panel;
- Frames for pictures and mirrors.
Making such decorations is not difficult - it’s just a matter of imagination and the availability of materials. We offer videos as a source of inspiration and ideas.
If you decide to create your own decor, do not forget about proper surface treatment. Be sure to coat each element with a protective agent or varnish. It is undesirable to use paints - they can disrupt the texture of the material.
You can stick thin saw cuts on the walls, having previously prepared the surface. A nuance - it is better to take elements of different sizes, but approximately the same thickness. If any detail stands out too much, the stylistic picture will be disrupted.
Cutting down wood in home design. Source: blog.postel-deluxe.ru
Decor from cut wood in the interior. Source: oomester.ru
Make a work area out of marble
In addition to the countertop, the entire work area, primarily in the kitchen, can be marble. The work area can either repeat the basic colors of the kitchen unit and cabinet fronts, or be fundamentally different from them. In the second case, the stand becomes accent and takes on the main decorative function. The only condition: be careful with food acids (acetic and citric). They quickly corrode the stone and irreversibly spoil its appearance.
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Marble in kitchen design: modern elegance
An impressive marble kitchen countertop is a traditional choice for many designers. But this is not the only option for using natural stone in the kitchen interior. Marble can be used to decorate the backsplash and island, the floor and even the walls of the room. It is also used to make fantastically beautiful kitchen accessories.
Marble in the kitchen: advantages and disadvantages
Perhaps marble is one of the few materials that, despite its respectability, is included in all areas of design. Even brutal country, romantic Provence and restrained minimalism enthusiastically welcome a respectable guest. What can we say about pompous classics, laconic Scandinavia and modern style.
The pros and cons of marble in the interior are known to many. Among the advantages are durability with proper care, expensive, aesthetic appearance, variability of shades and expressiveness of patterns. The range of natural stone patterns is very rich (from small stains and specks to sweeping stripes), each of them is unique. Therefore, a countertop, island or backsplash made of marble will in any case make your kitchen exclusive and unique.
The main disadvantage of marble countertops is their prohibitively high cost: analogues made of wood and artificial composites will be several times cheaper. Second point: the marble surface absorbs any coloring liquid and acid. Stains from coffee or wine cannot be avoided if the drops are not wiped off in time. Thirdly, valuable material will not tolerate careless use. It is very fragile, needs care, protection with special wax and affection (you cannot put a hot frying pan on it).
How and where to use marble in the kitchen
Attractive marble loves to dominate the space, so laconic shapes and subdued colors are preferred for kitchen furniture. The exception is the classic style: here no one will dispute the design solution with gilded fittings, exquisite patination and rich paneled facades.
Natural wood can be called marble’s best friend. The combination of natural textures creates an environmentally friendly space imbued with natural aesthetics. In second place among the companions is metal, and the most varied - from vintage brass and antique copper to modern chrome and steel.
Typical homes for natural marble in the kitchen are three objects:
• countertop, • monolithic island, • protective apron.
Sometimes marble floor tiles are used in the culinary area. This allows you to give the interior a luxurious, fashionable aesthetic. With modern technologies (such as laser cutting), kitchen accessories can be skillfully made from marble. These are jars for bulk ingredients, mortars for spices, coasters for cutlery, pepper shakers with salt shakers, and cutting boards.
Marble sinks (surface or built-in) are an infrequent guest in the kitchen interior; they are usually found in the bathroom. It's all about practicality: natural stone is a capricious material, fragile, susceptible to negative influences.
Natural stone: colors and combinations
The traditional choice for kitchen interiors is white marble with silver-gray veins or streaks. Together with snow-white furniture and stylish chrome accessories, it allows you to create a light, airy, but at the same time elegant space. A large pattern on marble adds grandeur and scope to the room, while a small one looks more contrasting, colorful and neat.
A little less often, black and brown marble with the finest milky veining is chosen for the kitchen. Pink, beige, “malachite” or emerald green stone can also elevate a culinary corner if properly decorated. Blue-blue material is very rare, but it looks precious in the interior, like a scattering of expensive sapphires.
The combination of two types of marble (for example, black and white) is an unusual but effective design move. In this way, areas for cutting food, preparing food and serving it are demarcated, or a bar area is allocated.
Lonely island for a luxury kitchen
A laconic marble island is relevant in the interior of a kitchen combined with a living room, as well as in a studio apartment. It elegantly outlines, divides the room into zones, and from any angle looks like a significant, bright dominant.
An important point - it is advisable to decorate a free-standing island in the kitchen with marble on three or even four sides (meaning supporting walls). This way it will acquire a monolithic, complete, holistic appearance. However, leaving space in it for cabinets designed in the general style of the set is also not prohibited.
To highlight the unique texture of marble, you should choose the right lighting system. Give preference to directional light - modern lampshades hanging on long cords directly above the tabletop.
Photo source: pinterest.com
Install a marble sink
A marble sink looks luxurious in both the bathroom and kitchen. Its form is usually laconic, and the emphasis is on the material, its texture, color, and pattern. Such a sink is not hidden in the countertop, but installed on it, thereby emphasizing the nobility of natural stone. And it is right.
Photo: uniquestone.ca
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Install a marble bath
Marble bath. No, not a cast iron or metal bathtub trimmed with marble tiles, but a completely stone bathtub. This is real, because marble is a very plastic material. Such a bathtub is a decoration in itself, and no other decor in the room is required.
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Stone in the interior: types and features
For decoration, you can use both natural and artificial materials, which are absolutely not inferior in external qualities. Let's tell you more about the most popular stone options for design.
Artificial
Due to its low weight, such a stone is easier to fix on the surface than a real one. It also has a rich color palette, so you can easily choose the right shade for your design. Artificial stone and wood in the interior look very natural and luxurious, fit into different styles and complement interior compositions.
Plaster
This stone is made from a durable, safe mineral. It looks great as a decoration for any room. The gypsum material is easy to work with: no additional sanding or tedious cleaning is required. After manipulating such a stone, there will be almost no dust left in the room.
Acrylic
This is a material made from acrylic resin, mineral particles and special dyes. Thanks to its non-porous structure, it has high strength and durability. Suitable for making stairs, furniture and finishing elements for bathrooms.
Quartz
Quartz stone is suitable for finishing and production of interior items. It is often used to make steps for stairs, window sills, countertops, bar counters, and floor coverings. The material needs careful processing, but it looks excellent as decor.
Natural
This is an expensive, refined material, an invariable attribute of luxurious interiors. For finishing walls and floors, the following are most often used: onyx, marble, decorative slate, agate. You can make a kitchen apron, bar counter or island, or cut for a fireplace portal from natural stone.
Introduce marble furniture into the interior
Marble furniture is a rare occurrence. Most of these are dining tables and coffee tables. There are marble bedside tables, consoles, shelves and benches.
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Decorate the walls with marble panels
Another type of wall decoration is marble panels. They occupy part of the wall and, as a rule, are combined with other finishing materials: wood, glass, metal. Often used in living rooms on the wall in front of the sofa as a base for a TV and in the bedroom behind the head of the bed.
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Marble floor care
In order for marble floors to retain their original appearance, it is necessary to ensure proper and regular maintenance. The easiest way is to clean the surface with water. If desired, you can add a non-aggressive detergent or a special product for caring for marble products to the water. To clean marble surfaces, use a soft cloth.
Soak a cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe the surface thoroughly. If there is an excess of soap solution, unsightly stains may appear on the surface of the marble tiles. If the surface of the tile is too dirty, this procedure should be repeated several times. After this, wipe the floor dry.
To clean marble floors, you cannot use powders, creams and pastes that contain abrasive components. You should also not use chemical household products that contain acids.
Polishing the marble surface is necessary to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on it. To do this, you need to use special protective coatings. They should be applied after thoroughly cleaning the floor.
Decorate rooms with marble columns
Marble columns are by no means a relic of the past and are intended not only for palaces and estates. They are also appropriate in an apartment. Here their presence determines, of course, the interior style. Marble columns are beautiful not only in interiors of classical and Gothic styles, but also in interiors of neoclassical, empire, rococo, and baroque styles.
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Order a marble portal for the fireplace
The marble portal for the fireplace is a classic. Not only design, but also the history of fireplaces. Nowadays, a fireplace portal made of marble is used both in traditional interiors and modern ones, for example, in interiors of high-tech, modern, minimalism, eclectic, and fusion styles. The portal has different sizes and shapes. You can often see a combination of a marble portal and a decorative panel made of the same material.
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Effective and practical
Marble in the kitchen interior? Why not? Gone are the days when only palaces and metro stations were marble. Now this material is successfully used in home interiors. And this is not only impressive, but also very practical. After all, marble:
- durable - if used by a careful housewife, it will serve both children and grandchildren;
- easily tolerates exposure to high and low temperatures, as well as moisture;
- hygienic;
- environmentally friendly - being a porous material, it allows air to pass through well, which means it will not negatively affect the microclimate.
- with wood of different textures and shades;
- with various metals (copper, nickel, steel, etc.);
- with glass;
- with almost all fabrics.
Just let’s agree: we don’t need the “if it’s marble, then it’s a countertop” template. Because it is not very suitable for a tabletop precisely because of its natural qualities. Contrary to the popular myth about marble's hardness, this material is quite soft. Such a tabletop will quickly lose its beauty if it is constantly cut, pounded, or rolled out. In addition, another feature is its tendency to stain. This means that a gorgeous, shiny countertop will quickly become sloppy.
Hang a marble clock on the wall
Marble clocks have hands and no dial. They tick, count down the minutes, but their reflection of time is conditional. They are hung on the wall not to check the accuracy of events second by second, but for aesthetic enjoyment of the texture and pattern of the stone. Marble clocks create a sense of timelessness.
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Frame the mirror with marble
Due to the heaviness of the material, mirror frames are rarely made of marble. But they do, and it noticeably decorates the interior of a bathroom or hallway. Basically, this is where mirrors with marble frames are placed.
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Decorate your rooms with marble decor
Marble is widely used for various decorations: table lamps, candlesticks, figurines, paperweights, ashtrays. There are no stylistic restrictions for this material, and products made from it decorate any interior, making it elegant and complete.
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Photo: mawsonphoto.com
Choice of colors
Natural and artificial marble has a huge number of colors and shades. The most popular are:
- White. It is classic for this material. Widely used for both large and small rooms. It is characterized by inclusions of gray, brown and pink shades.
Photo of a marble bathroom in white Photo of a marble bathroom in white
Photo of a marble bathroom in white
- Grey. This type of marble has more pronounced veining of cool, dark colors, and sometimes even black. Combines well with other materials.
Photo of a marble bathroom in gray color
Photo of a marble bathroom in gray color
Photo of a marble bathroom in gray color
- Black. Great for zoning a bathroom or adding bright accents. Can also be used independently, with additional lighting.
Photo of a bathroom in black
Photo of a bathroom in black
Photo of a bathroom in black
- Multicolor. Most often, the colored material is artificial. It has a huge number of colors and shades to suit every taste. Used mainly for decoration.
Finishing a bathroom with colored marble Finishing a bathroom with colored marble Finishing a bathroom with colored marble
